Report: Former Oklahoma RB Seth McGowan Headed to SEC School

The college football transfer portal continues to be one of the most significant storylines in the modern era of the sport, as players across the nation search for new opportunities, fresh starts, and a better chance to showcase their talent. For former Oklahoma running back Seth McGowan, that opportunity has led him to a new home in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In a move that has sent ripples through both the Big 12 and SEC, McGowan’s decision to transfer to an SEC school marks a significant chapter in his college football journey.

Once seen as one of the brightest young stars in the Oklahoma Sooners’ backfield, McGowan’s departure from the program and subsequent move to the SEC signals a new phase in his career. The news has sparked conversations across college football circles about what his next step will look like, what his transfer means for Oklahoma’s running back depth, and how McGowan will fare in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences.

In this article, we’ll explore McGowan’s time at Oklahoma, the factors leading to his decision to transfer, and the implications of his move to an SEC school—whether that school is a powerhouse or an up-and-coming contender.

The Early Days of Seth McGowan’s Career at Oklahoma

Seth McGowan’s college football career began with high expectations. A highly recruited running back from Mesquite, Texas, McGowan arrived at Oklahoma in 2020 as part of a recruiting class that was loaded with talent. He was widely considered one of the top running back prospects in the country, with a unique blend of speed, agility, and power that made him an intriguing prospect for head coach Lincoln Riley and the Sooners.

McGowan made an immediate impact during his freshman year at Oklahoma, displaying flashes of the talent that had earned him a spot on the team. In his first season, he contributed both in the running game and as a pass catcher out of the backfield, quickly becoming a key part of the rotation behind star running backs like Kennedy Brooks and Rhamondre Stevenson. McGowan’s ability to make plays in space, combined with his vision and acceleration, allowed him to earn consistent snaps in an offense that was known for its high-powered attack and prolific running game.

During the 2020 season, McGowan had a solid debut, showing promise in limited action. He finished the year with 47 carries for 370 yards and four touchdowns. While his numbers didn’t rival those of the starting running backs, McGowan’s versatility and natural athleticism were enough to make him a promising young player for the Sooners. As a freshman, he looked poised for a larger role in the future, and many expected him to develop into a key contributor as the program moved forward.

In 2021, McGowan’s role on the team continued to expand. With Stevenson leaving for the NFL, the Sooners were left with a void in the backfield, and many saw McGowan as a potential heir apparent to lead the running back room. However, things did not play out as many had anticipated. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, McGowan was never able to consistently earn the starting job, with other backs like Brooks and Eric Gray emerging as primary options in the rotation. McGowan continued to battle for playing time, but it became clear that he was no longer a guaranteed part of the offense.

The Transfer Decision: Why McGowan Left Oklahoma

The decision to leave Oklahoma was not one that McGowan made lightly, and it was one that came with its fair share of speculation and discussion. While McGowan was undoubtedly a talented back, the dynamics of the Oklahoma running back room were shifting, and that shift ultimately led to his departure.

There were several factors that likely played a role in McGowan’s decision to transfer. One of the most significant was the changing landscape of the Oklahoma offense under new head coach Brent Venables. After Lincoln Riley’s departure for USC, Venables brought a new philosophy to the program, one that was centered around defense and balance. With that shift, the emphasis on the running game and the role of the running backs in the offense also changed. Venables, who had previously built a defensive powerhouse at Clemson, inherited a roster with some of the best offensive talent in the country, but there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the direction of the program as the Sooners transitioned into a new era.

At the same time, McGowan was facing fierce competition in the backfield from a talented group of running backs. Gray, a transfer from Tennessee, was expected to play a prominent role, and Brooks, who had been a starter for multiple years, was also back for the 2022 season. McGowan’s struggles to consistently earn playing time in this crowded backfield were likely a contributing factor to his decision to seek a fresh start elsewhere.

Furthermore, McGowan’s decision to leave came at a time when the college football transfer portal had become a much more viable option for players who were looking for a change of scenery. The portal had become an increasingly popular route for players who wanted to explore new opportunities, and McGowan likely saw the transfer as a way to find a program where he could earn more consistent playing time and have a chance to develop further.

McGowan’s Transfer Destination: Heading to the SEC

After entering the transfer portal, McGowan’s next move became the subject of much speculation. As one of the top running back prospects available, he was sure to receive interest from multiple schools across the country. His decision to transfer to an SEC school, however, raised eyebrows in the college football world.

