High school football star Ryder Barnes died suddenly at age 17, Cal Poly athletics has confirmed.
Barnes was committed to play for the Mustangs in the fall. No cause of death has been released.
“On behalf of our entire Cal Poly football family, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Ryder Barnes,” read a statement from head football coach Tim Skipper, released Wednesday, April 8. “Ryder was an exceptional young man with a bright future, and this loss is felt by all of us. Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all who loved him during this incredibly difficult time.”
A California native, Barnes was a defensive end who played his high school ball at Crean Lutheran in Irvine. He was raised by his grandparents and, according to his high school, “helped raise his younger sister, and was dearly loved by his older brother and sister.”
“There are no words big enough to capture the loss we feel,” Crean Lutheran said in a statement shared via Instagram on Wednesday. “Today we honor an exceptional young man. One who showed up with heart, led with strength, and left an impact far beyond the field.”
The statement continued, “Ryder was well known in our community as an amazing teammate and friend. As a member of our football program, he distinguished himself as a defensive end, earning Epsilon League Defensive Player of the Year, All Orange County, and Defensive MVP Honors. Yet those accomplishments represent only a small piece of his story.”
“Your light, your energy, and your brotherhood will never be forgotten,” the statement concluded. “You weren’t just a teammate, you were family.”
Listed at 6’3 and 230 pounds, Barnes would have turned 18 in October during his freshman season with the Mustangs.
He committed to Cal Poly as a three-star recruit in November 2025, also receiving interest from power conference schools like the University of Florida and Syracuse University, according to 247 Sports.
“It’s all in God’s hands. Miss you buddy, honored to have been apart of your life. See you in the next,” fellow Cal Poly commit Noah Thayer wrote via X.
One of Barnes’ former coaches, ex San Francisco 49ers linebacker Daved Benefield also expressed his condolences.
“Beyond devastated, stunned into numbness,” he said in a statement, according to People. “I’m going to miss you kid, the quizzical looks before drills, the good natured personality. The down to earth goodness. Cal Poly missed a great one. You will not be forgotten.”
