Five-star 2026 quarterback recruit Ryder Lyons, out of Folsom, California, had earlier narrowed his top college choices down to the USC Trojans, Oregon Ducks, BYU Cougars, Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Ole Miss Rebels, but it appears that Oregon might be leading the race for the signal-caller.
According to On3, Lyons is the No. 10 overall recruit and No. 4 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class. He’s also regarded as the best player from California. But he might be headed out of state.
2026 QB Ryder Lyons leaning towards Oregon as Programs Battle For His Arm
2026 five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons has scheduled visits to his top programs, with reports naming Oregon as his favorite and BYU as a close second.
According to On3’s Steve Wiltfong, Lyons has always been Oregon’s top target in the 2026 class, and the relationship with Will Stein, the Ducks’ offense, and production from the quarterback position is fascinating. His comfort level with Dan Lanning, Stein, and the program has also put the Big Ten champs in a prime position.
FONG BOMB: On3’s @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for Oregon to land 5-star QB Ryder Lyons🦆
Read: https://t.co/PAMCW6A0MO pic.twitter.com/ZklHzfYTyR
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 5, 2025
Lyons is scheduled to return to Eugene the weekend of June 13. At a point, USC was considered the favorite for his signature, and he’ll also visit the Trojans on June 6 for an official visit, but as of now, it seems like Lyons might be repping the “green and yellow.”
The quarterback has also shown interest in BYU as one of his options due to his Mormon faith and family ties. He’s visited the campus a couple of times, and he’ll visit them again the weekend of June 20.
According to Sports Illustrated, he’s noted that while he graduated this spring, he will take his Mormon mission trip for a year before playing college ball.
It is not a done deal yet, but it seems Oregon is leading the race for the talented QB. If Oregon secured Lyons’ commitment, they likely wouldn’t sign a quarterback in the 2026 class.
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“Ryder Lyons is arguably the top scramble artist in the cycle. The Folsom High standout is at his best when working off-script,” On3’s Chris Power wrote.
“Lyons’ play style resembles backyard football. He’s a reactive playmaker with the quickness to make pass rushers whiff in space. Lyons keeps his eyes downfield and makes high-level improvisational plays with his arm and legs”, he continued.
Last season for Folsom, Lyons threw for 2,874 yards and 44 touchdowns while also rushing for 556 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also won the 2024 Gatorade California Football Player of the Year award.
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