The Unexpected Love Story: 5 Fast Facts About Rylee Arnold's Boyfriend, Walker Lyons
Rylee Arnold has officially traded the ballroom for the football field, and the unexpected story of how she met her new beau is straight out of a rom-com. After months of speculation and a whirlwind debut season as a professional on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), the DWTS pro dancer confirmed her relationship with college football star Walker Lyons in late 2024. The news instantly became a hot topic, with fans eager to know everything about the man who captured the heart of one of the beloved Arnold sisters.
As of December 22, 2025, Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons are going strong, having solidified their status as one of Hollywood's cutest new couples. This article dives deep into the life of the DWTS sensation and the surprising details of her relationship with the USC tight end, including the fairytale-like way their paths crossed, which involves a very dedicated family member and a fateful Uber ride.
The Complete Biography and Rise of Rylee Arnold
Rylee Arnold is a celebrated American Latin and ballroom dancer who first gained widespread recognition as a member of the famous Arnold family of dancers. Her journey from competitive youth dancer to a professional on one of television's biggest shows is a testament to her dedication and talent.
- Full Name: Rylee Arnold
- Date of Birth: June 5, 2005
- Age (as of 2025): 20 years old
- Hometown: Provo, Utah, U.S.
- Family: Rylee is the youngest of the four famous Arnold sisters, which include fellow DWTS pro Lindsay Arnold, Jensen Arnold, and Brynley Arnold.
- Parents: Mindy Arnold (Mother, Physical Therapist) and Josh Arnold (Father).
- Career Highlights: Gained initial recognition on children's television programs. She rose to fame as a professional dancer on ABC's Dancing with the Stars.
- DWTS Debut: Rylee made her debut as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars Season 33 in 2024.
- DWTS Partner (Season 33): Olympic gymnast and wrestling coach, Stephen Nedoroscik.
- Relationship Status: Dating Walker Lyons.
Rylee's career has been heavily influenced by her sister, Lindsay Arnold, a long-time fan favorite and former DWTS champion. The 'Arnold Sisters' are a powerful brand in the dance world, with all four siblings having achieved significant success in the industry, often sharing their lives and milestones, including Rylee's new relationship, with their massive social media following.
5 Must-Know Facts About Rylee Arnold’s Boyfriend, Walker Lyons
The man who has captured Rylee Arnold's attention is Walker Lyons, a rising star in the world of college football. Their "hard launch" on social media in October 2024 confirmed the highly anticipated romance, instantly making him a person of interest for DWTS fans and the tabloids alike.
1. Walker Lyons is a USC Trojans Football Player
Walker Lyons is not just a college student; he is a Division I athlete for the University of Southern California (USC). He plays the crucial position of Tight End for the USC Trojans football team, wearing the number 85.
As of the 2025 season, Lyons is competing for playing time as a sophomore. His commitment to a major athletic program like USC highlights his own dedication and athleticism, making him a perfect counterpart to the highly disciplined Rylee. The contrast between the glitz of the ballroom and the grit of the football field is part of what makes this coupling so fascinating to fans.
2. Their Meet-Cute Involved a Fateful Uber Ride
The story of how Rylee and Walker met is arguably the most captivating detail of their relationship. It wasn't a celebrity dating app or a chance meeting at a Hollywood party; it was thanks to a dedicated DWTS fan who happened to be Walker's aunt.
Rylee revealed that she ended up in an Uber driven by Walker's aunt. During the ride, the aunt recognized Rylee, realized she was single, and immediately took action. She introduced Rylee to her nephew, Walker, who then followed Rylee on Instagram, messaged her, and the rest is history. This unique, almost cinematic introduction story quickly went viral, proving that sometimes, a little help from a family member (and a ride-share service) can lead to true love.
3. He is Close in Age to Rylee
Walker Lyons was born on March 13, 2004, making him approximately a year older than Rylee, who was born in June 2005. This close age gap suggests they are likely navigating similar life stages, balancing their intense professional careers with their college experiences. Their youth and shared experiences as high-profile public figures in their respective fields contribute to the relatability and excitement surrounding their relationship.
4. He Has Already Been Introduced to the DWTS Family
Despite the "DWTS curse" rumors that often surround the professional dancers and their partners, Rylee's relationship with Walker has been fully embraced by the show's community. The most telling sign of this acceptance came when Rylee and her Season 33 partner, Stephen Nedoroscik, went on a double date with their respective significant others: Walker Lyons and Stephen's girlfriend, Tess.
This public outing immediately shut down any lingering speculation about a potential romance between Rylee and Stephen, confirming that Rylee and Walker are serious and integrated into her professional life. The "best double date" post on social media served as a clear message that Rylee's focus is firmly on her new relationship while maintaining a strong friendship with her former partner.
5. Walker’s Potential Future on DWTS
With Rylee now a seasoned pro, fans have naturally begun to speculate whether Walker Lyons could follow in the footsteps of other athletes and join the competition as a celebrity contestant. Rylee has already joked about "training" her boyfriend for a future season of Dancing with the Stars.
While he is currently focused on his commitment to the USC Trojans football team, the possibility of a USC football player joining the DWTS cast is not unprecedented. Given his high-profile relationship with Rylee and his natural athleticism, a future appearance on the show would certainly be a ratings hit and a perfect opportunity for the couple to combine their worlds.
The Future of the Rylee-Walker Romance
The relationship between Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons is a refreshing blend of two high-energy worlds: the precision of ballroom dance and the intensity of college football. Their story, initiated by a surprising act of fan devotion, has quickly captivated the public.
As Rylee continues to shine as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars and Walker progresses in his career as a USC Tight End, their relationship will undoubtedly remain a focal point for fans. The couple regularly shares glimpses of their time together, from attending USC football games to enjoying downtime away from the spotlight, solidifying their status as a power couple to watch in the coming years. Their journey proves that even in the highly public world of celebrity, a genuine, unexpected connection can still blossom into a beautiful, enduring romance.
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