Nation’s No. 1 Tight End Mark Bowman Commits to Arizona State over Powerhouses Georgia, Notre Dame, and Tennessee
In a stunning twist that sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, Mark Bowman — the No. 1-ranked tight end in the 2025 class — has committed to Arizona State University, snubbing perennial national contenders Georgia, Notre Dame, and Tennessee in what insiders are calling one of the most hotly contested recruiting battles of the cycle.
The 6-foot-6, 240-pound standout from Allen, Texas, has long been on the radar of college football’s elite. A dominant force on the field with a rare blend of speed, physicality, and route-running finesse, Bowman was widely expected to land at one of the blue-blood programs that had been courting him for months. Georgia, the back-to-back national title powerhouse, had made Bowman a top priority. Notre Dame was pitching tradition, tight end legacy, and immediate impact. Tennessee was all-in on NIL packages and offensive exposure. But in the end, it was Arizona State — a program not traditionally known for landing top-tier tight end talent — that pulled off the recruiting coup.
“I felt something different with Coach (Kenny) Dillingham and the staff,” Bowman said in a social media announcement. “They didn’t just recruit me — they recruited my vision. I want to build something, not just be part of something already built.”
The decision is already being hailed as a statement win for the Sun Devils, who have struggled to stay nationally relevant in recent years. Dillingham, entering his third year at the helm, has emphasized culture, innovation, and playing style — something Bowman referenced repeatedly during interviews.
Analysts say Bowman’s commitment could spark a domino effect for Arizona State’s 2025 class. “This isn’t just about getting a 5-star tight end,” said one recruiting insider. “This is about credibility. Arizona State just punched above its weight and landed the haymaker.”
With Bowman’s pledge, the Sun Devils now sit poised to make serious waves on the national scene — and opposing defenses had better take notice.
