Will BYU’s Hot Streak Against Oregon Continue in Quest for Ryder Lyons?
As the recruiting race for 5-star quarterback Ryder Lyons heats up, one school has quietly built momentum — and history — in its favor: BYU. The Cougars have been on a roll recently when it comes to head-to-head battles with Oregon, and fans are wondering: Can BYU keep the streak alive and land their biggest quarterback commitment in years?
Lyons, a 6’4” dual-threat phenom out of Southern California, is one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the 2026 class. With elite arm strength, mobility, and leadership qualities, he’s drawn comparisons to Caleb Williams and Jaren Hall. His recruitment has narrowed down to a tight race between BYU, Oregon, and USC, with BYU and Oregon emerging as the most active suitors over the past month.
Interestingly, BYU has pulled off several recruiting upsets against Oregon in recent years, especially for skill position players. Their strong family atmosphere, spiritual focus, and a quarterback-friendly system under head coach Kalani Sitake have appealed to top-tier recruits looking for more than just a football factory.
The Cougars’ recent success in developing quarterbacks has not gone unnoticed either. Zach Wilson’s rise to the NFL spotlight, coupled with the consistency of BYU’s offensive scheme, has made Provo a desirable destination for quarterbacks who want early playing time and high-level coaching.
But Oregon won’t back down easily. With flashier facilities, deep NIL backing, and a proven record of playoff contention, the Ducks are pushing hard to flip the narrative.
Lyons is expected to visit both campuses again in July before making a late-summer decision.
If BYU can continue its head-to-head dominance over Oregon, this time for a potential program-defining quarterback, it could reshape the future of Cougar football for years to come.
