It's been a good time for BYU Football. An eleven-win season, blowing out the Heisman Trophy Winner, and being tied for first in the Big 12. That could get even better in 2026. BYU has a chance to sign the number one quarterback recruit Ryder Lyons.
Ryder is a five-star quarterback from California who accounted for 61 all-purpose touchdowns in his sophomore year and is a dangerous dual-threat quarterback. He was a big part of their championship season and has a strong arm.
What does he offer to BYU?
BYU in 2024 had an issue with turnovers. Interceptions were a struggle, especially in critical moments. The interception against Arizona State is a prime example. BYU will need someone to play smart football after Retzlaff graduates. It's been a while since BYU had a dual-threat quarterback of Ryder's caliber and it will be a good boost for the Cougars.
Why will he sign with BYU?
There are three big reasons that Ryder Lyons should sign with BYU. It starts at the top with head coach Kalani Sitake and his excellent leadership. BYU has also seen an uptick in recruiting, which could lead to some big weapons for Ryder. You can't forget BYU's history of producing NFL-level talent such as Steve Young and Taysom Hill.
Kalani's Leadership
Kalani Sitake had a lot to work on when Bronco Mendenhall left to coach elsewhere. BYU was a mid-table team, earning bowl games but not making big waves nationally. The Cougars were not often ranked and were independent. Since Kalani took over, the Cougars have had two 9-0 starts, won multiple bowl games, and were even considered a contender for the College Football Playoff last year.
BYU has vastly improved as a program and is a member of the Big 12 Conference. BYU finished the 2024 season with an 11-2 record, surpassing their expectation to only win 4.5 games. Kalani led the team against the odds and showed great spirit in getting the guys. Ryder has a strong pedigree and if he comes to BYU, he could continue to develop on the field and become a great quarterback.
BYU's Excellent Recruiting
BYU has a lot of things going their way. With the increase in NIL spending and a focus on a family atmosphere, BYU has become a school that top prospects want to come to. BYU has always been a welcoming community and athletes love that kind of culture.
Additionally, since BYU is in the Big 12, more top athletes consider it a top-competition school. Joining a Power 4 conference has helped BYU gain a reputation as a top competitor. BYU's 11-2 season last year the Cougars are a symbol of success.
BYU's Quarterback Machine
When people think of BYU, they think of names like Robbie Bosco, Jim McMahon, Steve Young, and Robbie Bosco. Others think about Taysom Hill or Ty Detmer. The one common theme here is that BYU is a quarterback's dream. BYU loves to air the ball out and they are quite good at it. First perfected by legendary coach LaVell Edwards, BYU's pass game has revolutionized College Football.
Mix BYU's aggressive pass attack with Ryder's legs and the opponents won't know what is coming next. It opens up the run-pass option well for the Cougars. Ryder can throw and run the ball well and a dual-threat quarterback is going to fit well into Aaron Roderick's scheme.
In conclusion, BYU has a good chance of landing Ryder Lyons. BYU has a good coaching staff, a recruiting boost, and a history of great quarterbacks. BYU is looking like the ideal fit for Ryder, especially since he is a dual-threat quarterback