Ryder Lyons Responds to BYU’s New Recruit with a Powerful Three-Word Tweet
BYU quarterback Ryder Lyons made a brief but powerful statement in response to the Cougars’ most recent football commitment. Just moments after linebacker Adam Bywater announced he would be joining BYU’s 2026 recruiting class, Lyons reacted on social media with a three-word post: “Rise n shout.” This phrase, drawn from the school’s iconic fight song, perfectly captured the spirit of celebration and excitement sweeping through Cougar Nation.
The commitment from Adam Bywater marks yet another major recruiting win for BYU, adding to their already impressive list of future talent. Bywater, a standout three-star linebacker prospect, became the 21st player to commit to BYU’s 2026 class—a group that has quickly grown into one of the strongest in the Big 12 Conference. His decision to join the Cougars adds not just depth to the team’s linebacker corps, but a layer of meaningful family legacy.
Adam’s older brother, Ben Bywater, played a key leadership role for the Cougars earlier this decade. As a team captain in 2021, Ben was widely respected within head coach Kalani Sitake’s program. He embodied the principles of leadership, dedication, and hard-nosed football, setting a high standard that his younger brother now hopes to follow. That connection to BYU runs deep, and Adam’s commitment reflects both personal and athletic alignment with the school’s culture and mission.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 210 pounds, Adam Bywater is built for the modern linebacker role. He combines size, speed, and football awareness, making him a highly adaptable piece for BYU’s defense. His athleticism has roots in his early high school years, where he initially played safety before growing into the frame of an outside linebacker. That background gives him a strong edge in pass coverage—something many traditional linebackers struggle with—and makes him a particularly valuable recruit in today’s fast-paced, pass-heavy college game.
Last season, Bywater posted eye-catching stats. He registered 80 tackles, six of which were tackles for loss, and managed four pass breakups—showing off both his ability to diagnose plays and disrupt the passing game. According to Greg Biggins, a respected analyst at 247Sports, Bywater is “one of the most versatile linebackers in the region.” Biggins praised not just the physical tools but also the instincts and football intelligence that separate him from the average high school defender.
BYU’s coaching staff has made defense a clear priority in this cycle, and Bywater is the second linebacker to join their 2026 recruiting haul. He’ll team up with four-star linebacker Braxton Lindsey, forming a young tandem with serious potential to anchor BYU’s defense for years to come. Both players bring different strengths, and their complementary styles could make them a dominant duo as they develop within the program.
With each new addition to their class, BYU continues to build significant momentum on the recruiting trail. Head coach Kalani Sitake and his assistants have pieced together a class that is now ranked No. 1 in the Big 12 for the 2026 cycle. That is a noteworthy achievement, especially when considering BYU’s traditional recruiting disadvantages compared to bigger, more established Big 12 programs.
Perhaps most impressive is BYU’s standing in relation to their in-state rival, the University of Utah. Historically, Utah has dominated the state’s recruiting landscape, attracting many of the top local and regional prospects. But as of now, BYU’s 2026 class sits 30 spots higher in national recruiting rankings. This marks a significant shift in power and recruiting influence within Utah—a development that could have long-term implications for the rivalry and both programs’ success.
The buzz surrounding BYU’s recruiting efforts is starting to reverberate throughout college football. Analysts, fans, and even other players are beginning to take notice of what’s being built in Provo. And Lyons, a five-star quarterback and one of the cornerstones of the 2026 class, appears to be fully invested in the team’s upward trajectory. His “Rise n shout” tweet might have been short, but it was packed with meaning. It served as both a welcome to his new teammate and a rallying cry for what’s to come.
Lyons’ excitement is understandable. As a highly rated quarterback, his own commitment helped lay the foundation for this class months ago. Now, with more high-level talent joining the fold, he can look forward to leading a roster that’s becoming increasingly loaded with playmakers on both sides of the ball. The synergy between defensive and offensive recruiting success points toward a balanced and formidable team in the making.
Beyond just star ratings and stat sheets, there’s a palpable culture shift taking place at BYU. The program has embraced the challenge of competing in the Big 12, and their recruiting reflects an urgency and ambition that mirrors that of the nation’s elite programs. This class, headlined by players like Lyons, Lindsey, and now Bywater, is helping to redefine expectations in Provo.
By securing commitments from key athletes with ties to the program (like the Bywater family), as well as national recruits drawn by opportunity and vision, BYU is creating something special. The 2026 class is shaping up not just as a collection of individual talents, but as a cohesive group bonded by shared goals and a belief in the program’s future.
There’s still a long road ahead before these recruits take the field in Cougar uniforms, but the early signs are undeniably encouraging. The blend of leadership, talent, and tradition evident in the class speaks volumes about where BYU is headed. And the reaction from players like Ryder Lyons reinforces that excitement and belief.
This recent commitment is just the latest chapter in a fast-moving recruiting cycle that has already delivered numerous highs for BYU. If the current trend continues, the Cougars may not just be preparing for success in the Big 12—they might be laying the groundwork to become one of its dominant forces.
