USC countdown to kickoff: Recalling Trojans tight end Walker Lyons

Countdown to kickoff is back! USC will kick off its 2026 football season on August 29 when the Trojans host San Jose State at the Coliseum. In this series, we will be counting down the days until the season opener by highlighting a notable Trojan who wore each number.

The options for No. 85 are somewhat limited, so today, we take a look at former USC tight end Walker Lyons.

Career highlights: Lyons originally graduated from high school in 2022, and was part of Lincoln Riley’s first recruiting class at USC. After serving a two-year Mormon mission in Norway, Lyons joined the Trojans prior to the 2024 season.

As a true freshman, Lyons served as a key backup tight end, appearing in 11 games and catching six passes for 36 yards. Last season, he took on a bigger roles, recording 20 receptions for 223 yards and two scores.

After USC: Lyons entered the transfer portal following the 2025 regular season and transferred to BYU. He will play for the Cougars this fall.