Five-Star 2027 Wide Receiver Kesean Bowman Blown Away by Ohio State’s Development Track, Eyes Visit for Texas Showdown

Kesean Bowman has been on the radar of every top-tier college football program for the better part of the last year. A five-star wide receiver in the Class of 2027, the Georgia native has already garnered national attention for his electrifying speed, route-running precision, and undeniable athleticism. With a growing list of blue bloods chasing his signature, one school in particular has recently surged to the top of Bowman’s list—Ohio State.

Following a string of conversations with Buckeye staff and deep dives into what makes the program elite, Bowman came away thoroughly impressed with Ohio State’s approach to developing wide receivers into NFL-ready stars. And now, he’s planning a visit to Columbus this fall for what’s shaping up to be one of the biggest games of the season—Ohio State’s highly anticipated clash with Texas.

Bowman’s interest in the Buckeyes didn’t happen overnight. Though he’s still a rising junior, his recruiting process has already hit overdrive thanks to his explosive play on the field. At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Bowman combines elite top-end speed with a polished route tree, strong hands, and a competitive fire that lights up every time he takes the field. His sophomore campaign at Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia, was nothing short of dominant, racking up over 1,300 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns while routinely facing double coverage.

As a result, he’s become a name that every major Power Five program wants to lock in early. But after a spring filled with campus visits, conversations with coaches, and time spent studying programs’ track records, it’s Ohio State that seems to have carved out a special place in his heart—and in his future plans.

“When I think about what I want in a school, it’s not just about the uniforms or the hype,” Bowman said in a recent interview. “I want to be developed. I want to be challenged. And when you look at the track record of what Ohio State has done with wide receivers over the years—man, it’s different. It’s real.”

That “real” factor is what has stood out most to Bowman. The Buckeyes have become something of a factory when it comes to elite wide receiver talent in recent years. Names like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. have not only dominated the college ranks but also made seamless transitions to the NFL. It’s not a coincidence. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, Ohio State has become synonymous with elite player development at the position.

For Bowman, Hartline’s hands-on approach and the credibility he brings as a former Ohio State and NFL receiver resonate in a way few other coaches can match.

“Coach Hartline is one of the best to do it,” Bowman said. “He’s been where I want to go. He’s coached the guys I watch on Sundays. It’s not just talk with him—he’s got the resume, and he keeps it real with you. He tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. I respect that a lot.”

That respect has translated into action. Bowman confirmed that he has locked in plans to visit Ohio State for the Buckeyes’ early-season showdown against Texas, a primetime game that’s expected to have major College Football Playoff implications and be one of the most electric atmospheres of the 2025 season.

“I’ve watched games at the Horseshoe on TV, and you can just feel the energy coming through the screen,” Bowman said. “But being there in person for a game like Texas? That’s going to be a different kind of vibe. I want to see how the players respond in a big moment. I want to see the fans, the coaches, how everybody moves when the lights are brightest.”

That September 6 matchup in Columbus is expected to attract dozens of top recruits from multiple classes, and Bowman’s presence will only add to the buzz. While he remains uncommitted and open to the process, this upcoming visit could go a long way toward shaping his eventual decision. For a player as meticulous and focused as Bowman, this isn’t just another game—it’s a test.

“I’m coming to learn,” he said. “I want to see everything—the coaching, the film study, how they warm up, what the energy is like during tough stretches of the game. I want to picture myself in that jersey, on that field, making big-time plays. If it clicks, I’ll know.”

And while Bowman is measured in his approach, his enthusiasm for Ohio State’s program is hard to miss. He speaks with the reverence of someone who’s done his homework, who understands the legacy he could become a part of should he eventually call Columbus home.

“I look at guys like Marvin Harrison Jr., and it’s inspiring,” Bowman explained. “That’s someone who was already great, but he trusted the coaches at Ohio State to make him even better. That’s what I want. I want coaches who won’t settle for just good. I want great. I want to be legendary.”

That’s exactly the type of mindset that has Ohio State’s staff paying close attention. While recruiting rankings fluctuate and player priorities evolve, Bowman’s maturity and hunger for greatness set him apart. The Buckeyes are clearly in hot pursuit, and getting him on campus for a marquee game could be a critical step in building that relationship.

Bowman has been deliberate in spacing out his visits to get a true feel for each school without letting hype cloud his judgment. In addition to Ohio State, he’s also heard strong pitches from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, USC, and Florida State. All are major contenders. But few can match what the Buckeyes offer in terms of developmental pedigree, recent NFL success, and the consistency of producing All-Americans at his position.

That, more than anything, seems to be resonating with Bowman and his inner circle.

“My family is big on development,” he said. “We’re not just thinking about the next three or four years—we’re thinking about the next 10. I want to be in a place where I’m pushed every day to be the best version of myself.”

That version of himself is likely to make waves on Saturdays in the near future and Sundays not long after that. Coaches from across the country are already imagining how they could scheme around Bowman’s explosiveness, and fans have begun watching his film with the wide-eyed glee usually reserved for NFL draft hopefuls.

For now, though, Bowman is focused on the next step in his process—taking in the full Buckeye experience at one of college football’s biggest stages. It won’t be the end of his recruiting journey, but it could be one of the most important chapters.

“You only get one shot at this,” he said. “So I’m going to take my time, but I also know what I’m looking for. I want to be part of something special. I want to win. And I want to leave a legacy wherever I go.”

Whether that legacy is forged in scarlet and gray remains to be seen. But if early impressions are any indication, Ohio State has positioned itself as a serious contender for one of the top talents in the 2027 class.

Kesean Bowman may still have time before National Signing Day, but the Buckeyes are clearly putting themselves in the driver’s seat—and the Texas game might be the spark that turns interest into something much more.