What College Did Noah Lyles Go To? Did He Have an NCAA Career? Exploring the Early Life of USA’s Biggest Paris Olympics Hope

Noah Lyles is fixated on attaining legendary status in Paris. Cruising through the initial rounds of the US trials, Lyles has looked in sublime form. In 2021, running the 200m in Tokyo, a young Noah Lyles missed out on the top two spots by a thin margin. Ever since then, Lyles has grown significantly in stature. The 6x world champion has now become one of the mainstays of US track and field. Specializing in both the 100m and the 200m, Noah Lyles has impressive personal records to boast of. 

His fastest 100m dash is recorded at 9.83s while his 200m PR stands at 19.31s. What’s more, Lyles is also aiming to break Usain Bolt’s world record in the upcoming games. While Lyles is now a reputed athlete, one might wonder about the origins that led him to such success. What was the college he went to? Did he compete in the NCAA? Well, let’s find out. 

All about Noah Lyles’ college 

Noah Lyles was born in Gainesville Florida. Eventually, however, the Lyles family relocated to Alexandria, Virginia. Born to Kevin Lyles and Keisha Caine, Noah Lyles attended the T.C. Williams High School. It has now been renamed to Alexandria City High School. Although surprising, Noah and his brother Josephus were not inclined towards the track initially. The duo took an interest in gymnastics until the 2012 Olympics. 

Watching the antics of Usain Bolt in London, the Lyles brothers became obsessed with track and field. Surprisingly, both Josephus and Noah Lyles do not have any NCAA records. While their parents were track and field stars for Seton Hall University, the Lyles brothers did not attend college. And for good reason. 

Noah Lyles bypassed college 

Noah Lyles was all set to make his debut for the Gators at the University of Florida. However, he turned pro back in July 2016, causing him to skip college altogether. This was a blessing in disguise, as Lyles immediately won the World U20 Championship in 2016. He then went on to win the World Relays and is now a 5-time Diamond League champion. 

And although Noah Lyles did not go to college, he hadn’t fully forgotten his Gainesville connection. Spending almost eight years in Gainesville, Lyles accepted the offer to run in the 2024 Tom Jones Memorial Invitational. Much to the delight of the crowds, Lyles clinched the victory in the 100m discipline. Now, as the Olympics approaches, Noah Lyles will look to add more uniqueness to his already interesting life story by conquering the track and field realm with his indomitable speed and excellence in Paris.