Mark Bowman, a 5-star tight end recruit, is leaning toward the Georgia Bulldogs or the Oregon Ducks.

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of college football recruiting, few decisions are as impactful as the one facing Mark Bowman, a 5-star tight end recruit from the class of 2025. As one of the top prospects in his position, Bowman has been drawing attention from every major college football program across the country. But as the recruiting process enters its final stages, two schools have emerged as the primary contenders for his services: the Georgia Bulldogs and the Oregon Ducks.

These two prestigious programs represent contrasting approaches to football, but both have a rich tradition of success and are looking to build on their current momentum. On one hand, Georgia, led by head coach Kirby Smart, has become a national powerhouse, winning national championships and consistently competing for top recruits. On the other, Oregon, under the direction of head coach Dan Lanning, has made significant strides in recent years, bringing in a new era of innovation and excitement to the program. For Bowman, choosing between these two elite programs will require careful consideration of various factors, from the offensive systems to the culture, the coaching staff, and the long-term potential of each program.

The Rise of Mark Bowman

Mark Bowman is widely regarded as one of the most talented tight ends to come out of the high school ranks in recent years. Standing at 6’6” and weighing in at 240 pounds, Bowman has the ideal combination of size, athleticism, and skill that has made him a coveted prospect. His ability to stretch the field as a receiver, combined with his physicality as a blocker, gives him the versatility that modern offenses crave in tight ends. Over the course of his high school career at North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Georgia, Bowman has dominated defenses with his smooth route-running, hands, and ability to create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs. His film speaks volumes: Bowman is a weapon both in the passing game and as a blocker, making him an all-around threat at the position.

Bowman’s ability to create separation downfield, combined with his competitive edge, has made him a 5-star recruit in the eyes of recruiting experts. Whether running an out route, a seam route, or blocking in the run game, Bowman has proven to be one of the most well-rounded tight end prospects in recent memory. Given his skill set, it’s no surprise that programs like Georgia and Oregon, both of which have high-powered offenses and a history of developing NFL-caliber talent, have positioned themselves as prime landing spots for Bowman.

Georgia Bulldogs: A Tradition of Tight End Development and Championship Ambitions

For Bowman, the Georgia Bulldogs have been a constant presence in his recruitment. Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has become a perennial national contender, with a focus on building a dominant program based on elite recruiting, physicality, and strong team culture. In the last few years, Georgia has had tremendous success, winning the 2021 National Championship and consistently competing for SEC titles and College Football Playoff berths.

Offensive Philosophy and Tight End Usage

Georgia has become well known for its ability to develop both tight ends and offensive players at large, and this tradition has been one of the key selling points for Bowman. Smart’s offensive philosophy is predicated on a balanced attack, with an emphasis on physicality and establishing the run. Tight ends in Smart’s system are often asked to contribute both as blockers and as pass-catchers, making them a central piece of the offense.

In recent seasons, Georgia has successfully utilized its tight end position as a critical component of its offense. Players like Brock Bowers, who is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in college football, have shown that Georgia tight ends can be major weapons in both the passing game and the running game. Bowers, in particular, has redefined the tight end position with his combination of speed, hands, and ability to make plays after the catch, and Bowman sees the opportunity to follow in Bowers’ footsteps as an exciting possibility.

Smart’s offense often operates with multiple tight end sets, and this system creates opportunities for tight ends to be a major factor in both the running and passing game. Bowman’s size and versatility would allow him to step in and make an immediate impact as both a blocker in the running game and a red-zone target in the passing game.

Coaching and Player Development

One of the major attractions of Georgia’s program is its consistent ability to develop talent. Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has produced a steady stream of NFL players, particularly at positions like linebacker, running back, and offensive line. The program has also shown a knack for developing tight ends, with several recent prospects, including Bowers, earning high marks from NFL scouts.

For Bowman, the opportunity to work with Smart and Georgia’s offensive staff is enticing. Smart is known for his disciplined, no-nonsense approach to coaching, but he is also deeply committed to developing players into professionals. Bowman has spoken highly of the staff’s focus on preparing players for the next level, and the success of former Georgia tight ends only reinforces the program’s ability to nurture elite talent.

