Preston Carey: The 300-Pound Defensive Lineman at the Center of a Recruiting War
For IMG Academy’s 300-pound defensive lineman, receiving an offer from his dream school wasn’t just another milestone—it was the beginning of a heated recruitment battle. But that dream offer? It was only his 42nd. Now, with Ohio State’s Ryan Day making a strong push and another College Football Playoff (CFP) contender stepping into the mix, Carey’s list has expanded to 47 offers and continues to grow. Just when Ohio State seemed to be in control, a new challenger could shift the balance in this high-stakes recruiting race.
Ohio State’s Ongoing Pursuit
After another great daily workout at @IMGAcademy and a great conversation with @CoachHun_SMU @CoachMoCrum @SMUFB @rhettlashlee I am blessed to receive my 47th Full Scholarship ⭕️ffer from Southern Methodist University! @CoachThibbs @mrfootballwait #rightbacktowork… pic.twitter.com/No2oNW601K
— 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝗼𝐧 𝐉. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐲 ’𝗣𝗝’ (@PrestonJCareyPJ) January 31, 2025
The rising star in question is four-star defensive lineman Preston Carey from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Last weekend, Ohio State had a busy recruiting effort, hosting over 30 visitors and extending five new offers. One of those offers went to Carey, who has been on Ohio State’s radar since his freshman year. After receiving an early offer from the Buckeyes, Carey has continued to impress, leading to Ryan Day personally visiting IMG Academy to check in on him.
Following the visit, Carey shared his enthusiasm on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“It was great having @ryandaytime reigning National Champion Head Coach stop by to see me today at @IMGAcademy! It is always nice seeing Coach Day! I always appreciate meeting with you Coach! @OhioStateFB.”
However, while Ohio State has remained consistent in its pursuit, another CFP contender has emerged, potentially changing Carey’s path.
The Rising Threat: SMU Enters the Race
Southern Methodist University (SMU) has officially entered the recruiting battle, adding to Carey’s growing list of offers. His excitement was evident when he posted on X:
“After another great daily workout at @IMGAcademy and a great conversation with @CoachHun_SMU @CoachMoCrum @SMUFB @rhettlashlee I am blessed to receive my 47th Full Scholarship ⭕️ffer from Southern Methodist University!”
This new offer has further intensified the competition for Carey’s commitment. The question now is whether the lure of Ohio State and other powerhouses will be enough to keep him from considering SMU as a serious option.
Alabama: The Dream Offer
Despite the growing list of suitors, Carey’s heart has long been set on one school—Alabama. When he received his offer from the Crimson Tide, he wasted no time expressing his excitement:
“I am very blessed and honored to receive my 42nd D1 Full Scholarship [O]ffer from The University of Alabama!!!”
For Carey, Alabama represents more than just another football program—it’s his dream school. The stadium, the fans, the academics, and the coaching staff all played a role in making Alabama his top choice.
“Alabama was an offer I was waiting for,” Carey admitted, showing clear enthusiasm for what the program could offer.
However, Carey has yet to finalize his top choices. He has made visits to Florida and Indiana and mentioned that schools like Georgia, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, and Texas are still heavily pursuing him. Ryan Day and Ohio State remain firmly in the race, but Carey has also hinted that he intends to visit Alabama as soon as possible.
What’s Next?
Carey is expected to narrow down his choices in the coming months. With 47 offers in hand, he plans to take official visits and ultimately announce his decision by the end of June.
For Ohio State, the competition is fierce, but Ryan Day still has a chance to land this top-tier prospect. However, Alabama remains a strong contender, and SMU’s recent involvement adds an extra layer of intrigue.
As Carey weighs his options, the battle for his commitment is far from over. Will he follow his heart to Alabama, or will another program steal the spotlight? The countdown to his decision is on.