There aren’t many players who reach five-star status, and the few that do are subject to an incredible spotlight throughout their recruiting process.
It’s an uphill battle for the majority of FBS programs just to get a five-star player on campus for a visit, as the dozen or so programs that dominate recruiting are typically the first to get their foot in the door.
However, it appears that the story for 2026 quarterback Ryder Lyons is a bit different.
According to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos, Lyons is visiting Sacramento State, which is currently an FCS program that is in the process of transitioning to the FBS.
If you’re looking for a laugh, the comments section of this tweet is incredible.
Listed at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Lyons is the No. 4 quarterback and No. 10 overall player in the class of 2026. Sacramento State recently hired Brennan Marion away from UNLV, where he became a hot commodity thanks to his upstart Go-Go offense.
While most visits to a program like this would be easily brushed off, there could be a little bit more to this one. In addition to hiring Marion, Sacramento State has announced plans for a brand new stadium and, according to Nakos, claims to have access to $35 million in NIL funds thanks to local businesses and community leaders near campus.
Lyons is the 2025 Gatorade California Football Player of the Year and amassed over 3,400 yards and 56 all-purpose touchdowns last season.
While he is a 2026 prospect, Lyons is viewed as a member of the 2027 class, as he plans to take an LDS mission after he graduates from high school.
USC is currently considered the favorite to land his commitment, but schools like Oregon, BYU, Arizona are also in the mix.
