Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats football team dipped into the transfer portal to find a former Oklahoma running back.
Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats Football Team Dip into the Transfer Portal to Find a Former Oklahoma Running Back
In a strategic move to bolster their backfield, Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops has turned to the transfer portal, securing the commitment of former Oklahoma and New Mexico State running back Seth McGowan. McGowan’s addition brings a mix of experience and potential to a Wildcats’ running game that seeks to regain its former dominance.
Seth McGowan: A Journey of Redemption and Resurgence
Seth McGowan’s football journey has been anything but conventional. Originally a four-star recruit from Mesquite, Texas, McGowan began his collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma in 2020. His freshman season showed promise, rushing for 370 yards and scoring four touchdowns. However, off-field issues led to his dismissal from the program in 2021 following an armed robbery investigation, resulting in a year of probation.
Determined to continue his football career, McGowan took a circuitous route. He spent time at Texas College (NAIA) in 2022 and Butler Community College in 2023, working to regain his form and reputation. In 2024, he returned to Division I football with New Mexico State, where he showcased his skills by rushing for 813 yards and catching 23 passes, demonstrating his power, speed, and versatility.
Kentucky’s Running Back Depth and the Need for McGowan
The Wildcats’ running back depth was a concern following spring practice, prompting the coaching staff to seek experienced talent through the transfer portal. McGowan’s addition addresses this need, providing a seasoned back who can contribute immediately. His familiarity with Kentucky’s running backs coach, Jay Boulware—who previously recruited him at Oklahoma—and his connection with former New Mexico State teammate Shiyazh Pete, now at Kentucky, could facilitate a smooth transition into the Wildcats’ system.
Stoops’ Strategic Use of the Transfer Portal
Mark Stoops has been proactive in utilizing the transfer portal to enhance his team’s roster. Recognizing the importance of depth and experience, Stoops has added several key players, including quarterback Zach Calzada and running back Dante Dowdell, to strengthen the Wildcats’ lineup.
Stoops emphasized the importance of selecting players who fit the program’s culture and needs, stating, “The ability to select the right teammates… is always important. When you’re hitting the portal, it is vitally important because you are hitting free agency, essentially, with one-year guys or filling a player to hit a certain position”
Looking Ahead: McGowan’s Role in Kentucky’s Offense
With McGowan’s arrival, the Wildcats’ backfield gains a dynamic and experienced player capable of making an immediate impact. His blend of size, speed, and versatility complements the existing talent in Kentucky’s offense, including returning backs Ray Davis and Jamarion Wilcox. Together, they form a formidable trio that can provide balance and explosiveness to the Wildcats’ running game.
As Kentucky prepares for the upcoming season, the addition of Seth McGowan through the transfer portal represents a calculated move by Mark Stoops to enhance his team’s competitiveness in the Southeastern Conference. With McGowan’s experience and skill set, the Wildcats’ offense is poised for a more dynamic and effective running game.
