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5-Star Recruit Mark Bowman Reveals Finalists: USC Trojans, Oregon, Georgia, Texas

Five-star tight end recruit Mark Bowman has narrowed his college choices to seven programs. The standout tight end from Huntington Beach, California, confirmed that the USC Trojans, Oregon Ducks, Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Longhorns, Miami Hurricanes, Ole Miss Rebels, and Ohio State Buckeyes remain in the hunt.

Nathan Fusco

Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during the Holiday Bowl at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during the Holiday Bowl at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Five-star recruit Mark Bowman, one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 class, has narrowed his college choices to seven programs. The standout tight end from Huntington Beach, California, confirmed that the USC Trojans, Oregon Ducks, Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Longhorns, Miami Hurricanes, Ole Miss Rebels, and Ohio State Buckeyes remain in the hunt.

Bowman is rated as the No. 1 tight end in the class of 2026 according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

Mark Bowman attends Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, and his recruitment has drawn national attention. At 6-foot-4, 228 pounds, he brings a combination of physical strength and agility that makes him a threat in any offensive scheme. Since joining the 2026 class, he has become one of the most heavily pursued recruits in the country.

Lincoln Riley
Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during the Holiday Bowl at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans have made Bowman a top priority, with his official visit to Los Angeles scheduled for June 17. USC coach Lincoln Riley and his staff have focused on keeping Southern California’s premier talent at home, and Bowman fits that mold perfectly. The program’s renewed energy on the recruiting trail has not gone unnoticed, especially by in-state prospects like Bowman.

Bowman’s recruitment remains highly competitive, with six other programs still in the mix. The Ducks, Bulldogs, Longhorns, Hurricanes, Ole Miss, and the Buckeyes all continue to push hard for the five-star recruit. Each school offers unique opportunities, from offensive schemes that highlight tight ends to strong player development programs.

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Bowman has praised the Oregon Ducks for their long-standing interest and strong relationships with their coaching staff.

“Oregon has been recruiting me as long as anyone,” Bowman told On3. That consistency and connection have made the Ducks a serious contender for his commitment.

Texas Longhorns have also caught Bowman’s attention, especially with how they utilize tight ends in their offense.

Bowman noted, “How the tight ends play in the Texas offense and how they are used has my attention there. They coach their guys hard and give them plenty of chances to make plays.”

The Longhorns’ reputation for developing tight ends and their dynamic offense makes them an appealing option.

Georgia Bulldogs and Miami Hurricanes also remain in the mix, each offering unique benefits. Georgia’s strong program and focus on player development appeal to Bowman, while Miami’s energetic environment and offensive style provide another attractive opportunity. Bowman’s decision will ultimately hinge on where he feels he can best grow as both a player and a person.

With official visits scheduled and recruitment heating up, the decision for Mark Bowman will come down to fit and opportunity. Whether he chooses to stay close to home with USC or pursue a path with one of the other finalists, Bowman’s arrival will have an immediate impact. College football fans will be watching closely as one of the nation’s top recruits prepares to make a choice that could shape the future of multiple programs.

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Nathan Fusco
NATHAN FUSCO

Nathan Fusco is beat writer for USC Trojans on SI. Nathan is an experienced Copy Editor and SEO Lead with a passion for sports, esports, and content development. Having spent seven years with Minute Media, Nathan played a pivotal role in the growth of DBLTAP Esports, where they helped transform the platform from a sports subsection into a prominent brand within the esports industry. As a founding editor, they contributed to DBLTAP's rise, earning it a finalist nomination for "Best Coverage Site" at the 2018 Esports Industry Awards. In addition to their editorial expertise, Nathan managed a team of writers and editors while overseeing SEO responsibilities for DBLTAP, optimizing content to enhance visibility and engagement. Their work also included building and running a national internship program in collaboration with dozens of colleges and universities, offering opportunities to aspiring content creators. When not watching USC or all things Big Ten, you can catch Nathan coaching high school football or competing in powerlifting. Go NYJ!

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