The SEC has long been considered the most competitive conference in college football, home to powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Auburn. It is a conference known for its elite defenses, punishing running games, and physical style of play. The decision to head to the SEC was a bold one, but it also made sense for McGowan’s long-term development. The SEC has a history of developing running backs who go on to have successful careers in the NFL, and McGowan likely saw the opportunity to test himself against the best competition in the country as a way to improve his game and showcase his talents on a bigger stage.

While McGowan has yet to officially announce which SEC school he will be joining, there are a few schools that could be strong contenders for his services. Some reports have suggested that schools like Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Mississippi State could be among the top destinations for McGowan, all of which have had success in recent years and boast strong running games. Each of these schools would provide McGowan with a chance to step into a prominent role and contribute immediately.

Ole Miss, in particular, could be an intriguing fit for McGowan. The Rebels have built a reputation for their high-powered offense under head coach Lane Kiffin, and their running game has been a key part of their success. With Ole Miss losing some key players in the backfield, McGowan could step in and become a central part of the offense. Arkansas, under head coach Sam Pittman, has also developed a reputation for its physical running game, and McGowan could thrive in that system as well. Similarly, Mississippi State, with its balanced offensive attack under head coach Mike Leach, could be a solid fit for McGowan, giving him the opportunity to contribute both as a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

What McGowan Brings to His New Team

Wherever McGowan lands, he will undoubtedly bring a lot of talent to his new team. His blend of size, speed, and agility makes him a difficult player to bring down in the open field, and his ability to make plays as both a rusher and a receiver gives him the versatility that modern offenses are looking for in a running back. His time at Oklahoma, while not as fruitful as some had hoped, was still valuable in terms of developing his skills and learning how to operate in a high-pressure environment.

McGowan has shown the ability to be a breakout player in the right system. In his freshman year at Oklahoma, he demonstrated impressive vision, balance, and power as a runner. While his role at Oklahoma diminished over time, McGowan has the potential to be a key contributor in any offense that prioritizes the running game. He’s a well-rounded back who can contribute on early downs, in short-yardage situations, and as a receiving threat out of the backfield. His ability to catch passes and make plays in space will be especially valuable in today’s college football landscape, where versatility is prized.

In terms of physical traits, McGowan possesses a combination of speed and power that makes him difficult to tackle in the open field. At 6 feet tall and weighing around 210 pounds, he has the size to break tackles and gain yards after contact, but he also has the burst to get to the second level quickly. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field has always been one of his most impressive qualities, and it’s one that he will look to showcase more consistently in his new environment.

The Bigger Picture: What McGowan’s Transfer Means for Oklahoma

While McGowan’s decision to leave Oklahoma may be disappointing for the Sooners’ fan base, it is important to keep things in perspective. Oklahoma remains one of the most talented and well-coached programs in college football, and their running back room still boasts plenty of talent. With Kennedy Brooks having moved on and other backs like Eric Gray and Marcus Major continuing to develop, the Sooners will be able to continue their high-powered offense without McGowan.

That said, McGowan’s departure does leave a void that Oklahoma will need to address. The Sooners will likely look to continue developing their remaining running backs and may even explore the transfer portal for additional depth. However, the program’s ability to reload and develop talent is one of its greatest strengths, and it’s expected that Oklahoma will continue to have one of the nation’s top running games, even without McGowan in the fold.

Conclusion: The Next Chapter for Seth McGowan

As Seth McGowan moves on from Oklahoma and heads to an SEC school, he is embarking on the next phase of his college football journey. His decision to transfer is a reflection of his desire to find a new challenge and continue developing as a player. Wherever he lands, McGowan will bring a wealth of talent and the drive to prove that he is capable of playing at the highest level.

For Oklahoma, McGowan’s departure marks the end of a chapter, but the program remains strong and well-positioned for success in the future. The Sooners will continue to reload and develop their running backs, and McGowan’s journey will serve as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of college football.

As McGowan transitions to the SEC, one thing is certain: his next steps will be watched closely by fans, analysts, and former teammates alike. The next chapter in his career promises to be just as exciting as his time at Oklahoma, and we can expect McGowan to continue chasing his dreams with the same determination that he’s shown throughout his journey.