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You remember that 2020 Cotton Bowl where Oklahoma absolutely dismantled Florida? Seth McGowan was everywhere. As a true freshman, he looked like the next great Sooners back, a four-star stud out of Mesquite, Texas, who played with a physical edge that made him look way older than 18. Then, he just vanished.
If you haven't kept up with the SEC or the transfer portal chaos lately, you probably think his career ended in a Norman courtroom back in 2021. Honestly, most people did. But the real story of what happened to Seth McGowan is one of the weirdest, longest, and most unlikely comeback arcs in modern college football.
The Night Everything Changed in Norman
April 15, 2021. That’s the date that effectively nuked McGowan’s future at Oklahoma. He wasn't alone; he was with teammates Trejan Bridges and Mikey Henderson. According to police reports and court documents, the trio was involved in an armed robbery at a Norman apartment complex.
It wasn't some high-stakes heist. It was over marijuana.
The details were messy. A victim alleged that McGowan messaged him to buy weed, the victim said no, and then McGowan showed up at the door. When the victim opened it, Bridges and Henderson allegedly forced their way in. There was a handgun involved. The victim got hit in the head. Police eventually found a backpack full of stolen items—including jewelry and cash—at the bottom of Lake Thunderbird.
Lincoln Riley didn't hesitate. By May, McGowan and Bridges were kicked off the team. Not suspended. Dismissed. One day you're the starting-caliber back for a Top 5 program; the next, you're facing felony charges of robbery and conspiracy.
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The Legal Fallout and the "Lost" Years
McGowan didn't just walk away with a slap on the wrist initially. He spent three months in county jail. That’s a long time to think when you’re used to being a campus hero.
Eventually, the legal system did what it often does: it offered a path to avoid a decade in prison. In December 2023, McGowan pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of larceny from a person at nighttime. The heavy-hitting felony robbery and assault charges were dropped. He was sentenced to one year of probation, community service, and a requirement to attend Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
While Bridges and Henderson also took plea deals, McGowan's football path became a nomad's journey.
- He spent time at Texas College (an NAIA school) but didn't actually play.
- He resurfaced at Butler Community College in Kansas for the 2023 season.
- He finally got back to the FBS level with New Mexico State in 2024.
It’s hard to overstate how humbling that is. You go from private jets and 80,000 fans at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to bus rides and community college bleachers. Most guys quit. McGowan didn't.
The New Mexico State Renaissance
In 2024, McGowan finally looked like himself again. Playing for the Aggies, he put up 823 rushing yards and earned second-team All-CUSA honors. He wasn't just a "troubled kid" anymore; he was a 215-pound problem for opposing linebackers.
He had a massive game against Middle Tennessee State late in the season, totaling nearly 180 yards of offense. That’s when the Power 4 schools started calling again. Specifically, Kentucky.
Why Seth McGowan Still Matters in 2026
Fast forward to right now. If you're looking for Seth McGowan today, you'll find him preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft.
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His 2025 season at Kentucky was... eventful. He finished with 725 yards and 12 touchdowns, helping the Wildcats navigate a tough SEC schedule. But it wasn't without controversy. During a game against South Carolina in September 2025, McGowan scored a touchdown and, in a moment of "misplaced adrenaline," spiked the ball into the stands.
It hit a fan in a wheelchair.
To make matters even more "small world," that fan turned out to be the grandfather of South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers. McGowan apologized profusely, and by all accounts, it was a total accident, but it served as a reminder that he’s always under a microscope. Every mistake he makes, no matter how innocent, gets linked back to his 2021 arrest.
Where is he now?
As of January 2026, Seth McGowan has officially accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl. He is widely projected as a mid-to-late-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Scouts love his "dual-threat" capability—he’s a legitimate pass-catcher out of the backfield—and his special teams potential.
He’s been vocal about his growth, too. In interviews at Kentucky’s Media Day, he talked about "spiritual freedom" and learning that "discipline is the highest form of self-love." It sounds like he’s put in the work, not just on the field, but on himself.
Actionable Insights for Following His Pro Career:
- Watch the Senior Bowl: This is McGowan’s biggest stage yet. If he can pass the rigorous NFL background checks and interviews in Mobile, his stock will climb.
- Check the Medicals: His physical style of play has led to some dings over the years; NFL teams will be looking at his durability during the Combine.
- Background Matters: Expect "the Oklahoma incident" to be a major talking point during Draft broadcasts. It's the hurdle he’ll have to clear one last time before signing a pro contract.
The journey from a jail cell in 2021 to a potential NFL roster in 2026 is one of the most improbable paths in the sport. Whether you see it as a story of redemption or a guy who got a second chance because he can run a 4.4, he's a name you're going to hear on Sundays very soon.