It’s wild how HS players are already building their names before they even step onto the CFB battlefield. And no one knows it better than Michigan’s top QB target, Ryder Lyons, who just lit up the 7v7 camp. Fans lost their minds over his presence and swarmed him like he was handing out golden tickets. Even Lyons knows the rat race to get him isn’t over, and even he is enjoying the process, saying, “I think I’m a little bit more open now.” Looks like Coach Sherrone Moore got Bryce Underwood in Ryder.

Look, Ryder Lyons, a 6’2.5”, 215-pound dual-threat playmaker, is attracting intense competition from powerhouse programs. While Oregon, USC, and BYU are his top three, Michigan, Ole Miss, and Ohio State are close behind as he gets ready for spring visits. But it’s not just coaches lining up—fans can’t get enough of him either. At the 7v7 camp, they went crazy seeing him and packed in for selfies, soaking up every moment with Ryder. And Michigan’s recruiting insider EJ Holland wasted no time in hyping this moment on X, saying, “Five-star Michigan QB target Ryder Lyons (@ryderly0ns) is for the kids.”

With the 2025 7-on-7 season starting this weekend in Texas, OT7 is turning up the intensity. The new format, with 18 teams competing across four weekends, promises an exciting tournament. Following the regular season, the Golden Ticket Tournament adds a few teams to the OT7 Championships in Florida from June 26-29. Week 1 kicks off March 16 at Dallas College Mountain View Campus, and Ryder Lyons is already stealing the spotlight.

And EJ Holland continues praising Michigan’s top target. He tweets on X, saying, “Five-star Michigan QB target Ryder Lyons (@ryderly0ns) with another TD toss #GoBlue.” Looks like they are really behind him. Now the hype train didn’t just stop there. Holland even compared Ryder Lyons with one of the G.O.A.T. quarterbacks of Michigan, who took them through the national championship title saying, “Five-star Michigan QB target Ryder Lyons (@ryderly0ns) with the rare 7v7 rushing TD. Has a little JJ McCarthy to his game. 👀👀👀 #GoBlue.”  That’s really a big compliment for a HS player.

But it’s not just about one game; it’s about having the complete package, and Ryder Lyons embodies every aspect. In 2023, as a first-year starter, he led Folsom to a 13-2 record and excelled under pressure. Lyons orchestrated three championship-winning drives in the fourth quarter, defeating Oak Ridge in the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. 1 Final, Pittsburgh in the CIF 1-A Regional Final, and St. Bonaventure in the CIF 1-A State Bowl Game. His impressive performance included completing 259 of 381 passes (68%) for 3,578 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 929 yards and 23 touchdowns on 226 carries.

Following a stellar sophomore season with 61 total touchdowns, he is now a top contender for the 2026 QB position. During the SoCal Elite 11 Camp on March 17, 2024, Lyons showcased his exceptional skills, displaying a rapid release, precise accuracy, and outstanding mobility both in and out of the pocket. This has drawn comparisons to JJ McCarthy by Holland. But Lyons is not the only Michigan target participating in the 7v7 camp.

Michigan’s top targets participating in 7v7 camp

When it comes to recruiting, Sherrone Moore and Michigan keep their foot on the gas. And their blue-chip targets? That’s a whole different conversation. The best part? Every player Michigan is recruiting is excelling at the 7v7 camp. That explains it all: Michigan recruits only the top talent. Leading off, besides Ryder Lyons, is Mandarin’s CB Brody Jennings, who has already committed to them.

Talking about him Holland says, “On300 Michigan CB commit Brody Jennings (@SpidermanJ3) has rescheduled his spring visit for April 15. Still happy with his pledge, but others are pushing hard #GoBlue.” As Holland mentions, he is firm with his decision. It’s evident after Jennings’ statement, “It meant a lot knowing that they love me as a football player and as a person; their main message to me is that I’m going to be great at Michigan and do great things!” 

Now next up we have North Shore’s safety player Chace Calicut, and Michigan is making moves toward him too. Holland says on X, “Four-star DB Chace Calicut (@CalicutChace) is set to make a spring visit to Michigan on March 22, he tells me. As previously reported, Calicut also has his OV set for June 20 #GoBlue.” For now, 247Sports predictions put Texas Longhorns at 100% chance to land him. That can be a tough fight.

Last up on their target list is Benton’s four-star quarterback prospect Malachi Zeigler, who is set to visit Michigan this spring. This guy already has 13 offers in his hands. And is set to visit Notre Dame on March 27. And we all know fighting against them won’t be an easy ride. Now, with all these top targets, let’s see how Michigan unfolds another recruiting win!