Oklahoma State quarterback Alan Bowman is in his seventh year of college football, and his experience is not unique in the current landscape of college athletics. Many players are extending their college careers into their mid-20s following the extra year of eligibility granted to all players after the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Numerous Bowl Subdivision players are now in their sixth season of eligibility, with some even in their seventh year or later. For instance, Miami tight end Cam McCormick, at 26 years old, is entering his ninth season of eligibility. Oklahoma State has two seventh-year players – Bowman and linebacker Justin Wright, along with 14 others in their sixth seasons.
Teams like No. 12 Utah, No. 15 Tennessee, Rutgers, Toledo, and Utah State also have multiple seventh-year players on their rosters, highlighting the prevalence of older athletes in college football today. According to Bowman, the presence of these seasoned players contributes to a higher level of play with fewer mistakes on the field.
Bowman, at 24, has had a varied college career, which includes stints at Texas Tech, Michigan, and now Oklahoma State. His seven years of eligibility have allowed him to pursue different educational avenues, from business management to supply chain management and now leisure studies.
Additionally, several other players across the country are entering their seventh season or later, such as Tennessee’s John Campbell and Keenan Pili, Utah’s Brant Kuithe and Cam Rising, Miami’s Cam McCormick, Utah State’s Spencer Petras, Louisville’s Tyler Shough, and Pitt’s Keye Thompson, each with unique stories of perseverance and dedication despite various challenges and setbacks throughout their college football careers.
