In a major recruiting shocker, five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons pledged to BYU on June 24, 2025. Lyons selected the Cougars over Oregon, the only other school he visited officially, despite offers from USC, Ole Miss, Michigan, Ohio State, and more than 26 additional programs. The announcement marked a historic recruiting moment for BYU, elevating the program’s national standing and signaling a breakthrough in attracting elite quarterback talent.
BYU Beats Recruiting Giants As Ryder Lyons Commits Live on McAfee Show
Lyons, a 6-foot-2.5, 220-pound dual-threat quarterback from Folsom, California, made his commitment to BYU public during a live segment on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” on June 24, 2025.
Regarded as the top uncommitted quarterback in the 2026 cycle, Lyons’ decision surprised many, as he picked BYU over national powers like Oregon, USC, Ole Miss, and more than 30 other programs that extended offers, including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State.
Ranked No. 19 overall and No. 5 among quarterbacks in the 247Sports Composite, Lyons also holds the distinction of being the No. 1 recruit in California and the fourth-best quarterback in the class, according to 247Sports’ internal rankings.
Lyons explained during the broadcast that while NIL offers were part of the process, they were not the deciding factor.
“It’s hard for sure. 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. I mean, you’re thrown a lot of money from a lot of different places,” he said.
BREAKING NEWS: “I will be going to Brigham Young University..
GO COUGS” ~ @ryderly0ns #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/RsRhMyVm0Q
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 24, 2025
He emphasized long-term goals over immediate NIL opportunities.
“Money is not the biggest part. I mean, 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,” Lyons said.
The commitment is a major boost for BYU and head coach Kalani Sitake. The Cougars are coming off an 11-2 season and were on the brink of a College Football Playoff berth. Last week, BYU hosted Lyons for an official visit, featuring a luau dinner at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Sitake spoke Monday, without naming recruits, about BYU’s changing recruiting narrative.
“In the past, it was always what we didn’t have and what we couldn’t provide,” Sitake said. “Those aren’t there anymore. We’re not Independent anymore, we’re in the Big 12. We have resources, we have commitment from our administration.”
Lyons was named the 2024 California Gatorade Player of the Year after throwing for 3,011 yards, 46 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while rushing for 585 yards and 14 scores. He led Folsom High to the Northern California championship game.
