Ohio State, Michigan Are Battling for Elite 5-Star 2026 QB: Inside the Race for Ryder Lyons

In the world of college football recruiting, few things command attention like a five-star quarterback being courted by two of the sport’s most iconic rivals. That is precisely the case in the ongoing recruitment of Ryder Lyons, the elite 2026 signal-caller from Folsom, California, who has become the epicenter of a recruiting war between Ohio State and Michigan.

The pursuit of Lyons is about far more than just landing a top-tier quarterback—this is about bragging rights, about reasserting dominance, and about shaping the next decade of college football for two powerhouse programs whose legacies are defined by their ability to win—and win with quarterbacks.

The Prospect: Who Is Ryder Lyons?

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 210 pounds, Ryder Lyons is not only the No. 1-ranked player in the state of California but is also regarded as the No. 3 quarterback nationally and a top-10 overall player in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. Lyons is the kind of blue-chip talent programs build entire recruiting classes—and future championship runs—around.

He brings the full package: a strong arm, excellent pocket presence, the mobility to extend plays, and an advanced football IQ for someone his age. He’s drawn comparisons to recent NFL first-rounders for his poise, decision-making, and ability to read defenses pre-snap.

Lyons’ offer list includes the likes of Alabama, USC, Georgia, Oregon, Texas, LSU, Florida, and Penn State, but right now, all eyes are on two Midwestern titans: the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines.

The Visits: Buckeyes and Wolverines Make Their Pitch

Ryder Lyons recently wrapped up unofficial visits to both Columbus and Ann Arbor, and by all accounts, each trip left a lasting impression.

Ohio State Visit: A Quarterback Factory

Lyons’ stop at Ohio State was headlined by personal meetings with head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, both of whom emphasized the program’s long-standing tradition of developing elite quarterbacks—Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, Dwayne Haskins, and Kyle McCord, to name a few.

The Buckeyes showcased their cutting-edge quarterback room, film sessions with Coach Day, and a player-led facility tour that left Lyons “blown away,” according to sources close to the family.

“They showed me everything,” Lyons said in an interview with 247Sports. “Coach Day and Coach Kelly talked about how they want to continue developing guys for the NFL and make this a QB’s dream destination.”

Beyond the facilities and the coaching pedigree, the Buckeyes offered something else: a national brand that continues to thrive in primetime, bolstered by perennial top-10 finishes, massive TV exposure, and a loaded wide receiver room—a dream setup for any quarterback.

Michigan Visit: Building a Legacy

Just days after his trip to Columbus, Lyons visited Michigan, where he was greeted with equal fanfare. First-year head coach Sherrone Moore and QB coach Kirk Campbell took the lead in laying out Michigan’s plan for the future—and how Lyons would be the centerpiece of it.

With J.J. McCarthy now off to the NFL and a changing of the guard underway in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines pitched Lyons on the opportunity to be the face of a new era—a quarterback who could be the next great leader after the program’s national championship breakthrough.

“They told me I’d have the chance to compete early,” Lyons noted. “The academics, the culture, the players—they all made me feel like this could be home.”

Michigan’s recent success under former coach Jim Harbaugh—including three straight CFP appearances and a 2023 national title—lends credibility to the idea that Lyons could win at the highest level in maize and blue.

Why This Recruitment Matters

The stakes are immense—not just for Ohio State and Michigan, but for college football at large.

1. Symbolism of the Rivalry

Recruiting battles between the Buckeyes and Wolverines are nothing new, but when it comes to the quarterback position—particularly a five-star from out west—the symbolism is heightened.

This isn’t just about a player. It’s about perception. It’s about control. The program that lands Lyons won’t just be adding an elite player; it will be staking a claim to future superiority in the sport’s greatest rivalry.

2. Changing Offensive Identities

With Ryan Day now sharing offensive duties with new OC Chip Kelly, Ohio State is moving toward a more tempo-oriented, NFL-style attack—tailor-made for a QB like Lyons. Meanwhile, Michigan is shedding its power-run-only image in favor of a more pro-style, balanced offense that leans into the strengths of its quarterbacks.

Lyons could be the one who defines this transition for either team.

3. The NIL Factor

Recruiting in 2026 is not the same as it was even five years ago. With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities playing a pivotal role, both schools are also selling the business side of their brands.

Ohio State’s NIL infrastructure is considered among the best in the country, anchored by THE Foundation. Michigan, meanwhile, has leaned into Champions Circle and other donor-backed NIL collectives to stay competitive. Lyons’ camp has made it clear that NIL will be a “factor, but not the deciding one.”

Who Has the Edge?

It’s early, but there are some indicators.

Ohio State’s Case:

• QB Development: Ryan Day has a proven track record of developing NFL-ready quarterbacks.
• Wide Receiver Depth: With five-stars like Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss, and Mylan Graham, Ohio State continues to be WRU—a quarterback’s best friend.
• NFL Pipeline: Recent draftees like Stroud and Fields show the roadmap to Sundays.
• Recruiting Culture: OSU has recruited California well before (e.g., C.J. Stroud, Emeka Egbuka).

Michigan’s Case:

• Immediate Opportunity: Lyons could compete for early playing time, given the uncertainty at QB after McCarthy.
• Proven Winners: The 2023 national title gives the Wolverines more momentum than at any point in the last 20 years.
• Player Culture: Newer, player-first vibes under Sherrone Moore may appeal to younger recruits.
• NIL Growth: Michigan’s NIL efforts are improving rapidly under alumni and donor pressure.

What Scouts Are Saying

“Lyons has all the tools. He’s already college-ready from a mechanics and mindset standpoint,” one West Coast regional scout told Rivals. “Wherever he lands, you’re going to hear his name early and often.”

Another scout added, “He’s one of the cleanest QB evaluations we’ve had in the last five years—he could be a top-5 pick someday.”

What’s Next?

Lyons and his family are reportedly aiming to narrow down his top five schools by the end of summer 2025, with official visits planned in the fall. Both Ohio State and Michigan are strong candidates to receive official visits, but programs like USC, Oregon, and Alabama are still lurking.

“Right now I’m just enjoying the process,” Lyons told On3. “But I’ll make a decision when it feels right. I want to play for a school that develops me as a player and person.”

Expect Lyons to take his time, likely committing sometime after his junior season concludes. Until then, expect both Ohio State and Michigan to treat him like their No. 1 target.

This recruitment is about more than just talent evaluation—it’s about future dominance in college football’s fiercest rivalry. Whether it’s Ohio State or Michigan who wins out, the decision Ryder Lyons makes will be felt for years to come.

For Ohio State, he could be the next Stroud or Fields—poised to elevate the program back to a national title. For Michigan, he could be the foundational piece of the Sherrone Moore era and a repeat championship contender.

Either way, this isn’t just recruiting. It’s war. And the winner may just be the next king of the Big Ten.