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Why BYU is a Serious Contender for Coveted 5-Star Quarterback

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated May 22, 2025 9:25 PM ET

Five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons nears the finish line in his recruitment and BYU is one of the finalists.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder from Folsom, California is noted as the No. 13 player and No. 4 QB in the 2026 class. While USC is rumored as the favorite, BYU looks to make a last-minute push for the outstanding passer.

“I think there are three schools that all think they have got him," 247Sports' Jeff Hansen told the “Y’s Guys” podcast this week. "If I am Ryder Lyons, that is exactly where you want to be. Oregon, USC and BYU all feel like they are No. 1. I think BYU is in it as much as anybody.”

The 2024 California Gatorade Player of the Year led his team to an 11-2 record as a junior, which ended with a Division I-AA Northern California championship game appearance. Lyons missed some time due to injury, but threw for 3,011 yards with 46 TD and 6 INT. He also carried the ball 118 times for 585 yards and 14 TD.

Lyons would give BYU a solid option at QB after Jake Retzlaff leaves Provo. There are a few similarities between the two signal callers.

“They aren’t too different. I think Lyons has an extremely high upside, but the way they see the game, the way they evade pressure and use their legs to extend plays, there are a lot of similarities there,” Hansen added. “I think Ryder has seen Jake and thought, ‘OK, plug me into that system and I can be really, really good.’ I think that has played a role.”

As it stands now, BYU is ranked 30th in the nation for next year's class with a pair of four-stars in tight end Brock Harris and offensive lineman Bott Mulitalo headlining the class.

Lyons would make history as the Cougars haven't had a five-star recruit in the modern era. He's the top uncommitted quarterback and plans to make his announcement next month after a final round of official visits.

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

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