Although Bryce Underwood has yet to take his first snap for the Michigan Wolverines, the coaching staff is already looking ahead to the future of the quarterback position. Head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey are actively recruiting one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class, five-star Ryder Lyons, as a potential long-term successor to Underwood.
Lyons, a 6-foot-2.5, 215-pound prospect from Folsom, California, is widely regarded as one of the top 20 overall players in his class. Known for his impressive dual-threat ability, he has quickly gained national attention from powerhouse programs. While many expect Lyons to commit to USC to play alongside his brother, the Trojans’ recent addition of four-star quarterback Jonas Williams in the 2026 class could complicate that path. With other major programs such as Oregon, BYU, and Ole Miss also heavily pursuing him, Michigan faces a highly competitive recruiting battle for Lyons’ commitment.
One unique aspect of Lyons’ recruitment is his plan to take a one-year mission trip before enrolling in college. As a result, he would not arrive on campus until 2027, which aligns perfectly with Michigan’s projected timeline for the quarterback position. If Underwood follows the expected trajectory and becomes Michigan’s full-time starter by 2025, he would likely be in his second or third season by the time Lyons arrives. Given Underwood’s immense talent, he is expected to declare for the NFL Draft after three seasons, meaning Lyons would have a year to learn under him before stepping into the starting role in 2028.
Michigan’s pursuit of Lyons comes at a crucial time for the program. Following Brady Hart’s reclassification and commitment to Texas A&M, the Wolverines do not yet have a quarterback lined up for the 2026 class. While 2027 may seem distant, quarterback recruiting operates on a long-term timeline, and securing Lyons early would help solidify the Wolverines’ future at the position. Underwood’s commitment in 2024 was a game-changer for Michigan, signaling that the program could attract top-tier quarterback talent. If Michigan continues landing elite quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy and Bryce Underwood, it will strengthen the program’s ability to compete for national championships for years to come.
Lyons’ skill set makes him a highly desirable prospect. He is a natural athlete with elite mobility and a smooth, effortless throwing motion. Over the past two seasons, he has thrown for 6,500 yards, 84 touchdowns, and just 14 interceptions while adding 1,500 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to extend plays, make accurate throws on the run, and take off when necessary makes him a dynamic weapon in any offensive scheme. California has a long-standing reputation for producing elite quarterbacks, and Lyons appears to be another special talent in that tradition.
As Michigan continues its push for Lyons, all eyes will be on his upcoming visit to Ann Arbor in the next few weeks. This visit will be a key opportunity for the Wolverines to make a strong impression and position themselves as a serious contender in his recruitment. If the visit goes well, Michigan could secure an official visit and further cement itself in the race for Lyons’ commitment.
With the Wolverines’ success in developing quarterbacks and building dominant teams in the trenches, Michigan has the potential to remain a College Football Playoff contender for years to come. Securing a quarterback of Lyons’ caliber would not only provide continuity at the position but also further establish Michigan as a destination for elite signal-callers. As the recruiting battle unfolds, Lyons will be one of the most intriguing prospects to watch, and Michigan will be doing everything it can to bring him to Ann Arbor.
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