With the 237th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Kentucky Wildcats running back Seth McGowan. The Colts had already drafted Jalen Farmer in the fourth round, so the two former Cats will now team up in Indy.
McGowan was originally a consensus 4-star recruit in the class of 2020. He committed to the Oklahoma Sooners and appeared in seven games as a true freshman, rushing 58 times for 370 yards and three touchdowns to go along with 13 receptions for 201 and one touchdown receiving.
The former Sooner was arrested for armed robbery in 2021 and spent some time away from football before playing for Butler Community College in 2023 and earning a scholarship to New Mexico State. At NMSU, he played in all 12 games, starting the final 11, finishing the year as the Aggies’ leading rusher with 813 yards on 153 carries (5.3 ypc) and three rushing scores. He also hauled in 23 catches for 277 yards and a team-best three touchdowns, including one in each of the final two games of the year.
From there, he transferred to Kentucky for an impressive senior season. At UK, he played in 11 games with 10 starts, leading the Cats with 165 carries for 725 yards and a team-best 12 rushing touchdowns. His rushing touchdowns ranked 21st nationally and fourth in the SEC. All in all, the running style was super unorthodox, but he was a fun watch.
McGowan ended up being the first UK player with at least 75 yards rushing and a touchdown rushing in each of the first four games of the season since George Adams in 1984. He was the first UK player with two games of three rushing TDs in the same season since Benny Snell in 2017.
It was a really disappointing season, but McGowan was not a part of that. He was the diamond in the rough. Following a rough history, Kentucky took a chance on him, and he exceeded expectations. Now, he’s off to the NFL.
