USC Trojans defensive coaches Eric Henderson and Shaun Nua are actively pursuing a significant number of highly-rated defensive line prospects. Their recruiting efforts have placed them in strong contention for seven defensive linemen ranked among the nation’s top 100 players, an additional eight ranked among the top 200, and a further five ranked within the On300.
Preston Carey Narrows Search to 7, Including USC Trojans
Four-star IMG Academy (Fla.) defensive lineman Preston Carey has narrowed his college choices to seven schools, including USC, and has set his commitment date for June 30th. Carey’s list of contenders includes a formidable group: Georgia, Ohio State, Auburn, Florida, Rutgers, Alabama, and USC. He has scheduled official visits with each of his finalists, culminating in a decision at the end of June.
A native of the Long Island area of New York, Carey transferred to IMG Academy for his junior season. During that year, he recorded 24 tackles, including five tackles for loss, along with two sacks and quarterback hurries. In his first two high school seasons at St. Anthony’s in New York, he totaled 90 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks.
Carey is a highly regarded prospect. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average of the four major recruiting media companies, he is the No. 278 overall prospect in the 2026 class. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 28 defensive lineman and the No. 40 recruit in the state of Florida.
Among the schools vying for his commitment, USC and Florida have recently hosted Carey for unofficial visits, and both appear to have made strong impressions.
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Regarding his visit to USC, Carey told On3’s Steve Wiltfong, “I also loved seeing California and LA for the first time in my life… LA is somewhat similar to where I was born and where I grew up as a kid (New York City) and I loved that. The program and 2026 class USC is building is great and you can see when you visit why so many people are getting on board… 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. I loved my visit and it excites me that their 2026 Class and staff is only getting better and better by the day.”
Florida, meanwhile, is aiming to keep Carey in the state after his move to IMG Academy. Carey has developed strong connections with several members of the Gators’ coaching staff, and his visit early in March solidified his positive feelings about the program. “My eyes have opened with them way more (Saturday) than they have in the past,” Carey told GatorsOnline.
Carey’s official visit schedule will begin with Georgia (May 16), followed by Ohio State (June 1), Auburn (June 3), Florida (June 6), Rutgers (June 14), Alabama (June 17), and USC (June 20).