I think he will actually be back this year. He has made several appearances on BTC's social media recently and yesterday there was a post of him training with Karissa Schweizer.
https://www.instagram.com/bowermantc/p/DDaN409y2Gj/?hl=en&img_index=1
This is the guy who ran a sub 16 minute 5k in gym class with no running background, and who had an undefeated 2017 XC season (including the NCAA title) off 55 miles a week. Crazy talent.
I would hesitate to count him out yet, I think he has a few more years to get some good times in, he might even move up to the 10k or onto the roads.