"Coach Napier is always reaching out to me": Four-star DL Preston Carey credits Florida coach for maintaining communication

Four-star defensive lineman Preston Carey has become one of the most sought-after prospects, thanks in large part to his move from New York to the IMG Academy in Florida. This transition has elevated his profile and also placed him in the crosshairs of top-tier college programs.

One of the earliest and most persistent suitors in Carey’s recruitment has been Florida. It was on January 17 that Carey received the Gators' offer, which was his first since enrolling at IMG Academy. A week later, the prospect visited the campus and since then, coach Billy Napier has maintained consistent communication with him.

"Coach Napier is always reaching out to me and keeping in contact, so I know they will stay in the cards," Carey told Gators Online. "Even If I was going to OV there, if they build the relationship, I would totally do that.”

The bond between Carey and Florida goes beyond just Napier, as defensive line coach Gerald Chatman has also played a big role in fostering a connection.

“I’d honestly say it’s the relationships,” Carey said. “With there being so many great Florida schools, it can’t be location because every Florida school has a good location. The Florida Gators, the relationships and how they are are really good.”

Carey, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 280 pounds, has the physical attributes to be a powerful force on the defensive line. According to On3, he is ranked No. 19 defensive lineman in the 2026 class, No. 43 recruit in Florida, and No. 240 overall talent nationally. He is also rated as the No. 45 overall recruit in Florida and the No. 36 defensive lineman in the class.

The Gators currently have three players committed to their 2026 class, which ranks No. 11 in the 247 Sports composite team rankings. If Carey decides to join the Gators, he will become the first defensive lineman to commit to this class.

When will Preston Carey announce his commitment?

Despite having nearly two years left in high school, Preston Carey is already fielding offers from some of the most prestigious colleges, such as Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Michigan, USC, Florida State, Auburn, Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas A&M, among others. But his announcement will take time.

“Honestly, I’m just grateful for all my opportunities and just taking it day by day,” Carey told Gators Online. “In the winter, I will get a list of top schools, set OVs and look to commit next summer.”

The prospect has specific criteria that each potential school must meet to earn his commitment.

“I want a place where the best will play, no favoritism,” Carey told Irish Breakdown. “I also want a great relationship with my coaches and play in a scheme that fits me well. NIL will also be a part of my decision for sure.”

According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, Penn State is currently leading the race with a 27.7% chance of securing Carey’s commitment. Penn State boasts a 2026 class that includes six committed prospects, ranking No. 3 nationally.

Other schools in contention include Rutgers, with an 8.6% chance, Syracuse at 7.4%, and Ohio State at 6.1%.