Mark Bowman, No. 1 TE in 2026 class, commits to USC

Field Level Media|published: Sat 31st May, 12:52 2025

NCAA Football: Southern California at Michigan

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans helmet on the sideline during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Mark Bowman, the No. 1 tight end in the 2026 recruiting class, committed to Southern California.

The 247Sports composite also ranks Bowman, who reclassified from the 2027 class, as the No. 16 overall prospect in the nation.

Bowman plays at powerhouse Mater Dei High School in nearby Santa Ana. His commitment to coach Lincoln Riley and the Trojans on Friday disappointed other schools that had been in pursuit, including Texas, Oregon, Georgia and Ole Miss.

USC's class is ranked No. 1 by the 247Sports composite. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Bowman is the second five-star recruit in the Trojans' class, joining offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

Pepe is ranked No. 2 at his position and No. 6 overall.

The Trojans have 27 commits in the class, by far the most of any school ranked in the Top 30. Their West Coast nemesis, Oregon, sits at No. 27 with just seven commits.

Notre Dame is ranked No. 2 in the class, followed by defending national champion Ohio State, Penn State and Clemson.

--Field Level Media