Seth McGowan, a former freshman running back at Oklahoma, was arrested in 2020 for stealing marijuana, jewelry and cash. He pleaded guilty, served three months in jail and was dismissed from the Sooners’ roster. After a three‑year hiatus from college football, McGowan returned to the field in 2023, playing for three different programs before being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the recent NFL Draft.
Colts General Manager Chris Ballard said the organization believes McGowan’s past troubles are behind him and that the team is prepared to give him an opportunity at the professional level. “I’m a second‑chance guy,” Ballard said. “How long do you keep punishing him for it?”
Following his dismissal from Oklahoma, McGowan enrolled at Texas College but did not appear in a game. In 2023 he transferred to Butler Community College, where he resumed playing. He then moved to New Mexico State for the 2024 season and subsequently to Kentucky for the 2025 campaign. Ballard noted that the Colts had been monitoring McGowan’s progress for some time and that his recent coaches spoke highly of his character and work ethic.
Ballard’s confidence in McGowan is reinforced by his long‑standing relationship with New Mexico State head coach Tony Sanchez. “Tony told me the move was largely financial, not a reflection of the player’s desire to leave,” Ballard explained. “He needed to go because it was the best financial option for him.” Ballard added that McGowan’s track record since the incident demonstrates personal growth: “He learned his lesson, paid the price, and moved on.”
The Colts’ decision to draft McGowan reflects a broader NFL trend of granting second chances to players who have rehabilitated after off‑field issues. As McGowan prepares for rookie training camp, the organization will assess his readiness to contribute on the field while monitoring his adjustment to the professional environment.
McGowan’s journey from a troubled start at Oklahoma to an NFL draft selection underscores both the challenges and potential pathways for athletes seeking redemption. The Colts’ investment in his development will be closely watched by other teams evaluating similar prospects.
