In week two of the 2022 season, McGowan tallied four receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown, as he helped Vanderbilt to a 42-31 win over Elon. For his performance versus Elon, McGowan was named the SEC freshman of the week.[3] In McGowan's freshman season in 2022 he notched 44 receptions for 453 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 51 yards on the ground.[4] In Vanderbilt's 2023 season opener, McGowan hauled in six passes for 72 yards, added 11 yards on the ground, and returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdowns, as he helped the Commodores beat Hawaii 35-28.[5] During the 2023 season, McGowan hauled in 36 receptions for 383 yards, while also rushing for 109 yards.[6] After the conclusion of the 2023 season, McGowan decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.[7][8]