2026 Prospect Pulse: Ryder Lyons
Let’s shift gears in this 2026 recruiting deep dive and zoom in on Ryder Lyons, the four star quarterback from Folsom High School in Folsom, California, who’s pledged to BYU and has Cougar fans cautiously optimistic. Pegged as a “versatile dual-threat” with a live arm and decent wheels, Lyons slots in as the No. 7 QB for me. I’ve dissected his 2024 junior season Hudl tape, cross checked with On3, 247Sports, and ESPN scouting reports, and studied his recruiting path to BYU. This is my take on his film, how I pegged his recruiting rank, and why he’s a fantasy prospect worth monitoring. Let’s cut through the noise and get to the details.
Film Breakdown: What Stands Out
I’ve poured over Lyons’ 2024 Hudl tape from Folsom High, where he guided the Bulldogs to an 11-2 record and a Sac Joaquin Section Division I title, earning California Gatorade Player of the Year honors. I’ve cross-referenced my notes with On3, 247Sports, and ESPN scouting reports. Here’s what catches my eye across key metrics:
1. Mechanics and Accuracy
Lyons shows a capable arm, zipping passes into tight windows on short to mid routes, but his deep ball is a work in progress. His 2024 numbers (3,011 passing yards, 46 TDs, 6 INTs,plus 585 rushing yards, 14 TDs) are strong, improving from his sophomore year (3,578 yards, 38 TDs, 8 INTs, 67.9% completion). His tape reveals a quick release, but deep throws often drift. He’s got a Matt Barkley vibe with a touch more mobility.
2. Decision-Making and Poise
Lyons’ decision making is a mixed bag. He trimmed his INTs from 8 (2023) to 6 (2024) against tough California defenses but he can fixate on first reads. He’s composed when pressured, using his legs to escape.
3. Physical Attributes
At 6’2.5, 215 lbs, Lyons has a decent frame with space to add 10 lbs for Big 12 hits. His arm can push 40-50 yard throws, and his mobility (585 rushing yards, 14 TDs) adds dual threat value. His Navy All-American Bowl nod reflect his potential, but he’s not a speed demon. He’s a taller Matt Barkley, built for Aaron Roderick’s spread RPO system, needing mechanical polish.
4. Landing Spot
Lyons’ commitment to BYU over Oregon, USC, Alabama, Ohio State, and 30+ offers is a big get for the Cougars. BYU’s early offer in eighth grade and family ties (father Tim played DB, sisters graduated) anchored his choice, with Lyons citing “BYU’s vision”. His one-year LDS mission in 2026 is a major downside, delaying enrollment to 2027 and likely pushing his starting role to 2028. BYU’s Big 12 platform and NIL growth make it a solid C2C fit.
Player Comp: Matt Barkley (USC, 2009)
Lyons reminds me of Matt Barkley, a four-star QB from Mater Dei (CA) in the 2009 class. Like Barkley, Lyons leans pro-style with a strong arm and enough mobility to escape trouble, though he’s not a true runner. Both post solid completion rates and thrive in rhythm, but Lyons’ rawer deep accuracy and read progression lag behind Barkley’s high school polish. Barkley’s 12,327-yard, 116-TD USC career sets Lyons’ ceiling, but he’ll need to sharpen his deep ball and reads to get there.
How I Evaluated His Recruiting Ranking
In 2024, he secured a four-star rating with 3,011 passing yards, 46 TDs, 6 INTs, 585 rushing yards, and 14 TDs, leading Folsom to an 11-2 record and a Division I title. His commitment to BYU over Oregon and USC is a win, but his 2026 mission delay is a significant recruiting downside due to lost development time (raw deep accuracy, and unpolished reads keep him at my No. 7 QB, behind prospects like Bowe Bentley.
• College Production Potential (0.87/1.0): Lyons’ 3,011 passing yards, 46 TDs, and 585 rushing yards in 2024 are CFF ready, but his mission delay and deep ball inconsistency limit projections to 3,500-3,900 total yards and 30-34 TDs as a starter in 2028-29.
• NFL Upside (0.83/1.0): Lyons 6’2.5, 215 lb frame and Barkley like tools offer Day 2 NFL upside, but his raw deep touch and mission gap cap his draft potential. BYU’s QB pipeline helps slightly.
• Landing Spot (0.85/1.0): BYU’s Big 12 offense under Roderick suits Lyons, but his 2027-28 debut faces competition, The mission delay hurts his immediate impact. BYU’s NFL track record keeps it barely viable.
• Athleticism (0.90/1.0): Lyons 585 rushing yards boost CFF value and Navy All-American flair showing arm and mobility. His lack of elite speed dings his score.
• Intangibles (0.91/1.0): Lyons’ Gatorade Player of the Year award, 4.0 GPA, and BYU loyalty show leadership. His late night decision adds minor caution.
Weighted C2C Score: 0.885
Drop your thoughts in the comments: Are you buying Lyons’ dual threat hype? Betting on BYU’s family pull or USC’s NFL pipeline? Worried about his mission delay or QB competition? Want more comps or a deeper dive into his fit? I’m here to keep your C2C rosters stacked, so hit me with what’s up. If you’re digging these 2026 breakdowns, smash that subscribe button for more film grinds and recruiting gems. Who’s next on your 2026 radar?
Let’s keep building those championship rosters!