Preston Carey, a standout defensive lineman at IMG Academy (Fla.), will announce his college decision on June 30. On Monday, the four-star recruit revealed he has narrowed his options to seven programs. Carey, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound native of East Northport, New York, is regarded as a top-five national talent at his position and holds the No. 1 defensive tackle ranking in Florida for the 2026 class.
His rare combination of size, athleticism, and power has made him a major target for top college football programs. He continues to dominate competition on the field.
Preston Carey Finalizing Commitment Decision Between Top 7 Programs
Carey is nearing his college decision, planning to announce his commitment on June 30. The IMG Academy (Fla.) standout recently trimmed his recruitment to seven finalists: Georgia, Ohio State, Auburn, Florida, Rutgers, Alabama, and USC. Official visits to each school are scheduled before his announcement, beginning with Georgia on May 16 and concluding with Ohio State on June 30.
4-star DL Preston Carey will announce his commitment on June 30⏳
His finalist are Georgia, Ohio State, Auburn, Florida, Rutgers, Alabama and USC.
Read: https://t.co/6Ui0mt6F67 pic.twitter.com/MW72g2QGW4
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) April 28, 2025
Carey, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound prospect from East Northport, New York, ranks as the No. 278 overall player in the 2026 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He is also listed as the No. 28 defensive lineman nationally and the No. 40 recruit in Florida.
After transferring to IMG before his junior year, Carey recorded 24 tackles, including five for loss, alongside two sacks and multiple quarterback hurries. At St. Anthony’s in New York, he previously totaled 90 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks across two seasons.
The talented lineman recently visited USC and Florida, speaking highly of both experiences.
“I also loved seeing California and LA for the first time in my life,” Carey told On3’s Steve Wiltfong. “LA is somewhat similar to where I was born and where I grew up as a kid (New York City), and I loved that.” He added, “Love was shown, and I felt it the whole weekend. Coach Riley and Coach Henderson truly showed and expressed how bad they want me at USC.”
During his Florida trip, Carey said,
“My eyes have opened with them way more (Saturday) than they have in the past,” per GatorsOnline.
With over 50 scholarship offers, Carey said strength and conditioning, NIL opportunities, and NFL preparation are crucial.
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“I really think at the end of the day I play the game for the love of it,” he said, “but that is a reality nowadays with the NIL, and that is a real factor.”
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