Ryder Lyons is the biggest quarterback recruit in the history of BYU football. A five-star LDS gunslinger out of the Golden State narrowed down his search between the Cougars and the USC Trojans -- not dissimilar to the recruiting battle for Davis High School alum Jaxson Dart -- before eventually opting to suit up for Kalani Sitake's side upon returning from his missionary service.
Ryder's older brother, Walker, followed to Provo from USC, and we all thought the book was closed on that entire story.
But with Brody Rudnicki, another QB of the LDS faith slinging the pigskin at Folsom High School in California, keeping BYU football on his recruiting shortlist, it's time to unlock the draft and at least add a footnote to Ryder Lyons' commitment.
Rudnicki, a 3-star quarterback who just completed his junior season, has narrowed his top three schools down to Cal-Berkeley, Utah, and BYU.
Beyond blessed to be in this position!! Grateful for everyone who has helped me get to this point! pic.twitter.com/ZIpPFvYMg0
— Brody Rudnicki (@BrodyRudnicki) May 24, 2026
Rudnicki stands at 6'1", 205 lbs and tossed over 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns in his junior year. Add to that the bonus of. avery strong 78% completion rate and a state championship in California, and Rudnicki already has a winning track record before his final year of high school.
Full Junior season highlights
— Brody Rudnicki (@BrodyRudnicki) December 23, 2025
QB Folsom High School
6’1 205 lbs
1,000+ total yds
17 total TD
78% completion
D1 State champions @Passing_Academy @GregBiggins
Film ⬇️⬇️https://t.co/STorZ1zmuK pic.twitter.com/xKA9DF3zi6
The 60th-rated quarterback in the 2027 class and a three-star athlete, per 247 Sports composite rankings, Brody has been raking in Big 12 scholarship offers like Halloween candy, with programs like Iowa State, Arizona State, Oklahoma State, and more hoping to draw him in before he narrowed down his final three.
BYU's quarterback room is already stuffed with more talent than they know what to do with. Bear Bachmeier is well ahead of schedule, gracefully and confidently leading the team to a 12-win season as a freshman, and will retain that starting role in his sophomore season. During Bachmeier's junior campaign, Lyons will officially join the team, adding the depth of a 5-star recruit to the QB room -- not too bad -- and with prospects like Rudnicki firmly considering the Cougars, BYU might have the deepest quarterback room in the Big 12 in a few seasons.
BYU is gradually working back into their "QBU" identity of yesteryear with quarterbacks Zach Wilson, Jaren Hall, and Kedon Slovis all finding NFL roles after a stint in Provo. Adding another three-star talent like Rudnicki would bring the program one step closer to that legendary designation.
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