Preston Watson

Duke defensive lineman Preston Watson rushes towards the backfield during the Blue Devils' 38-3 victory at Syracuse on September 27, 2025.

Photo by: Duke Athletics

Preston Watson celebrates a fumble recovery against Florida State.

Photo by: Duke Athletics

Preston Watson makes a tackle against UNC.

Photo by: Duke Athletics

Preston Watson and Kevin O'Connor make a tackle at Middle Tennessee.

Photo by: Duke Athletics

Preston Watson reacts to the snap against Elon.

Photo by: Duke Athletics

Position:
Defensive Tackle
Height:
6-1
Class:
Junior
Hometown:
Lake Mary, Fla.

2026: Returning defensive tackle … in 27 career games, has compiled 21 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, one fumble recovery, one PBU and three QB pressures … recorded 2+ tackles in five games with a career-high three against Elon in 2025 … posted a career-high 1.5 TFL at Tulane in 2025 ... credited with 0.5 sacks versus Middle Tennessee in 2024 and Syracuse in 2025 … recovered a fumble against Florida State in 2024 ... booked a career-high two QB pressures at North Carolina in 2025 … broke up a pass versus Georgia Tech in 2025 … has played 522 career snaps.

2025: Experienced action in all 14 games … collected 14 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 0.5 sack, one PBU and two QB pressures … tallied a year-high three stops against Elon in the season opener … added two tackles versus Tulane and Georgia Tech … registered a year-high 1.5 TFL at Tulane … closed the season with 1.0 TFL versus Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl … recorded 0.5 sack at Syracuse … logged a season-best two QB pressures at North Carolina … broke up a pass versus Georgia Tech ... on the field for 308 snaps.

2024: Saw action in all 13 games … one of just four true freshmen to letter ... compiled seven tackles, 1.0 TFL, 0.5 sack, one fumble recovery and one QB pressure … booked a year-high two stops, including 0.5 TFL, versus Middle Tennessee and North Carolina … registered 0.5 sack at Middle Tennessee … recovered a fumble against Florida State … logged a QB pressure versus Connecticut ... on the field for 214 snaps ... enrolled at Duke in January 2024.

PRIOR TO DUKE: Lettered three seasons at Seminole under coach Karl Calhoun Jr. … rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com, ESPN.com and Rivals.com … charted as the No. 35 defensive tackle nationally and No. 68 prospect from the state of Florida according to ESPN.com … compiled 172 career tackles, 43.0 TFL and 20.0 sacks … caused two fumbles and had one INT during senior season … helped Seminole to a 25-5 record, including three state playoff appearances … named the Orlando Touchdown Club defensive player of the year and SAC defensive player of the year as a senior … a two-time defensive line MVP … also participated in basketball, earning the most improved player award.

PERSONAL: Son of Derek Triplett and Luanne Sorrell Triplett.