Bowers played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, where he was a three-time All-American, two-time John Mackey Award winner, and won two national championships.

[4][5] After graduating, his mother became a high school math teacher and softball coach, while his father founded a construction company.

[1] Bowers joined the varsity team as a sophomore, playing tight end and linebacker, and received his first college offer from Nevada.

[1] Following his sophomore season, he attended a Nike camp where his athleticism gained the attention of college scouts and led to him receiving about a dozen offers.

[1][8] As a junior, Bowers accounted for 1,499 all-purpose yards and set a school record with 14 touchdown receptions, helping lead Napa to the state playoffs just one year after the team finished 0–10.

[17] As a true freshman, he was originally set to share playing time with fellow tights ends Darnell Washington and Arik Gilbert.

[26] In the Orange Bowl semifinal against Michigan, Bowers made five receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown in a 34–11 win, sending Georgia to the national championship game.

[28] Bowers caught four passes in the game, including a crucial touchdown with just over three minutes remaining which extended the Bulldogs' lead to eight points.

[41] In the Peach Bowl semi-final against Ohio State, Bowers caught four passes for 64 yards, including a crucial fourth down conversion in the final quarter to extend an eventual touchdown drive.

[44][45] At the conclusion of his sophomore season, Bowers was named a first team All-American and won the John Mackey Award for the nation's best tight end.

[63] In Week 5, Bowers caught a 57-yard pass for his first NFL touchdown as a part of an eight reception, 97 yard game during an 18–34 loss to the Denver Broncos.

[69] Bowers was named First-team All-Pro, earned Pro Bowl honors, and set numerous records with his rookie performance.

He broke a league record for the most receptions in a season by a rookie (of any position), set the prior year by wide receiver Puka Nacua (105 catches).