The USC Tight End: Who Is Rylee Arnold's Boyfriend Walker Lyons And How Did They Meet?

The question of who has captured the heart of "Dancing with the Stars" fan-favorite Rylee Arnold has finally been answered, putting an end to months of speculation and internet sleuthing. As of late 2024 and confirmed into this current date, December 18, 2025, the youngest professional dancer on *DWTS* is officially off the market, and her new man is a major star in the world of college football. She "hard-launched" her relationship with USC Trojans tight end, Walker Lyons, giving fans a look into her life outside the ballroom. The couple's romance has quickly become a hot topic, especially due to their incredibly modern and adorable "meet-cute" story.

The relationship between the ballroom sensation and the collegiate athlete blends two high-profile worlds—Hollywood television and NCAA football—making them one of the most talked-about young couples. Rylee Arnold, known for her breakout season on *DWTS* with partner Harry Jowsey, has been open about her new romance, sharing details that reveal a sweet and grounded connection with the highly-touted USC player. This article dives deep into Rylee's life, her new boyfriend Walker Lyons, and the surprising way their paths crossed.

Rylee Arnold: A Ballroom Star's Complete Biography and Career Highlights

Rylee Arnold is an American Latin and ballroom dancer who rose to international fame as the youngest professional dancer on ABC's *Dancing with the Stars*. Her career, however, began long before she stepped onto the main stage.

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• Full Name: Rylee Arnold
• Date of Birth: June 5, 2005
• Age (as of 2025): 20 years old
• Birthplace: Provo, Utah, USA
• Parents: Josh Arnold and Mindy Arnold
• Siblings: Rylee is the youngest of four sisters, all accomplished dancers: Lindsay Arnold (a *DWTS* champion), Jensen Arnold (a *So You Think You Can Dance* winner), and Brynley Arnold. The "Arnold Sisters" are a prominent family in the dance world.
• Early Career: Inspired by her older sisters, Rylee began dancing at a very young age. She gained early recognition for her appearances on children's dance television programs and competitions.
• Dancing with the Stars Debut: Rylee joined the cast of *DWTS* as a professional dancer for Season 32 in 2023.
• Notable DWTS Partnership: In her debut season, she was partnered with social media personality Harry Jowsey. Their journey on the show garnered massive attention, and they finished in 5th place.
• Past Relationships: Before her relationship with Walker Lyons, Rylee was linked to Truman Burningham (in 2021) and J.T. Church, a fellow dancer.

Rylee's family connection to *DWTS*—with her sister Lindsay Arnold being a long-time pro and Season 25 mirrorball champion—has always kept her in the public eye. Her transition from a talented young dancer to a main cast member solidified her status as a genuine star, and the subsequent interest in her private life, especially her dating status, exploded.

Meet Walker Lyons: The USC Football Star Who Stole Rylee’s Heart

Rylee Arnold's boyfriend, Walker Lyons, is a powerhouse athlete who brings a different kind of spotlight to their relationship. He is a rising star in college football, playing for one of the most prestigious programs in the nation.

• Full Name: Walker Lyons
• Date of Birth: March 13, 2004
• Age (as of 2025): 21 years old
• Current Team: USC Trojans (University of Southern California)
• Position: Tight End (No. 85)
• Athletic Profile: Lyons is a highly-rated recruit who was recognized as one of the best tight ends in his class. He was honored as an All-American, participating in the prestigious 2023 Under Armour All-American game. His physical stats are impressive, standing at 6'4" and weighing approximately 245 pounds.
• Collegiate Career: As a USC Trojan, Lyons is part of a high-profile football program, balancing intense training and academics. His commitment to the sport mirrors Rylee's dedication to dance.
• Relationship Confirmation: Rylee and Walker made their relationship Instagram-official in October 2024, confirming the dating rumors that had been circulating among fans.

The pairing of a professional ballroom dancer and a major college football player is a classic celebrity dynamic, but Rylee and Walker's story is anything but typical. Their relationship has been celebrated by fans who appreciate how open they have been about their connection, which is a key reason for the ongoing interest in the couple.

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The Unbelievable 'Uber' Meet-Cute: How Rylee and Walker Connected

The most unique and charming detail about Rylee and Walker's romance is the story of how they first crossed paths. Rylee revealed the details on her sister Lindsay Arnold's podcast, *The Squeeze*, explaining that their initial connection was facilitated by a complete stranger—an Uber driver.

The Unexpected Tip: The story goes that Rylee was in an Uber when the driver, perhaps noticing her celebrity status or just making conversation, gave her an interesting suggestion. The driver mentioned a young man he knew who was a prominent figure and suggested Rylee look him up. That young man was Walker Lyons.

The Instagram Initiative: Intrigued by the unexpected recommendation, Rylee took the initiative. She searched for Walker on Instagram and followed him first. This bold move paid off almost immediately.

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The Digital Spark: Walker Lyons quickly followed her back and sent her a direct message (DM). The two began texting, leading to a period of digital communication before they finally met in person for a date. The organic, yet slightly bizarre, way they met—thanks to an Uber driver's matchmaking skills—has become a fan-favorite detail of their budding romance.

This modern fairytale highlights a key aspect of Rylee's personality: her willingness to take a chance. It also shows that even for a *DWTS* professional, finding love can happen in the most unexpected ways, proving that sometimes, you just need a friendly stranger to point you in the right direction.

Navigating the Spotlight: Dance, Football, and Long Distance

The relationship between Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons is one that requires careful management, as both young stars have demanding, high-profile careers. Rylee's life revolves around the intense rehearsal schedules and live shows of *Dancing with the Stars*, while Walker is immersed in the rigorous training, travel, and game schedule of a Division I college football player with the USC Trojans.

The Challenge of Distance: Rylee is based primarily in Utah, where her family lives, and Los Angeles, where *DWTS* is filmed. Walker's commitment is to the University of Southern California campus in Los Angeles. While Los Angeles provides a convenient meeting point for the couple, their schedules often dictate periods of long distance, which they navigate through constant communication and planning visits around their respective seasons. This is a common challenge for young celebrities, but their mutual understanding of a demanding career helps them connect on a deeper level.

Mutual Support: Despite the distance and demanding careers, both Rylee and Walker have shown public support for one another. Walker has been seen cheering Rylee on, and Rylee frequently shares updates about their time together, including a recent trip to Los Cabos, Mexico. This public display of affection and support is a testament to the strong foundation they have built since their October 2024 hard-launch.

The relationship is a significant development in Rylee Arnold's life, moving her from being known primarily for her family and dance career to being part of a high-profile celebrity couple. As she continues to grow as a professional dancer and Walker excels on the football field, fans will undoubtedly be watching to see how this dynamic duo's love story unfolds in the coming years.