The Buffalo Bandits today announced the team has signed transition player Dante Bowen to a three-year contract, pending league approval.

Bowen (6’1”, 205 lbs., 2/7/2003) spent the 2026 season at Syracuse University, where he recorded four assists, 16 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers in 19 games. His 14 caused turnovers ranked third among all Syracuse players. Following the season, Bowen earned USA Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-America recognition as a short-stick defensive midfielder.

Prior to his time at Syracuse, Bowen spent four seasons at Ohio State University and appeared in 18 games for the Buckeyes. He played in 10 games and collected four ground balls as a freshman in 2022 before appearing in three games during his sophomore season. After not playing in 2024, Bowen recorded 10 ground balls and four caused turnovers during his senior season in 2025. He was also an Ohio State Scholar Athlete and a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

A native of Brampton, Ontario, he played Junior A box lacrosse for the Brampton Excelsiors from 2021 to 2024 before being acquired by the Orangeville Northmen during the 2024 season. He helped Orangeville capture the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League championship and advance to the 2024 Minto Cup final. Bowen joined Brampton’s Senior A team in Major Series Lacrosse in 2025, recording three points (1+2) in 11 games. He was selected by Buffalo in the first round (6th overall) of the 2026 NLL Entry Draft.