Gainesville, FL – The Florida Gators made a strong impression on 2026 offensive tackle prospect Courtlin Heard during his recent Junior Day visit. The highly touted recruit expressed enthusiasm about his experience in Gainesville, signaling that Florida could be a serious contender in his recruitment.
Heard, a 6-foot-6, 290-pound lineman from Texas, has been gaining attention from top programs across the country. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him one of the most sought-after offensive tackles in the 2026 class. After spending time with Florida’s coaching staff and players, Heard came away with a positive outlook on the program.
“I loved it. The atmosphere, the coaching staff, everything just felt right,” Heard said after his visit. “I want to get back down here as soon as possible.”
During his visit, Heard had the opportunity to meet with head coach Billy Napier and offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton. The Gators’ staff made it clear that he is a priority for their 2026 recruiting class. Heard noted that he appreciated their emphasis on player development and the program’s vision for the future.
“They broke down how they see me fitting into the system, how they develop their linemen, and what they expect from their players,” Heard explained. “It was great to see how much they care about not just football but also life after football.”
Heard also attended Florida’s basketball game against Tennessee, where he was joined by other top recruits, including five-star quarterback signee DJ Lagway. The electric atmosphere in the O’Connell Center gave him a taste of the passionate fanbase that supports Florida athletics.
With offers from several powerhouse programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and LSU, Heard’s recruitment is far from over. However, Florida’s strong showing on Junior Day has positioned the Gators as a serious contender for his commitment.
“I’m keeping my options open, but Florida definitely gave me a lot to think about,” Heard said. “I’ll be back for another visit for sure.”
The Gators will continue to build their relationship with Heard as they aim to secure one of the top offensive line prospects in the country. If his Junior Day experience is any indication, Florida has put itself in a strong position to compete for his commitment as the 2026 recruiting cycle progresses.
