GREENVILLE, N.C. — In a move that’s sending shockwaves through American Athletic Conference circles, No. 5 is coming back to where he made his name. Wide receiver Chase Sowell is officially returning to the East Carolina Pirates, reuniting with the program that helped him break out on the national stage.
After transferring to Iowa State following a standout 2024 campaign with ECU — in which he tallied 678 yards and 3 touchdowns on 34 catches — Sowell seemed poised for a long stay in the Big 12. But in a twist few saw coming, the dynamic pass catcher has decided to reverse course and return to Greenville.
“I left, but I never really let go,” Sowell said in a heartfelt statement. “Wearing that No. 5 jersey in Dowdy-Ficklen meant something to me. This place, this program — it’s still home.”
Sources close to the program indicate that ECU head coach Mike Houston and his staff stayed in regular contact with Sowell after his departure, leaving the door open for a possible reunion. That door opened wider as the Pirates assessed their roster and realized they could use a proven, explosive weapon on the outside.
Sowell’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The Pirates have been searching for a go-to target after several key departures, and few players know the offense — or have the chemistry with returning quarterbacks — like Sowell does. His speed, route running, and sure hands will immediately upgrade the passing attack and add a veteran presence to the locker room.
Coach Houston didn’t hold back his excitement: “You don’t get many second chances with a player like Chase. He’s electric. He’s a leader. And we’re fired up to have No. 5 back in our locker room.”
As for Sowell, he’s ready to pick up where he left off — and maybe even finish some unfinished business.
“I’ve got one more run in me,” he said. “And I’m doing it as a Pirate.”
With the return of Chase Sowell, East Carolina just got a lot more dangerous.
