Are Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons Still Together? Inside Their Long-Distance Relationship

Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons are continuing to navigate a long-distance relationship in 2026, with their careers keeping them in different states.

Arnold, 21, is back on the ballroom floor for Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, where she is partnered with comedian and podcaster Connor Wood. Meanwhile, Lyons is playing college football at Brigham Young University (BYU) after transferring from USC.

The couple first made their relationship public in October 2024. Nearly two years later, Arnold has spoken openly about how they handle the distance and why the arrangement has brought them closer.

Quick Guide

Are Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons Still Together?

Yes. Recent reporting from PEOPLE describes Walker Lyons as Arnold’s boyfriend and confirms that the couple is once again managing a long-distance relationship while Arnold works on Dancing with the Stars and Lyons attends BYU.

Arnold and Lyons publicly confirmed their relationship in October 2024. Arnold shared photos with Lyons on Instagram, effectively making their romance public after months of growing interest from fans.

Their relationship has continued through changes in both of their careers, including Lyons’ move from USC to BYU and Arnold’s return to the DWTS ballroom.

How Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons Handle Long Distance

Distance has become a recurring part of Arnold and Lyons’ relationship.

In a recent PEOPLE interview, Arnold explained that regular communication is one of the ways they stay connected. She said they FaceTime every night and make an effort to keep each other updated about what is happening in their lives.

For Arnold, the arrangement is not simply about managing time apart. She has said that the distance gives both of them room to concentrate on their individual careers while maintaining their relationship.

The couple’s situation changed again when Lyons transferred to BYU. Arnold’s DWTS commitments keep her in Los Angeles for rehearsals and live performances, while Lyons’ football career has him based in Utah.

How Did Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons Meet?

The couple’s first connection was somewhat unusual.

According to Arnold, an Uber driver played a role in helping introduce her to Lyons. She eventually reached out after learning more about him, with encouragement from her sisters. The two discovered that they had several mutual connections and eventually began spending time together.

Their relationship became public in October 2024, when Arnold shared photos with Lyons on social media. At the time, Lyons was playing football for USC.

Who Is Walker Lyons?

Walker Lyons is a college football tight end who currently plays for BYU.

Before joining the Cougars, Lyons spent two seasons at USC. BYU’s official roster lists him as a junior tight end from Folsom, California. He played in 23 games for USC and recorded 20 receptions for 223 yards and two touchdowns during the 2025 season.

Lyons transferred to BYU for the 2026 season. BYU officially listed him among its 2026 transfer additions, alongside several other players entering the program through the transfer portal.

His football career has also continued to draw attention. In August 2026, BYU announced that Lyons had been named to the preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, which recognizes college football’s top tight end.

Rylee Arnold’s DWTS Season 35 Role

Arnold is competing in Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars with Connor Wood.

ABC’s official cast information confirms that Arnold is paired with Wood for the 2026 season.

Season 35 began with a two-night premiere on September 15 and 16, 2026. The show airs on ABC and Disney+, with episodes also available through streaming platforms afterward.

Arnold has described the live competition as demanding, particularly because professional dancers and their celebrity partners spend extensive time rehearsing before performing in front of the judges and audience. Following the premiere, she discussed the experience with E! News while reflecting on Wood’s first performance.

Her demanding schedule is one of the reasons her relationship with Lyons currently involves significant time apart.

What About Rylee Arnold and Harry Jowsey?

Before her relationship with Lyons became public, Arnold was frequently linked by fans to her Season 32 DWTS partner, Harry Jowsey.

The pair’s on-screen chemistry generated relationship speculation during their time on the show, but Arnold later moved on from those rumors. PEOPLE reported that Arnold publicly confirmed her relationship with Lyons in October 2024 after previously being linked to Jowsey.

Jowsey has also spoken about his relationship with the DWTS cast. In March 2026, E! News reported that he said he was no longer friends with members of the cast, more than two years after his season with Arnold.

For that reason, older speculation surrounding Arnold and Jowsey should not be confused with Arnold’s current relationship with Lyons.

Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons in 2026

For now, Arnold and Lyons are balancing two demanding schedules in different states.

Arnold is focused on Dancing with the Stars Season 35 in Los Angeles, while Lyons is continuing his football career at BYU in Utah. Their relationship has therefore entered another long-distance phase, but Arnold has described the experience as something that can strengthen their connection when both partners stay in communication.

Rather than relying on constant time together, the couple has emphasized communication and support while pursuing their separate professional goals.

As of September 23, 2026, recent reporting continues to identify Walker Lyons as Rylee Arnold’s boyfriend, with the pair navigating their long-distance relationship while focusing on their respective careers.