5-star quarterback commits to BYU; becomes highest-rated Cougar recruit in over 20 years

It has been rumored for months, and 247 Sports has had a 100% crystal ball prediction towards BYU for a few days, but now it's official.

On Tuesday morning, Ryder Lyons, a five-star quarterback out of Folsom, Calif., announced his commitment to BYU, making him the highest rated recruit to commit to the Cougars since 2003.

Lyons is the No. 13 ranked recruit in the class of 2026, and the No. 4 ranked quarterback according to 247 Sports. This commitment vaults him over 2026 tight end Brock Harris, who was the Cougars' highest ranked commitment in over 20 years before Tuesday.

In 2024, Lyons threw for 3,011 yards, 46 passing touchdowns, and only six interceptions. He also ran for 14 touchdowns on his way to being named the California Gatorade player of the year.

Lyons made his decision on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show," where he threw on a retro-style royal blue BYU hat to announce his commitment to Kalani Sitake and the program.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lyons has said that he plans to serve a "year-long" mission, as opposed to the traditional two years that proselytizing male missionaries serve. He plans to leave directly following his senior season at Folsom, likely leaving January 2026. If this is the path Lyons takes, he could be competing for the starting quarterback spot in 2027.

"[Lyons] has one of the highest ceilings among the quarterback group in his class," said Greg Biggins, national recruiting analyst. "Assuming he continues to develop, [Lyons] should be playing on Sundays for a very long time."

BYU was the first school to give an offer to Lyons, when he was only in the eighth grade. Now, he is the face of a historic 2026 BYU recruiting class.