Oregon Ducks still in play for 5-star QB Ryder Lyons after mission

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When Ryder Lyons verbally committed to the BYU Cougars on June 24 over the Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans, there remained the possibility of him flipping prior to signing day. But after signing with the Cougars in early December, the Ducks‘ hopes of landing the 2026 five-star quarterback appeared to be dashed.

But Lyons appeared to keep the door open ever so slightly to the possibility of playing elsewhere outside of BYU while speaking with Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong.

The main component of that is driven by his impending year-long LDS mission trip, where he’ll be expected to be able to compete by the 2027 season. Though still committed to BYU, a lot of things can change during that time, Lyons told Wiltfong.

“I’m definitely committed, so I’m pretty locked in with my school,” he said. “Obviously things can change…my head coach almost left, so stuff can change, you always have to be ready for that.”

There was heavy reporting throughout December that Kalani Sitake, BYU’s head coach since 2016, was the prime candidate in the Penn State Nittany Lions‘ head coaching search, potentially impacting Lyons’ decision. In the end, the Cougars’ decision makers extended Sitake’s contract, presumably locking him in for many more years.

But as is the nature of college football, change is constant. BYU won 12 games this season, one of the things that attracted Lyons to the program, but one down year could put pressure on a head coach, potentially altering the mindset and trust of recruits.

Though Lyons remains committed to the Cougars, he spoke glowingly about Oregon head coach Dan Lanning and why Oregon was in the mix for his commitment.

“Coach Lanning is incredible,” he said. “The culture of the team, the culture of Oregon, I think he has a very good track record of bringing in new OCs, new assistant coaches that are gonna have the same mindset as him, even if it’s a different offense, he’s been very clear to me that they’re gonna run the style of offense around the QB for whatever he’s successful at.”

The Folsom, CA, native also touched on newly-hired Michigan Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham, whom he had a relationship with after Whittingham recruited him during his time with the Utah Utes. Former Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein, now the head man with the Kentucky Wildcats in the SEC, also was someone that Lyons was high on, calling him one of the best coaches in the country.

Lyons is committed to BYU, something that shouldn’t be understated. But as he said, a lot can happen in a year. With a chance to close the door on him returning from his mission and absolutely, 100% heading to Provo, UT, to join the Cougars, the five-star passer kept it slightly ajar.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks could circle back on 5-star QB Ryder Lyons after mission

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