The Unexpected Rise Of Walker Lyons: 5 Key Facts About The USC Star And His High-Profile Romance

The spotlight on college athletes has never been brighter, and few are experiencing a more rapid ascent into the public eye than Walker Lyons. As of December 2025, the USC Trojans Tight End is not only making waves on the football field with a promising sophomore outlook but has also become a viral sensation due to his recently confirmed, high-profile relationship. This article dives deep into the life, career, and personal milestones of the young star, providing the most current and comprehensive update on his journey.

Walker Lyons represents the new era of college football—a combination of elite athletic talent and significant social media presence. His transition from a highly-touted high school recruit to a key player for one of the nation’s most storied programs, coupled with his romance with a Dancing With The Stars professional, has cemented his status as a must-watch figure both on and off the field. We break down the essential facts about the rising star.

Walker Lyons: Complete Player Biography and Profile

Walker Lyons is an American college football player who has quickly established himself as a prominent Tight End for the USC Trojans. His journey to the Pac-12 (soon to be Big Ten) conference was marked by elite performance and a high-stakes recruitment battle.

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• Full Name: Walker Lyons
• Date of Birth: March 13, 2004
• Hometown: Folsom, California
• High School: Folsom High School
• College: University of Southern California (USC)
• Position: Tight End (TE)
• Jersey Number: No. 85
• Parents: Tim Lyons (Father) and Kamee Lyons (Mother)
• Siblings: Kassidy, Kapri, Ryder, and Rockwell Lyons
• Relationship Status: Dating Rylee Arnold (DWTS Professional Dancer)
• Key High School Honors: Under Armour All-American, All-American Bowl’s Man of the Year (Finalist)
• Current Status (2025 Season): Sophomore, competing for a starting role.

From Folsom High to the USC Trojans: A Top-Tier Recruitment Battle

Lyons’ path to collegiate football royalty began in Folsom, California, where he quickly became one of the most sought-after Tight End prospects in the nation. His combination of size, blocking ability, and receiving skills made him an elite talent in the 2023 recruiting class.

The Folsom High School Legacy

At Folsom High School, Lyons was a dominant force, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His performance earned him a coveted spot in the 2023 Under Armour All-American game, a testament to his status among the country’s top players. He was also recognized as a finalist for the All-American Bowl’s Man of the Year award, highlighting his character and leadership beyond the field.

The Shocking Recruitment Flip

The recruitment of Walker Lyons was anything but straightforward. He initially committed to the Stanford Cardinal, a decision that aligned with the program's strong academic reputation and history of developing Tight Ends. However, the college football landscape is constantly shifting, and a major coaching change led to a dramatic turn.

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Following the resignation of Stanford coach David Shaw, Lyons reopened his recruitment, sending shockwaves through the college football world. This unexpected move paved the way for the USC Trojans to swoop in. USC, under the leadership of a high-profile coach, successfully secured his commitment, officially signing Lyons and adding a crucial piece to their offensive puzzle. This "flip" was one of the biggest recruiting stories of that cycle.

2024 Season Review and the 2025 Outlook

The transition to college football is challenging, even for a highly-rated recruit. Lyons spent his true freshman season in 2024 adjusting to the speed and complexity of the collegiate game, showing flashes of his immense potential.

Freshman Performance and Key Stats

In the 2024 season, Walker Lyons appeared in 11 games for the USC Trojans, demonstrating his reliability and earning the trust of the coaching staff. He was even given the nod for three starts during the season, an impressive feat for a true freshman Tight End, a position that often requires significant time to develop.

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His official statistics for the 2024 regular season included 6 total receptions for 36 yards. While these numbers may seem modest, they indicate a solid foundation and a growing role in the offense. He was an integral part of the blocking schemes and a reliable check-down option, contributing to the overall success of the team's offense, which included key players like quarterback Jayden Maiava.

Projections for the 2025 Season

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, expectations are high for Lyons. As a sophomore, he is expected to compete intensely for increased playing time and potentially a full-time starting role at the Tight End position. The experience gained from his freshman year, including playing in high-pressure games against tough opponents like Louisiana State and UCLA, will be invaluable. His development is a major point of interest for USC fans, who see him as a potential future NFL Draft pick, echoing the scouting reports that projected a productive college career and a future in the NFL.

The Viral Romance: Walker Lyons and Rylee Arnold

Beyond his athletic career, Walker Lyons has captured the attention of a massive new audience through his relationship with a celebrity figure. This romance has been a major topic of discussion across social media platforms and entertainment news outlets, significantly boosting his overall public profile.

Dating a Dancing Star

Walker Lyons is currently dating Rylee Arnold, a professional dancer on the hit ABC show Dancing With The Stars (DWTS). The couple’s relationship went "hard launch" on social media, immediately becoming a viral sensation. The pairing is a classic modern romance, blending the worlds of elite college athletics and mainstream television entertainment.

How the Relationship Started

The story of how the USC Tight End and the DWTS pro met is a modern fairy tale. In a series of social media posts, Rylee Arnold revealed that the relationship began with a direct message (DM) from Walker Lyons. This simple, yet bold, move led to a connection that quickly blossomed into a confirmed relationship. Arnold has publicly expressed her happiness, stating that Lyons makes her feel "the luckiest."

The couple frequently shares glimpses of their life together on TikTok and Instagram, providing fans with content that spans from "Get Ready With Me" videos to adorable relationship milestones. This social media presence has generated significant buzz, attracting a diverse fanbase interested in both the sports and entertainment aspects of their lives. The openness about their dating life has only fueled the public's fascination with the young couple.

Walker Lyons: A Name to Watch in College Football and Beyond

Walker Lyons is more than just a Tight End—he is a burgeoning public figure whose career trajectory is on a steep upward curve. His journey from a standout at Folsom High School to a key contributor for the USC Trojans is a testament to his dedication and talent. With a solid freshman season under his belt and a prominent role projected for 2025, his athletic future is bright. Simultaneously, his high-profile relationship with Rylee Arnold has given him a unique platform, ensuring that the name Walker Lyons will remain a trending topic for the foreseeable future. Keep an eye on the No. 85 for the Trojans; his biggest moments are likely still ahead.