Florida Receives Exciting News About Pitching Staff Ace

Peterson was given the nod as the No. 1 pitcher, No. 2 college player and No. 5 overall prospect in the draft class, Florida announced via social media.

The 6-foot-5 righty from Palm Harbor, Florida, will be a junior next season, deeming him eligible for the draft for the first time since joining the Gators. In 2024, Peterson was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and had an even better year this past season.

The flamethrower made 16 appearances and 15 starts as a sophomore, going 8-4 with a 4.28 ERA. He struck out a team-high 96 batters in 69 1/3 innings with 32 walks. He also held opposing hitters to a .250 batting average, which is the best mark during his time in Gainesville.

Peterson features a fastball in the mid-to-high 90s, a sharp-breaking slider, a high-80s changeup and a curveball that he rarely uses.

If he were to be drafted in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft, Peterson would become the first Florida pitcher to go that high since Hurston Waldrep went to the Atlanta Braves with the 24th overall pick in 2023.

With his physical makeup and athletic tools, Peterson promises to be a big name for the Gators next season and one to look out for at the draft next summer.