Preston Zinter


Preston Grant Zinter is an American college football tight end for the Rice Owls of the American Conference. He previously played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as a linebacker and defensive end.

High school career

Zinter played for Central Catholic High School. He received several collegiate scholarship offers during his time at the school. He was named to the all-state team by the Massachusetts High School Football Association in 2021.

College career

Notre Dame

Zinter committed to Notre Dame in February 2022. He officially signed with the team in December of the same year. He enrolled with the school early, in February 2023. He was redshirted in 2023, and played as a reserve linebacker during the 2024 season. He played in all sixteen games of the season.
In 2025, Zinter switched to defensive end and led the team in special teams snaps. By the end of the season, he has nine career tackles. He entered the transfer portal in January 2026.

Rice

Zinter committed to the Rice Owls on January 13, 2026. He was recruited by Rice as a tight end.

Personal life

Zinter's brother, Zak, played for the Michigan Wolverines at the time that Zinter committed to Notre Dame.