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USC Dealt Concerning News on Five-Star QB

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated May 5, 2025 6:46 PM ET

Although it may not be talked about enough across the college football world at the moment, a sleeping giant is awakening in Los Angeles.

Following the hiring of Chad Bowden as the program's general manager, USC has seen an instant return on its investment. The Trojans have put together the No. 1 2026 recruiting class in the country, landing eight top-100 players, with two of them ranking within the top 10.

While the 27-man class already has the makings of a great one that can change the trajectory for years to come, there is one recruit out there that could truly take it to a whole other level in five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons. The Trojans have been in and out of the top spot in his recruitment throughout the past year, but a recent decision across the country may have impacted their chances.

As revealed by On3's recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong, the Oregon Ducks are now the favorite to land the Folsom prospect.

This development came shortly after the class's No. 1 quarterback, Jared Curtis, picked the Georgia Bulldogs over the Ducks. While Lyons, who is the younger brother of USC tight end Walker Lyons, won't make his college football debut until 2027 due to an LDS mission trip in 2026, it appears Curtis' decision may have played a factor.

USC already has a quarterback commit in Jonas Williams in the class, and a 2025 five-star Husan Longstreet on campus, but missing out on Lyons would certainly sting.

The younger Lyons brother ranks as the No. 10 player in the country, No. 4 quarterback and No. 1 player in California.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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