Georgia Bulldogs Secure Commitment From Nation’s No. 1 TE Mark Bowman, Choosing Georgia Over Alabama, Ohio State and Texas in Highly Contested Decision

ATHENS, Ga. — In one of the most hotly contested recruiting battles of the 2025 cycle, the Georgia Bulldogs have landed a program-changing commitment from Mark Bowman, the consensus No. 1 tight end in the country, who chose Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs over Alabama, Ohio State, and the Texas Longhorns.

The 6-foot-6, 245-pound monster from IMG Academy made his commitment official in front of a packed crowd during a nationally televised announcement on ESPN. With a bold smile, Bowman picked up the Georgia Bulldogs cap, placed it on his head, and ignited a roar among Georgia fans nationwide.

“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” Bowman said. “Every school made me feel like family, but Georgia just hit different. The legacy, the culture, the development — it’s all there. I want to be the next great one. I’m going to Athens.”

The Crown Jewel of the 2025 Class

Mark Bowman’s commitment gives Georgia a monumental recruiting victory and secures the Bulldogs the top-ranked tight end in the nation for the third time in seven years, following in the footsteps of former stars like Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington.

With Bowman now officially on board, Georgia’s 2025 recruiting class jumps to the No. 1 overall spot nationally, according to both 247Sports and On3, edging out Alabama and Ohio State in what’s become a modern-day arms race of blue-chip talent.

“This is a massive win for Georgia,” said 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins. “Bowman is a generational tight end talent who will have an immediate impact. He’s the type of player who changes how defenses line up.”

A Talent Unlike Any Other

Bowman is more than a prototypical tight end — he’s a nightmare matchup. Standing 6-foot-6 with an 82-inch wingspan, elite hands, and deceptive 4.57 speed, he is the ultimate hybrid weapon capable of lining up in the slot, in-line, or split wide.

His 2024 junior season stats speak volumes:

• 64 receptions
• 1,122 yards
• 17 touchdowns
• 10 pancake blocks
• 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns

What separates Bowman, though, isn’t just the numbers — it’s how effortlessly he does it. He’s drawn comparisons to NFL standouts like Travis Kelce, Kyle Pitts, and yes, Georgia’s very own Brock Bowers.

“Mark is the most complete tight end I’ve coached in 20 years,” said IMG head coach Billy Miller. “He has the work ethic of a pro, the physical tools of a first-rounder, and the mindset of a winner. Georgia is getting a monster.”

Why Georgia? Bowman’s Breakdown

When asked why he chose Georgia over heavyweights like Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas, Bowman gave an honest and powerful answer.

“They made me feel like I belonged from the moment I stepped on campus,” he said. “Coach [Todd] Hartley is the best tight ends coach in the game. Coach [Kirby] Smart knows how to win. And Georgia is ‘Tight End U.’ I want to be great — and great tight ends play in Athens.”

Georgia’s Pitch: NFL Development + Winning Culture

Bowman’s recruitment was spearheaded by Todd Hartley, Georgia’s tight ends coach and one of the top recruiters in the nation. Hartley, who helped develop Bowers and Washington into NFL-ready talents, was relentless in pursuing Bowman.

“He told me from day one: ‘You’re not just a guy here. You’re the guy,’” Bowman said of Hartley. “He showed me how Georgia uses tight ends — not just to block, but as weapons.”

Kirby Smart sealed the deal during Bowman’s official visit in April, emphasizing player development, NFL preparation, and a team-first culture.

“Coach Smart just gets it,” Bowman said. “He talked about life after football, and that stuck with me.”

The Recruitment Battle: How Georgia Beat the Best

Alabama’s Push

Alabama made a fierce push, with tight ends coach Joe Cox forming a strong bond with Bowman. The Tide emphasized immediate playing time and NIL value, with Nick Saban’s successor maintaining an aggressive pitch to secure Bowman as a centerpiece of their 2025 class.

