Ryder Lyons has quickly emerged as the Michigan Wolverines’ top quarterback target for the 2026 recruiting cycle. The talented signal-caller from California, ranked as the No. 16 overall prospect in his class, is drawing significant attention from several prominent programs. While schools closer to home—such as Oregon, BYU, and USC—are actively pursuing him, Michigan has made a strong push, largely due to the efforts of their new offensive coordinator, Chip Lindsey.
In a recent conversation with On3’s EJ Holland, Lyons shed light on Michigan’s aggressive approach in recruiting him. According to Lyons, Lindsey wasted no time establishing a relationship and making his intentions clear.
“Coach Sherrone Moore and coach (Chip) Lindsey have really been trying to build a relationship with me,” Lyons said. “As soon as coach Lindsey got the job, he made it clear that I’m their No. 1 guy. Their message is that I’m a top guy and they want me bad. They believe in me.”
Lindsey’s direct communication and assurance that Lyons is their priority have clearly made an impression. Michigan’s coaching staff is committed to making Lyons feel valued and wanted, a strategy that could pay off as the quarterback’s recruitment heats up.
Lyons is scheduled to visit Michigan for the first time as a recruit on April 12. If that visit goes well, there is a strong possibility he will return for an official visit during the summer. For now, Lyons already has official visits lined up with Oregon, USC, and BYU, but Michigan remains firmly in the mix.
One factor that makes Lyons an intriguing long-term option for Michigan is his potential to step in after Bryce Underwood, the Wolverines’ current five-star quarterback, declares for the NFL Draft—assuming he does so following his junior season. Due to his planned one-year mission trip for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lyons is effectively viewed as a 2027 recruit. This timeline would allow him to spend a year learning behind Underwood before taking over as Michigan’s starting quarterback.
Lyons appears enthusiastic about the idea of developing under a top-tier quarterback and embracing the competition.
“I could learn under him during his third year and then come in,” Lyons explained. “You want to come in with the best and compete against the best. Why not? He’s obviously very talented, but I’d be okay with whatever that means. I’ll compete with anyone.”
Michigan’s proactive approach and Lindsey’s clear message have positioned the Wolverines as serious contenders for Lyons’ commitment. With his upcoming visit on the horizon, Michigan has a valuable opportunity to further strengthen their relationship and potentially secure one of the nation’s most promising young quarterbacks.
