On Tuesday, the Florida Gators returned to the practice field for spring practice, and they also hosted several prospects on campus to watch practice.
2026 defensive end/outside linebacker Tristan Lyles (6-1, 220, Phenix City, AL. Central) was one of those guys on campus on Tuesday and he got to meet the coaching staff for the first time.
“The visit was great,” Lyles said of his visit to Florida on Tuesday. “I got a tour of the facility and the stadium. It was a great atmosphere; I was glad to see the coaches and to meet coach [Billy] Napier for the first time.”
Lyles watched the Gators’ defense go through spring practice closely and he liked how Mike Peterson coached his position.
“It was intense for the first day back after spring break, they got after it,” he said of Florida’s practice. “I watched [Coach Mike P] and I really love that he has a relationship with his players and how they relate to him. The defense, I love how the jacks play and I love how they can cover in space.”
After practice was over, Peterson talked with Lyles about how he could fit into the defense and what’s expected of the position.
“He was talking about me getting better, learning every day and soaking up everything and enjoying the process,” Lyles said of the message from Peterson. “He loves my tape and wants me at the Jack but you know I feel like the way he talks to his players that he wants all of them to be versatile.”
After visiting Gainesville on Tuesday, Lyles says the Gators are a team he likes a lot for several reasons.
“Very high, I really like the way the program is trending right now to be one of the top teams in the country,” he said on his interest in Florida. “I really like the atmosphere down here and its very family oriented. I like the history of the program and the players that came through here.”