Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss Rebels thrown a curveball with latest projected landing spot for five-star QB prospect
With a pedigree impressive enough to earn a five-star rating and scholarship offers from every top program in America, Ryder Lyons' decision could be a debated one. The Ole Miss Rebels and Lane Kiffin earned Lyons' praise last summer as a "QB-driven" offense that highlights the strengths of its passers, and was theoretically an attractive […]
With a pedigree impressive enough to earn a five-star rating and scholarship offers from every top program in America, Ryder Lyons' decision could be a debated one. The Ole Miss Rebels and Lane Kiffin earned Lyons' praise last summer as a "QB-driven" offense that highlights the strengths of its passers, and was theoretically an attractive feature of the program.
However, despite Kiffin wanting Lyons to be his next Jaxson Dart or Matt Corral, the California prospect is now being projected somewhere other than the SEC or Big Ten. In fact, most will be shocked to see a crystal ball prediction to BYU.
The 6-foot-2, 205-poounder enters his senior season with ridiculously impressive production. With 84 passing touchdowns to only 14 interceptions over three seasons, he fits Kiffin's bill as a good decision-maker.
Lyons previously showed a lot of love for Oxford on his visits, but the cultural differences between Ole Miss and BYU are stark. It's hard to get a good feel for exactly how he'd pick between such different situations.
“It was honestly really, really good. Never been there and first impressions, I really like it,” Lyons said. “Just looking around and driving through town and on campus, it seems like a good place for me.”
Oregon has continued to be a strong presence throughout his recruitment, too, and there's a thought this battle is down to BYU and Oregon from my sources. Ole Miss might be out despite this praise from Lyons about the offense and his fit.
“They do a lot of tempo, we do a lot of tempo. Our offense is very advanced and we have the best OC in the country. Our coaches go everywhere to learn and bring stuff back. I see a lot of similarities,” Lyons said. “There a lot of nuances and scheme things I already understood during the workout in the stadium.
“I still have a lot to learn and I will work hard but I can see myself fitting right in and being one step ahead of everyone because of my high school’s offense,” Lyons said. “I like the style. It’s quarterback-driven.”
It'll be a difficult miss to process if Lyons ends up going elsewhere. While there's not much Ole Miss can do to overcome a specific desire to go to BYU or any missionary-friendly situation, the on-field talent is worth bending for.
Here's a review on Lyons' Elite 11 review from 247Sports.
"Lyons is on the short list when talking about the top overall signal caller in the ’26 class. He's coming off a huge sophomore season where he showed off his rare ability as a thrower and runner and accounted for 61 all-purpose touchdowns.
"At the SoCal Elite 11 Camp (3/17/24), he showed off one of the quickest releases in the camp, the ability to make throws from in and out of the pocket and was accurate to all three levels of the field. His 36" vertical jump was 2nd highest in the camp and he combines rare physical tools with an advanced feel for the position as well."
