Ironclad locks don’t exist in recruiting, and USC, Ole Miss, and Oregon just got a rude reminder. Five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons looked dialed in with all three. But Lyons then flipped the script, making it clear he’s chasing the best possible fit, which gives him development and a strong system. Now, with his latest commitment update, it sounds like he might finally reach a definite decision. Those early favorites? They are surely leading the race, but other big programs are rooting high for him now.But what’s the big update?
Ryder Lyons, the prized quarterback hailing from Folsom High, California, is gearing up for an eventful month filled with visits. Standing at 6-foot-2 1/2 and weighing 215 pounds, he is No. 6 overall prospect and No. 1 in California for the class of 2026. His recruitment is gaining momentum as he embarks on a busy schedule, with June being a crucial period.
Ryder Lyons visited Oxford with his mom for the first time, and now Ole Miss is looking likely to secure an official visit from him this summer. The Rebels are working hard to compete with other top contenders such as USC on June 6, Oregon on June 13, and BYU on June 20, all vying to host the No. 3 player in the Rivals250 rankings. Prior to these official visits, Lyons will be making unofficial stops at Michigan and Ohio State this weekend. He told Rivals he’s moving “very close” to making his decision – meaning, these visits might finally give out his definite destination.
For now, the Ducks are among the favorites for Lyons, who intends to take an LDS mission and become part of the 2027 recruiting cycle. Praising the program, he said, “Coach Stein, coach Lanning, how they’re doing as a program, they’re just building and building. Me and coach Stein have a great relationship, probably the best out of any other coaches. They’ve been recruiting me the hardest probably, the whole time.” But with Jared Curtis in the mix, things can change real fast for the Ducks.
The chessboard has become intense as per Rivals’ Adam Gorney, where five-star QB Jared Curtis is a key factor in Ryder Lyons’ decision. Curtis is torn between Oregon and Georgia following recent visits. If he chooses the Ducks, it might influence Lyons to lean toward Michigan or BYU. On the other hand, if Curtis switches back to Georgia, Oregon could become the top choice for Lyons. However, if Lyons senses Curtis favoring Oregon and steps back, Michigan might take the lead.
And on top of that, Gorney’s prediction suggests that Michigan is making significant progress and could be leading the race. Lyons exudes confidence and style, while BYU remains an unpredictable factor, especially with the Mormon mission aspect. Nonetheless, the route to Ann Arbor seems logical. He could finish his senior season, embark on a one-year mission, and then join Michigan, where he could learn behind Bryce Underwood for a year before taking the lead. While it may not unfold as smoothly as planned (as seen with Arch Manning), the current scenario favors Michigan as the front-runner.
Now, with Ryder Lyons’ recent NIL revelation, Michigan’s stance might get strong backing.
Ryder Lyons strong inclination towards NIL
In the evolving landscape of college football, Ryder Lyons stands out for his clear vision. While powerhouses like Oregon and USC emphasize their strengths, BYU emerges as a potential destination for quarterbacks. However, in today’s game, it’s not just about strategies and reputation. The conversation now includes NIL, and Ryder Lyons is ready to embrace it.
Speaking during the OT7 tournament with On3’s Ari Wasserman, Lyons openly discussed a topic that many recruits are hesitant to talk about publicly. He pointed out, “The thing is, 99% of the world, if you got offered $150,000 more to take this job, most people are taking it.” Lyons, showing his true lion-hearted nature, emphasized that the dollars involved in NIL deals represent more than just numbers on a check – they signify trust and belief.
Lyons went on to explain the significance of NIL’s impact: “The whole thing for me about the NIL space is how much they believe in you, you know? If they’re going to invest all this money into you, then…” Wasserman chimed in—“That’s also a sign of trust.” Lyons continued, “Yeah, trust, I believe in you like you’re our guy. That’s the biggest part to me.” He concluded by emphasizing that trust is the key element in these deals, especially in a sport where coaching changes can drastically alter a player’s path.
Well, Ryder Lyons acknowledges that dealing with criticism is part of the territory, but he has learned to ignore it. “I think people don’t want to talk about it because, yeah, you get bashed online, you get bashed on social media,” he explained. “They assume it affects your focus, I suppose.” However, the quarterback perceives something that eludes many: NIL is not a hindrance; it is an opportunity. So it looks like if a team’s ready to invest in him, they can get him.
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