A late add to the 2026 Rice Football Recruiting class at a position of need, defensive end Preston Healy has committed to the Owls.
Much of the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class was wrapped up on National Signing Day when head coach Scott Abell met with the media to formally introduce the newest Owls. But even during that session, Abell hinted at later additions to come, one of which has finally materialized. Defensive end Preston Healy has committed to the Owls.
As has been the case for a handful of the spring additions to the class, Healy was a relatively lightly recruited player from the Texas High School football ranks. Before Rice came along, he had offers from Trinity, Stetson, Colorado School of Mines, Presbyterian and others. The Owls liked what they saw, though, swooping in to make Healy one of the finishing touches on their 2026 haul.
“I realized this is an opportunity I couldn’t waste,” Healy told The Roost, adding that he’s “just very blessed to be going to such an amazing school.”
Healy is the seventh addition of a growing contingent in the defensive trenches from the high school ranks, joining signees JD Singletary, Seth Clarke, Quincy Tchikou, Tyler Lavallier, Chris Knauls and Ian Harrell. Rice also added JUCO transfer Brock Reddic and Eastern Washington transfer Tariq May along the line. Healy also joins former teammate Luca Akirtava, who was a freshman with the Owls last season.
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There’s a lot to love when it comes to Healy’s film. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound edge has a tremendous closing burst and plays bigger than this frame. “Effort and finding the football” were two traits he says embody his game the most, and that comes through on tape. He has multiple moves in his pass rushing arsenal and plays with high effort. He’ll be a great fit on South Main.