Seth McGowan, Former New Mexico State and Oklahoma Running Back, Transfers to Kentucky

The Wildcats are adding another weapon to the running back room. Seth McGowan is transferring from New Mexico State to Kentucky. He’s expected to have one year of eligibility remaining.

A former teammate with Kentucky left tackle Shiyazh Pete, last season in Las Cruces McGowan rushed for 823 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. An explosive running back, he ranked in the top seven in Conference-USA in runs of 20+ and 30+ yards. He also caught 23 passes for 277 yards and three receiving scores.

McGowan has another connection to Kentucky. Running backs coach Jay Boulware was the primary recruiter who got the Blue Chip talent to sign with the Oklahoma Sooners. McGowan was a four-star prospect and consensus Top 200 recruit in the 2019 recruiting class.

McGowan only spent one season in Norman. As a true freshman, he tallied 370 rushing yards (6.4 per carry) and three touchdowns, and caught 13 passes for 201 yards and one touchdown.

New Kentucky RB Seth McGowan on his official visit to Kentucky. #Committed

(IG | godfirst.seth) pic.twitter.com/KC77iFYJhF

— KSR (@KSRonX) April 20, 2025

Arrest Leads to Two-Year Absence from Football

McGowan showed promise as a true freshman, but his time at Oklahoma was cut short by an off-campus arrest. He was initially charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on May 7, 2021, in Cleveland County District Court in Oklahoma. McGowan reportedly pleaded guilty to larceny from a person at nighttime on Dec. 13. The other charges were dismissed and he received one year of probation. McGowan was one of three players dismissed from the team following the incident.

Following his dismissal, the running back spent a year out of football. He joined an NAIA program in 2022 but did not play. McGowan began his football comeback at Butler Community College before landing in Las Cruces. He contemplated a move in December, entering the transfer portal for one day before ultimately deciding to return to New Mexico State.

McGowan is an Explosive Option at Running Back

Kentucky fans are accustomed to bell-cow backs. That will not be the case this year. McGowan can provide the lightning to Dante Dowdell‘s thunder. It will be a similar situation to the carries he split a year ago, with Jamarion Wilcox and Jason Patterson fighting to enter the rotation as RB3.

McGowan provides pop and big-play potential out of the backfield. He also showcases exceptional skills as a pass-catcher. His performance in the 2020 Cotton Bowl Classic provides a nice snapshot of what he is bringing to Kentucky. He popped a 73-yard run and a 47-yard reception in the 35-point victory over Dan Mullen’s Florida Gators.

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