Oregon Ducks Battling SEC Program For Five-Star Wide Receiver Recruit Kesean Bowman

The Oregon Ducks are battling one of the SEC's top programs for their 2027 five-star wide receiver commit. Despite committing to Oregon earlier in the summer, five-star recruit Kesean Bowman is still being pursued by the Tennessee Volunteers.

Aug 30, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel on the field before a game against the Syracuse Orange at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Oregon Ducks are looking to hold onto their top commit in their 2027 recruiting class as an SEC program makes a serious run at him. Five-star wide receiver Kesean Bowman is still hearing from the Tennessee Volunteers as they look to flip the Tennessee native away from the Ducks.

Bowman decided to pull the trigger and commit to Oregon on July 24, but hasn't completely shut down his recruitment, allowing for the Vols to creep into the picture.

Volunteers Pushing For Bowman

Brentwood Academy's Kesean Bowman (11) escapes from Father Ryan's Mason Bryant (3) during the second quarter at Father Ryan High School in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. | Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Chad Simmons of Rivals said that the Ducks' are facing stiff competition from their five-star wide receiver commit from an SEC powerhouse in Tennessee.

"Kesean Bowman committed earlier than most expected, and he chose a school on the other side of the country —Oregon. The Vols are pushing hard to keep the four-star out of Brentwood (Tenn.) Brentwood Academy home. He will be in Knoxville next weekend. Bowman was at Ohio State last weekend, where the Buckeyes made a major impression," Simmons said.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel and the Vols just flipped 2026 five-star wide receiver Tristan Keys away from LSU, proving that they pose as a serious threat to flip Bowman away from the Ducks.

"While Bowman remains committed to Oregon, his recruitment is far from finished, and we view Tennessee as the Ducks’ top competition," Simmons said.

The No. 6 wide receiver and No. 36 player in the country according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings, Bowman has been considered as one of the best pass catchers in the cycle. He picked up his first offer from Kentucky in 2023 and has since racked up a total of 39 offers.

Bowman Making His Rounds

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning walks the field as the Oregon Ducks host the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Sept. 6, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tennessee will not be the only program to receive a visit from Bowman this season. He's already been to Ohio State for their season-opening win vs. Texas. Bowman plans to make a trip to Texas to visit the Longhorns and could potentially make his way down to LSU as well.

Despite traveling to other schools, Bowman has shown any signs of his commitment to Oregon wavering.

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Ducks' 2027 Recruiting Class

Dec 28, 2022; San Diego, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning reacts after the 2022 Holiday Bowl against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Bowman is the highest-ranked member of Oregon's 2027 recruiting class that ranks No. 11 in the country according to 247Sports' rankings.

Four-star edge rusher Cameron Pritchett is the longest-committed recruit in the Ducks' 2027 class. He ranks as the No. 29 edge rusher and No. 255 player in the country according to. 247Sports' Composite rankings.

Oregon has been looking for key pieces to add on the defensive side of the ball for their 2027 class and starting off with a player like Pritchett isn't a bad way to begin.