In the lead-up to the fall football practice session we’ll be previewing 15 such players whose contribution and progress throughout August will very likely play big in determining how successful of a team BYU proves to be in 2026.

Walker Lyons

6-4 245 Jr. TE

Folsom, Calif.

BYU enjoyed one of the best all-around tight end performances it’s had for some time last season with Utah transfer Carsen Ryan living up to his billing and then some. Ryan was central to the Cougar’s overall offensive success, catching 45 passes for 620 yards and three touchdowns, although BYU’s offensive coaches will tell you his biggest impact may have come with his ability to block off the edge.

Ryan was rewarded by being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the NFL draft, leaving the prospect of BYU needing to replace an NFL-quality tight end for the 2026 season.

The somewhat surprising development is that the Cougars may just have the good to do as much with Walker Lyons, who transferred from USC soon after the transfer portal opened. Lyons arrived in Provo having played two years for the Trojans where he caught 26 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns while playing a starting role last season.

Lyons hit the ground running at BYU and received almost immediate praise from Cougar head coach Kalani Sitake with quarterback Bear Bachmeier even indicating toward the close of spring practices that the USC transfer may provide an upgrade to the position. Cougar offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick was impressed as well, and lended particular praise for what he’s seen from Lyons throughout the practice sessions.

“Yeah, (he’s a) great fit,” Roderick said. “I am super impressed with Walker. He is a really complete player. He’s a good blocker. He’s an excellent receiver. He’s smart. You can just tell he’s been well-coached and played a lot of good football, and he’s going to be a big part of our offense.”

Lyons is the older brother of recent 5-star quarterback prospect Ryder Lyons, who signed with the Cougars as the headliner for their 2026 recruiting class. He’ll be looked at the fill the role of Ryan, sure, but will likely present a formidable second tight end alongside Oregon transfer Roger Saleapaga, who also received high praise for what he showed during spring practices.

Wherever Lyons is presented, whether it be as a single inline tight end, split out or running in tandem with Saleapaga when the offense goes with 12 personnel, his impact should prove pivotal to the overall offensive success this coming season.