QB Ryder Lyons, the No. 5 ranked QB in the Class of 2026, has committed to UNC Tar Heels football and Explained His Decision.
The North Carolina Tar Heels football program just landed a massive commitment that sent shockwaves through the college football world. Ryder Lyons, the No. 5 ranked quarterback in the Class of 2026, officially announced his commitment to UNC. The highly touted signal-caller from Folsom High School in California had offers from some of the biggest programs in the country, including Oregon, USC, and BYU. But in the end, it was the Tar Heels that won his heart.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, Lyons is known for his incredible dual-threat ability. He has the arm to make every throw on the field and the legs to escape pressure and pick up big chunks of yardage. Over the past two seasons, he’s dominated high school defenses, throwing for thousands of yards and dozens of touchdowns, while also rushing for significant yardage. His blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ has made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the country.
When asked about his decision, Lyons didn’t shy away from the reasons that pulled him to Chapel Hill. “North Carolina was the first school that really believed in me,” he said. “They offered me early, stayed consistent in their communication, and made me feel like I was their top guy from the start.”
He also pointed to the coaching staff as a major factor in his commitment. With former NFL coach Bill Belichick now part of the UNC program and offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, a former NFL head coach himself, Lyons saw a unique opportunity to grow under the guidance of coaches who know exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
“Coach Belichick is a legend,” Lyons said. “The chance to be coached by someone with his knowledge of the game is something I couldn’t pass up. And Coach Kitchens knows how to develop quarterbacks. It just felt like the perfect situation for me to grow and reach my potential.”
While NIL deals and financial offers have dominated recruiting conversations recently, Lyons made it clear that money wasn’t the deciding factor for him. “Sure, there’s a lot of money flying around in recruiting these days,” he admitted. “But for me, it’s about getting to the NFL. That’s been my dream since I was a kid. I believe UNC gives me the best chance to get there.”
Another unique part of Lyons’ story is that he plans to take a two-year mission trip after high school, in line with his faith as a member of the LDS Church. He noted that UNC was fully supportive of his decision and worked with him to map out a plan for his future.
“They didn’t just recruit me as a player,” Lyons said. “They respected me as a person and understood everything I have going on. That meant a lot to me and my family.”
Ultimately, Ryder Lyons’ commitment to the Tar Heels is about more than football—it’s about trust, loyalty, and a long-term vision. UNC fans have every reason to be excited, as they’re getting a quarterback who’s not only talented but also mature, driven, and ready to lead the program to new heights.
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