McGowens was considered a five-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals, and a four-star recruit by ESPN. On February 10, 2020, he announced his commitment to play college basketball for Florida State. On October 8, 2020, McGowens decommitted from the program. On November 13, 2020, he committed to Nebraska, becoming the highest-ranked recruit in program history and its first five-star recruit.
