Georgia Football Trending to Land Coveted Playmaker

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 11:58 AM ET

The Georgia Bulldogs weren't really able to replace the production from tight end star Brock Bowers last season. But tight end help is potentially on its way.

On3's Steven Wiltfong suggested Tuesday the Bulldogs are the favorites to sign five-star tight end star Mark Bowman in the 2026 recruiting class.

"Georgia continues to impress five-star tight end Mark Bowman who returned for a two-day trip," Wiltfong wrote. "I could see the Mater Dei standout in Athens when all said and done."

The Bulldogs are leaving no stone unturned at tight end in the 2026 class. Georgia hosted Bowman and fellow 2026 tight end prospect Kaiden Prothro for visits during the second weekend of April.

According to 247 Sports, Bowman and Prothro are the top two tight ends in the 2026 recruiting class.

Based on the 247 Sports composite rankings, Bowman and Prothro are the No. 2 and 3 tight ends, respectively, in the class.

Bowman is also the No. 3 California recruit and 14th overall prospect according to the composite rankings.

Georgia had 5-star TE Mark Bowman back in Athens for G-Day and he is a top target for the Bulldogs.

“They want me in Athens,” Bowman said.

The latest: https://t.co/WIDz3hzYZu (On3+) pic.twitter.com/dpvXlhlglN
— ChadSimmons (@ChadSimmons_) April 15, 2025

Bowman's father, Kirk, raved about their family's most recent visit to Athens.

“Great visit! As we talked about, the practice was the main event, and it met all of our expectations. It was good to see Todd Hartley in action and Kirby on the microphone was everything that I hoped it would be," Kirk Bowman told Wiltfong. "It’s a deep and talented tight end room.

"My biggest takeaway is that Kirby is trying to build a team that’s connected to each other, tough and plays hard and he is succeeding, during the hardest time in the history of college football to do so.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: