What 5-Star Recruit Ryder Lyons Said About NIL After BYU Commitment

Despite recent momentum on the trail, USC ultimately could not hold off BYU, which managed to land Lyons even after the quarterback visited Oregon just one weekend prior. Lyons’ choice is especially notable in today’s name, image and likeness (NIL) era, where elite prospects are frequently influenced by financial offers and brand-building potential.

But according to Lyons himself, NIL was not the deciding factor.

During an appearance Tuesday on The Pat McAfee Show, Lyons acknowledged the complexity that NIL brings to recruiting while emphasizing that long-term goals matter more.

"It's hard,” Lyons said of navigating his recruitment. “You're thrown a lot of money from a lot of different places. I do have someone who handles it for me. I have an agent. I have a whole team. But it definitely makes it just confusing.”

His response provided a rare level of transparency regarding how top-tier recruits currently manage NIL offers and external pressure. However, Lyons pushed back against the idea that short-term deals should take precedence over long-term development.

"Money is not the biggest part,” he added. “The biggest part is making it to the NFL, because that's where the serious money is. That's where the long-term money is."

For USC fans, Lyons’ comments provide some insight into why the Trojans fell short. Coach Lincoln Riley’s offense has proven to be a reliable pipeline to the pros, with Caleb Williams becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But even that reputation wasn’t enough to secure Lyons, whose choice suggests he values personal development and comfort over pedigree or NIL resources.

Lyons also credited his mother as a guiding voice in his decision-making process, encouraging him to prioritize long-term success over short-term financial gains. That mindset aligned well with BYU’s approach, which reportedly emphasized stability and a strong relationship with the coaching staff. Coach Kalani Sitake and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick are now tasked with developing one of the most high-profile quarterbacks to ever commit to the Cougars.

In an era where NIL headlines dominate recruiting, Lyons’ decision and message cut through the noise. It wasn’t about who offered the most, but who gave him the best chance to succeed at the next level.