Seth McGowan | Kentucky | 6’0, 223 lbs | 25 Years Old
Seth McGowan was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, becoming the 12th running back and 237th overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Seth McGowan stepped into a lead role at Kentucky in 2025 and handled it like a true workhorse.
He finished with 725 rushing yards on 165 carries (4.4 YPC) and 12 touchdowns, showing he could carry the load and still be a scoring threat.
The yards per carry dipped a bit compared to what you might want to see, but context matters. He was doing it in the SEC against better competition and still found the end zone consistently.
He also brought something in the passing game with a 7.7% target share, which shows he wasn’t just a two-down back. He was part of the offense in multiple ways.
This is a player who proved he can handle volume and play against top competition.
FILM
Seth McGowan is built like an NFL running back, and he runs like one, too.
It starts with his vision and patience. He lets the play develop, stays square to the line, and doesn’t try to do too much. He’s not dancing around in the backfield. He’s reading it, trusting it, and hitting the hole when it opens.
Once he gets going, he’s a problem.
His burst stands out right away. For a 223-pound back, he gets up to speed fast. When he plants and goes, he hits the hole with authority and gets north quickly.
Then you see the contact balance and strength. This is where he separates himself. He runs through arm tackles, finishes runs, and wears down defenders. He’s not looking to get out of bounds. He’s looking to fall forward and pick up extra yards.
That’s the kind of running style that translates.
He’s not just a grinder, though. There’s more there. He’s got enough movement to make a guy miss and enough speed to break off chunk plays when the lane is there.
In the passing game, he looks comfortable. He’s not just catching dump-offs. He can be used as a real option, which adds to his value.
The only real question is the efficiency. The 4.4 YPC is solid, but not elite. Still, when you factor in the level of competition and how he was used, it’s not something that jumps out as a major concern.
At the end of the day, this is a physical, downhill runner with real burst who can handle volume.
🎥 Film Breakdown
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ATHLETIC TESTING
Seth McGowan checks the boxes across the board physically.
At 6’0, 223 pounds, he has the size you want for a true workhorse back. He’s built to handle contact and carry the load.
He ran a 4.49 in the 40, which is strong for his size and shows he has enough speed to break off big runs.
Where he really stands out is the burst score (137.8). That shows up on tape when he hits the hole and gets downhill fast. That kind of explosion at his size is a big deal.
Overall, the testing matches the film. Big, strong, and explosive.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Average
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average
Seth McGowan was selected 237 overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL Draft. He is a classic “power back,” the kind of player who wears out a defense by running through them rather than around them. He is excellent at “falling forward,” meaning even when he’s tackled, his sheer size and momentum usually secure an extra yard or two.
However, there are reasons he was available so late. The biggest red flag is his ball security, and he is also an “older” rookie after a winding collegiate journey through four different schools. Additionally, he has had past off-field issues that are now in the past.
While many 7th-rounders struggle to make the team, McGowan has the athletic profile of someone picked much earlier, giving the Colts explosive potential for the cheapest possible price. The “Thunder” to superstar Jonathan Taylor’s “Lightning.” The Colts can use him as a hammer on short-yardage plays and the goal line, protecting Taylor from unnecessary punishment. Additionally, his size and speed make him a strong candidate for special teams, which is his most likely path to a long-term roster spot. My reaction to the landing spot is (Average).
FANTASY INSIGHTS
For fantasy football purposes, Seth McGowan is currently a deep-league flier or a “taxi squad” candidate for dynasty managers. While his physical traits are impressive, his 7th-round draft capital means he isn’t guaranteed a significant role right away.
The Bottom Line
McGowan is a “stash and see” player. He has the athleticism to be a fantasy contributor, but you shouldn’t rely on him in your starting lineup for 2026 unless an injury opens up the Colts’ backfield.
CONCLUSION
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