USC tight end Walker Lyons is reportedly set to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to CBS Sports. Lyons, a redshirt sophomore, has spent three seasons with the Trojans, joining the team as part of the Class of 2023. He missed his first season due to a knee injury sustained during his senior year at Folsom High School in California. In 2024, he played in 11 games, catching six passes for 36 yards as a reserve. During his third season, he became more prominent, catching 20 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns, sharing reps with starter Lake McRee. However, with only two seasons of eligibility left and the arrival of five-star tight end Mark Bowman, Lyons has decided to transfer.
Lyons was a highly-rated recruit, ranked as the No. 119 overall prospect and No. 7 tight end in his class by the Rivals Industry Ranking. He committed to Stanford but later flipped to USC, providing a significant in-state win for Lincoln Riley. The attention is now on BYU as a potential destination, especially since Lyons' younger brother, Ryder, signed with the Cougars earlier this month. Both brothers are members of the LDS church, and Ryder will join the program in 2027 after a mission year. BYU is expected to lose starting tight end Carsen Ryan to graduation, further fueling speculation about Lyons' potential move.
This decision comes as Lyons navigates the complexities of college athletics, where talent and opportunity are constantly in flux. It remains to be seen where he will land, but the transfer portal is a testament to the dynamic nature of college football, where players can seek new challenges and opportunities.
