Kesean Bowman, one of the top wideouts in the 2027 class, is reopening his recruitment. The four-star receiver from Brentwood (Tenn.) Brentwood Academy, ranked No. 51 nationally in the Rivals Industry Ranking, announced Friday that he has decommitted from Oregon.
The 6-foot, 170-pound prospect had been verbally committed to the Ducks since July 24, 2025, when he chose Oregon over Tennessee. Bowman currently sits as the No. 49 overall recruit, the No. 10 wide receiver, and the No. 2 player in Tennessee in the Rivals300 rankings.
Bowman’s decision did not come as a complete surprise. Conversations had been circulating in recent weeks, and he reportedly made his choice more than a week before it became public.
According to those close to the process, the move was not a reflection on Oregon. Instead, Bowman believed he rushed into a pledge and wanted to approach the recruiting process again as an uncommitted athlete.
Attention now shifts to what happens next, and Tennessee has quickly regained momentum. Bowman had long been viewed as a Vols lean before his summer commitment to Oregon, and the in-state program appears to be back in the driver’s seat.
There are multiple reasons the Vols stand out. Bowman has visited Knoxville more than 10 times, including a trip last week that immediately preceded his announcement.
Head coach Josh Heupel has played a direct role in his recruitment, and Tennessee’s staff has consistently made him feel like a priority. Sources also indicate that Bowman’s family favors the Vols. The comfort of Tennessee’s offensive system has only strengthened the appeal.
Other national contenders are firmly in the mix. USC extended an offer on Friday, while LSU and Texas remain serious players. Ohio State is also considered a threat. Bowman was in Columbus for the Buckeyes’ clash with Texas, and Ohio State has positioned itself as a legitimate contender.
For now, Tennessee is once again viewed as the favorite, returning to the spot it held before Bowman’s original commitment. The star receiver is expected back in Knoxville on Saturday when the Vols host UAB.
Meanwhile, Oregon is left with only one commitment in its 2027 recruiting class, four-star defensive lineman Cam Pritchett of Thompson (Ala.).