In addition, Georgia’s proximity to Bowman’s home in Suwanee, Georgia, could make the Bulldogs an even more appealing option. With a family-oriented atmosphere and a program that has been near the top of the college football world for the past several years, Georgia presents Bowman with an opportunity to remain close to home while playing at the highest level.

Oregon Ducks: Innovation and a Growing Program

While Georgia has been the dominant force in Bowman’s recruitment, Oregon has also made a strong case for landing the highly-touted tight end. Under Dan Lanning, who took over as head coach in 2022, Oregon has seen a resurgence in both recruiting and on-field performance. Lanning, who previously served as Georgia’s defensive coordinator, brought with him a wealth of knowledge about what it takes to compete for championships. With a focus on a high-tempo, innovative offensive system, Oregon has become an exciting option for Bowman, particularly given their aggressive use of the tight end position.

Offensive Philosophy and Tight End Usage

Oregon’s offensive system under Lanning has been designed to create mismatches and put pressure on opposing defenses through speed, tempo, and creativity. The Ducks run a fast-paced, spread offense that has allowed them to exploit mismatches across the field, and the tight end position is no exception. Under offensive coordinator Will Stein, who joined the Ducks from UTSA, Oregon has sought to incorporate more versatility at the tight end spot, utilizing them in a variety of ways, including as both blockers and pass-catchers.

Oregon’s offense is built around a quarterback-friendly system, and the tight end is often used as a weapon in both the run game and passing attack. With talented quarterbacks like Bo Nix leading the charge, Bowman could see significant opportunities to contribute in the passing game, whether on short-yardage situations, red-zone targets, or deep routes down the middle of the field.

One of the unique aspects of Oregon’s offense is their ability to create wide-open spaces for their tight ends. Unlike traditional offenses that rely heavily on tight ends to line up next to the tackle, Oregon uses motion, spread formations, and tempo to allow their tight ends to get open in space. This style of offense could allow Bowman to showcase his skills as a downfield receiver, making big plays in the passing game, which is especially attractive to a prospect of his caliber.

Coaching and Player Development

Under Dan Lanning, Oregon has been able to bring in some of the best coaches and player developers in the country, particularly after Lanning’s successful tenure at Georgia. The Ducks have made significant strides in recruiting, and Bowman is impressed by the way Lanning and his staff have been able to balance both offensive innovation with a commitment to player development.

While Oregon might not have the same track record of developing NFL-caliber tight ends as Georgia, the Ducks have been increasingly successful at developing skill players for the next level. Players like Kayvon Thibodeaux (defensive end) and Justin Herbert (quarterback) have shown that Oregon has the ability to develop elite talent, and Bowman sees the potential for a similar rise under Lanning’s watch.

Additionally, Oregon’s location on the West Coast provides a unique opportunity for Bowman to experience a different style of football while still playing at an elite level. The Ducks are on the rise in the Pac-12 and have aspirations of competing for national championships, making them an attractive option for a player looking to build his legacy.

What Does Mark Bowman Value Most?

In the end, the decision for Bowman will likely come down to a combination of factors. On the one hand, Georgia offers a championship pedigree, a proven track record of developing NFL tight ends, and the allure of staying close to home. On the other, Oregon provides an innovative offense, a fresh opportunity to build something special, and the chance to experience a different football culture while playing at the highest level.

Bowman has made it clear that he is looking for a program where he can develop as both a player and a person. He values a coaching staff that emphasizes not just football IQ but also personal growth and preparation for the next level. Additionally, he has expressed a desire to play in an offense that will allow him to make a significant impact on the field, whether as a blocker, pass catcher, or both.

Both Georgia and Oregon have their merits, and as Bowman nears his final decision,

it will be intriguing to see which school he believes will provide him with the best opportunity to excel on the field and achieve his long-term goals. As the recruitment process heats up, it’s clear that both the Bulldogs and the Ducks will continue to push hard for Bowman’s commitment. Whatever decision Bowman ultimately makes, it’s sure to be a game-changer for whichever program lands him.