With ALL‑USA Football Team research ongoing in an attempt to spotlight the nation’s top high school football talent, we take a look at No. 5 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) tight end Mark Bowman ahead of his team’s huge game on Friday against Super 25 contender Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.).
Bowman has quickly become one of the most talked‑about tight end prospects in the country. His combination of size, athleticism, and production has made him a centerpiece of Mater Dei’s national title argument and a cornerstone of USC’s 2026 recruiting class.
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Bowman was included on the ALL‑USA Football Team West watchlist, and as one of the best at his position, will be in the conversation for the ALL-USA Football National Team. Both of those teams will be announced in December. His rise from a freshman contributor to a five‑star reclassified 2026 prospect underscores why he’s firmly in the national conversation.
ALL‑USA Football Team spotlight: Mark Bowman
Bowman’s sophomore campaign cemented his reputation as a mismatch nightmare. In Mater Dei’s state title run, he hauled in multiple red‑zone scores and showcased his blocking versatility. This fall, he’s added 13 catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns through five games, and is instrumental in his team’s running game as a blocker.
Player recruiting notes
Bowman reclassified into the 2026 class and committed to USC in May, choosing the Trojans over Georgia, Oregon, Texas, and Ole Miss. Ranked as the No. 1 tight end nationally by 247Sports and a consensus top‑20 overall recruit, he’s expected to be an immediate contributor in college. His decision also bolstered USC’s No. 1‑ranked 2026 recruiting class.
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College/NFL comps
Scouts frequently compare Bowman to Raiders star Brock Bowers for his blend of route running, contested‑catch ability and blocking. Others see shades of the New York Jets’ Mason Taylor in his versatility as both an in‑line tight end and slot receiver. Evaluators project him as a three‑and‑out college player with clear NFL upside.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Mater Dei tight end Mark Bowman making case for ALL-USA Football Team
