In what’s shaping up to be a pivotal recruiting cycle, Alabama football is firmly in the mix for one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2025 class — Preston Carey. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound standout from IMG Academy has emerged as a major national target, and he’s set his sights on a summer decision with a June commitment timeline in mind.
Carey, a dominant presence on the defensive front, has scheduled seven official visits for the upcoming months, one of which will take him to Tuscaloosa to see the Alabama Crimson Tide. Widely regarded for his blend of size, strength, and athleticism, Carey has been rising up recruiting boards and has drawn serious attention from many of the country’s top programs.
Among the schools battling for his signature are Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Michigan, USC, Oklahoma, and Texas. But it’s the Crimson Tide that seem to be making a particularly strong impression.
In a recent interview, Carey spoke highly of the Alabama program, particularly its competitive environment and legacy of excellence.
“Alabama sets a high standard — not just in how they play, but in how they develop players and carry themselves,” Carey said. “It’s a winning culture, and they’re going to push you to be the best version of yourself. That’s what I’m looking for.”
The Tide’s recruiting staff, now under the leadership of head coach Kalen DeBoer following the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban, has made Carey a priority target. Defensive line coach Freddie Roach and the rest of the defensive staff have been in regular contact with Carey, emphasizing the opportunities available at Alabama both on and off the field.
At IMG Academy, Carey has built a reputation as a relentless disruptor in the trenches. He combines elite size with quick feet and a high football IQ, making him equally effective against the run and in collapsing the pocket. In the 2023 season, he totaled 45 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks, routinely commanding double teams and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Recruiting analysts have described Carey as one of the most college-ready defensive linemen in the 2025 class. His technique, physical maturity, and motor give him a high floor, while his upside as a pass-rusher makes him a potential game-changer at the next level.
Carey’s official visit to Alabama is expected to take place in early June, and it could be a defining moment in his recruitment. The Crimson Tide’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber defensive linemen — from Jonathan Allen to Quinnen Williams and Will Anderson Jr. — speaks for itself. Carey is well aware of that track record and how it aligns with his own long-term goals.
“Development is huge for me,” Carey said. “I want to be challenged. I want to be somewhere that prepares me for the next level — and Alabama is definitely that place.”
With a commitment expected soon after his official visits wrap up, Alabama fans and coaches alike will be watching closely. Adding Carey to the 2025 class would not only bolster the Crimson Tide’s defensive front for the future but also send a strong message that Alabama remains a powerhouse on the recruiting trail under its new era of leadership.
Stay tuned — June is shaping up to be a crucial month in Carey’s recruitment, and the Tide are right in the thick of it.