“I have mad respect for Alabama,” Bowman admitted. “It was neck and neck at one point.”

Ohio State’s Scheme Appeal

Ohio State offered Bowman a vision of being the next Jeremy Ruckert, and he built a relationship with Ryan Day. The Buckeyes sold him on offensive versatility and Big Ten spotlight, but Bowman wasn’t sold on their track record at tight end compared to Georgia’s.

“It was a great visit, and I loved the facilities,” Bowman said. “But it just didn’t feel like home.”

Texas NIL Offer and Offensive Spotlight

Texas threw their hat into the ring late with a massive NIL package reportedly worth over $1.8 million over four years. The Longhorns emphasized Steve Sarkisian’s offensive mind and a chance to be “the guy” in a wide-open Big 12-SEC transition year.

“I won’t lie, the NIL talk was real,” Bowman said. “But in the end, I care about development and championships. Georgia has both.”

Georgia’s Offensive Future Just Got Scary

With Bowman’s commitment, Georgia’s future offense is shaping into a terrifying unit for SEC defenses. He joins a 2025 class that includes:

• 5-star QB Kyle Trask
• 5-star WR Jaylen McCoy
• 4-star OL Tobias Frazier
• 4-star RB Cameron Riley

Pair Bowman with Trask — a laser-armed quarterback with a knack for hitting tight ends — and the Bulldogs may be on the verge of fielding their most explosive offense in the Kirby Smart era.

“It’s going to be fireworks in Athens,” Trask said in reaction to Bowman’s commitment. “That’s my guy. We’re building something special.”

What This Means for “Tight End U”

Georgia has staked its claim as “Tight End U” over the last five years, and Bowman’s decision only solidifies that status.

Under Todd Hartley’s guidance:

• Brock Bowers became a two-time All-American and Mackey Award winner
• Darnell Washington became a dual-threat NFL draft pick
• Oscar Delp emerged as the next big thing

Now, Bowman becomes the next torchbearer — and perhaps the most complete one yet.

“Georgia didn’t just win a recruiting battle,” said ESPN’s Tom Luginbill. “They extended their dynasty at tight end.”

Reactions Pour In

Social Media Explodes

Within minutes of Bowman’s announcement, Twitter/X, Instagram, and college football message boards exploded with reactions.

• “Kirby Smart just pulled off a heist.” — @CFBRecruiting247
• “The Trask-to-Bowman combo in Athens is going to be nasty.” — @ESPN_CollegeFB
• “This is a Bowers-level impact player. Massive get.” — @On3Recruits

Coaches React

• Kirby Smart: “Mark is elite. He embodies everything we want in a Bulldog. He’ll make us better on Day 1.”
• Todd Hartley: “Couldn’t be more proud. Mark is the best in the country, and he chose to be great here.”
• Billy Miller (IMG HC): “Mark’s best football is ahead of him. Georgia fans, you got a special one.”

Looking Ahead: Early Enrollment, Big Goals

Bowman plans to graduate early and enroll at Georgia in January 2025, where he’ll participate in spring ball and begin learning the playbook immediately.

“I want to play early. I know I have to earn it, but I’m ready.”

He already has his eyes on three goals:

1. Win a National Championship
2. Become a first-round NFL Draft pick
3. Graduate with honors

“I’m not just here to play football. I’m here to grow into a man.”

Georgia Just Got Stronger

In an era where recruiting battles are more complex than ever — with NIL deals, brand influence, and transfer portal temptations — Georgia just won the old-fashioned way: by building relationships, selling culture, and proving results.

Mark Bowman is more than the top tight end in the class. He’s the type of player who can define a generation of Georgia football.

The Bulldogs already boast one of the most loaded rosters in the country. Now, with Bowman anchoring the next wave of offensive stars, the future in Athens looks even brighter.

Georgia fans, buckle up.

Because the Dawgs just landed a game-changer.