If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the sparkle. Rylee Arnold, the Dancing with the Stars pro who basically saved the show’s ratings with her Season 32 debut, isn’t just making headlines for her footwork anymore. She’s making them for her heart. Specifically, the part of her heart occupied by Walker Lyons.
It’s a story that feels like a Disney movie script, but it actually started in the back of an Uber. No, seriously.
While most of us use rideshares to get from point A to point B without talking to anyone, Rylee’s driver turned out to be the ultimate matchmaker. In late 2024, Rylee was stressed, trying to find an outfit for a Good Morning America appearance, and ended up chatting with a "really nice lady" who happened to be Walker’s aunt. The aunt mentioned her nephew played football at USC and thought they’d hit it off.
Rylee looked him up, thought he was cute, and then... did nothing.
Classic.
The Uber Connection and That "Hard Launch"
The universe clearly had a different plan. A week after that ride, Rylee’s sisters (the famous Arnold crew: Lindsay, Jensen, and Brynley) sent a video of a "cute football player" to their family group chat. They told her she had to reach out. When Rylee realized it was the same guy from the Uber story, the deal was sealed.
They officially "hard launched" on Instagram in October 2024. Rylee posted a photo of them on the field after a USC win over Rutgers, looking genuinely happy.
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It wasn't just a PR stunt. Honestly, in a world of fake celebrity pairings, this one felt real from the jump. Walker, who stands 6-foot-4 and plays tight end, has been described by Rylee as "the best" and a "trooper" for handling the sudden spotlight of dating a DWTS pro.
Why Walker Lyons Moving to BYU Matters
Fast forward to January 2026, and the narrative has shifted from "Who is Rylee Arnold dating?" to "How are they making this work?"
Walker Lyons recently made a massive career move. After playing his freshman and sophomore seasons at USC, he officially entered the transfer portal and signed with BYU (Brigham Young University) in early January 2026.
This is a big deal. For one, it brings him back to the heart of the community where the Arnold family is practically royalty. Rylee is from Provo, Utah. Her sisters live there. Her parents are there. By moving to BYU, Walker isn't just changing his jersey; he’s moving closer to Rylee’s home base.
For the Cougars, getting a former four-star recruit like Lyons is a huge win for the 2026 season. For the fans, it’s proof that things between him and Rylee are likely getting very serious. You don't usually move your entire life and career to your girlfriend's hometown if things are "just casual."
Managing the Distance and the DWTS Grind
Being a DWTS pro is brutal. The hours are long. The travel is constant.
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Rylee recently had to make a really tough call regarding the 2026 Dancing with the Stars Live Tour. She announced to her fans that she wouldn’t be joining the tour this time around.
The reason? Her health.
Rylee was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 15. Managing blood sugar on a tour bus, with irregular meals and intense physical exertion, is a nightmare. She told her followers she needed to prioritize her health and stay on top of her glucose levels, which is way easier to do when you aren't living out of a suitcase.
Some fans speculated that Walker’s move to BYU influenced her decision to stay closer to home, but Rylee has been very clear that her diabetes management was the primary factor. Still, having her boyfriend playing football just down the road in Provo while she takes a breather from the tour is a pretty sweet "coincidence."
Sage’s Approval: The Only Opinion That Counts
If you follow the Arnold sisters, you know about Sage. Sage is Lindsay Arnold’s oldest daughter, and she’s basically the gatekeeper of the family.
In December 2024, a video went viral of Walker playing with Rylee’s nieces and nephews. Fans lost it. There’s something about seeing a 245-pound tight end being gentle with a four-year-old that just melts the internet.
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The comment section was unanimous: "Sage’s approval is our approval."
He passed the test.
What’s Next for Rylee and Walker?
As we head further into 2026, people are naturally asking about engagement. In the culture they both share (both are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), things tend to move a bit faster than the Hollywood standard.
Walker already completed a two-year mission in Norway before starting at USC, and Rylee has mentioned in various interviews and podcasts (like The Squeeze) that she’s open to the idea of marriage in the next few years.
But for now, they seem to be focusing on their respective "seasons."
- Walker is gearing up for his first season with the BYU Cougars, where he’s expected to be a primary target at tight end.
- Rylee is focusing on her health and preparing for Season 35 of DWTS, where she’ll likely be looking for her first Mirrorball trophy after coming so close with partners like Stephen Nedoroscik.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following this couple, there are a few things to keep an eye on over the next few months to see where this is headed:
- Watch the BYU Spring Game: Walker's integration into the BYU offense will be a major storyline in the sports world, and Rylee will almost certainly be in the stands.
- Monitor Rylee's Health Updates: Her transparency about Type 1 diabetes is huge for the community. Following her journey with the Dexcom device offers a real look at how an elite athlete balances a chronic illness.
- The "Hawaii" Rumors: Every time these two go on vacation, the "engagement watch" goes into overdrive. Don't believe everything you see on Reddit until there’s a ring on the finger.
They’ve managed to do something pretty rare: stay likable while being extremely public. Whether they end up at the altar or just remain a "power couple" in the sports and dance world, Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons have definitely become the pair to watch.
The best thing you can do to stay informed is follow Rylee’s TikTok for the "GRWM" (Get Ready With Me) videos. That’s usually where the real tea gets spilled before it ever hits the news cycle. Check the BYU athletics schedule if you want to see when she'll be heading to the stadium next—it's going to be a busy fall in Provo.