Rylee Arnold Boyfriend: Who Is Walker Lyons and Are They Still Together in 2026?

Rylee Arnold is dating Walker Lyons, a college football player who currently plays tight end for Brigham Young University (BYU). The couple’s relationship has attracted plenty of attention as Arnold continues her run on Dancing with the Stars, but despite online speculation about her current relationship status, Arnold has made it clear that she and Lyons are still together.

The pair first became Instagram official in October 2024, beginning a relationship that has continued through Arnold’s demanding television schedule and Lyons’ college football career.

Who Is Walker Lyons?

Walker Lyons is a college football tight end at BYU.

Before joining BYU, Lyons played football at the University of Southern California (USC). He transferred to BYU in January 2026, giving him a new chapter in his college football career.

His athletic career has developed alongside his relationship with Arnold, who has become one of the most recognizable young professional dancers associated with Dancing with the Stars.

While Arnold is known for dance competitions and television, Lyons’ public profile comes primarily from college football.

How They Met

The story of how Arnold and Lyons met is considerably less conventional than a typical celebrity romance.

Lyons’ aunt was reportedly Arnold’s Uber driver and suggested that the two would be a good match.

The introduction did not immediately lead to a date. Later, one of Arnold’s sisters showed her Lyons’ TikTok account.

Arnold eventually followed him on Instagram.

That caught Lyons’ attention, and he reportedly sent Arnold a direct message and asked her out.

What began with a family member playing matchmaker eventually turned into a relationship that has lasted for several years.

Instagram Official

Arnold and Lyons went Instagram official in October 2024.

The public confirmation came after they had started seeing each other, giving fans their first clear indication that the two were a couple.

Since then, both have occasionally shared glimpses of their relationship through social media and public appearances.

Their relationship has continued despite the challenges that come with two young people pursuing demanding careers in different places.

Long Distance

One of the biggest challenges for the couple has been their schedules.

Arnold spends significant periods in Los Angeles while filming Dancing with the Stars, whereas Lyons attends school and plays football in Utah.

The distance has required both of them to make an effort to stay connected.

They reportedly FaceTime each other regularly, including at night, allowing them to maintain a sense of routine despite being in different locations.

They also make time for in-person visits whenever their schedules allow.

Arnold has a home in Utah, which gives the couple another connection to the area where Lyons attends BYU.

DWTS Spotlight

Arnold’s relationship has received additional attention during her current Dancing with the Stars run.

Her professional partnership with Connor Wood generated online discussion after viewers noticed the pair’s apparent chemistry during the competition.

A lingering look between the two was enough for some fans to speculate about whether Arnold’s relationship status had changed.

But Arnold did not leave the speculation unanswered.

Arnold’s Response

Rylee Arnold recently pushed back against speculation that she and Lyons had broken up.

During the online discussion surrounding her partnership with Wood, Arnold posted a video featuring Lyons with the caption “Happy girl ❤️.”

The post served as a direct reminder that her relationship with Lyons remains intact.

Rather than allowing social-media theories to define her personal life, Arnold used her own platform to make her position clear.

Who Is Rylee Arnold?

Rylee Arnold is a professional dancer and Dancing with the Stars performer.

She comes from the well-known Arnold dance family and has built her own identity within competitive and television dance.

Her role on Dancing with the Stars has brought her a large audience, particularly among younger viewers who follow the show’s professional dancers on social media.

Arnold’s visibility has also meant that her relationships receive considerable attention from fans.

Balancing Careers

Both Arnold and Lyons have demanding schedules.

Arnold’s work on Dancing with the Stars involves rehearsals, live performances, travel and a strict weekly schedule. Lyons, meanwhile, has the responsibilities of college football, including practices, games, training and academic commitments.

Their relationship has therefore required communication and planning from both sides.

The couple’s long-distance arrangement has become part of their relationship rather than something they have allowed to end it.

Their frequent video calls and visits have helped them stay connected while pursuing their respective goals.

A Family Connection

The unusual role played by Lyons’ aunt makes their relationship story especially memorable.

Most celebrity relationships begin through mutual friends, work or social events. Arnold and Lyons’ connection reportedly started because his aunt happened to drive Arnold as an Uber passenger and thought the two might be compatible.

That recommendation eventually reached Arnold, and social media helped complete the connection.

Her sister showing Arnold his TikTok account gave her another reason to look him up, while Arnold’s Instagram follow ultimately opened the door for Lyons to make the first direct move.

Still Together

As of October 2026, Rylee Arnold’s boyfriend is Walker Lyons, and there is no indication from Arnold’s recent public response that their relationship has ended.

The couple have been together since 2024 and have managed to maintain their relationship while balancing very different professional commitments.

Arnold continues to perform on Dancing with the Stars, while Lyons is pursuing his football career at BYU.

Their story has already included an unusual introduction, a long-distance relationship and plenty of public attention.

For fans wondering about Rylee Arnold’s boyfriend, the answer remains clear: Walker Lyons is the college football player who has been by her side since 2024, and Arnold’s recent social-media post made it clear that the relationship is still going strong.