It’s not just a biased take from loyal Oklahoma fans to believe that OU strong safety Peyton Bowen is one of the best in all of college football at his position.
Bowen has been the Sooners’ best defensive playmaker this season, which is already saying a lot when on Brent Venables’ loaded unit. Now, it’s clear he’s also one of the top defensive backs in the country, and not just according to those watching him with crimson glasses.
The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association announced on Tuesday that Bowen is one of 15 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes annually to the best defensive back in college football. This is only the first step for Bowen, who has a real shot at being the one to win the hardware.
He would be the fourth Sooner to win the award, joining safety Rickey Dixon (1987), safety Roy Williams (2001), and cornerback Derrick Strait (2003). It’s the most fitting award for a Sooner to win, considering it’s named after an Oklahoman and is still based in the Sooner State.
Peyton Bowen is making a strong case for Jim Thorpe Award near end of OU career
Whether fans actually watch Bowen do his thing or just glance at stats, he’s done enough to be in the top tier no matter how you look at it.
Bowen has tallied 36 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble in seven games this season. Not only does Bowen find ways to force turnovers, but he also makes things happen at the perfect time.
Against No. 1 Texas in the Red River Rivalry, he picked off quarterback Arch Manning and returned it for a 42-yard touchdown that gave the Sooners a 24-17 lead with 10:07 left of the eventual 27-24 upset. He also had seven tackles, which tied for second on the team, in the game.
That Red River Rivalry performance earned him Thorpe Award National DB of the Week and SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
PEYTON BOWEN PICK SIX
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 10, 2026
OKLAHOMA TAKES THE LEAD 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Awqxx7xxea
Bowen is coming off yet another impressive outing against Mississippi State. He recorded seven tackles again, with another fourth-quarter interception. The Bulldogs were driving with a chance to make it a game before Bowen intercepted Parker Puckett in the end zone and returned it 24 yards.
Of Bowen’s three forced turnovers this season, all have ultimately resulted in points for the Sooners. That’s even more vital with OU’s offense struggling to put points on the board on its own.
Those voting for the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award will theoretically only consider what Bowen has accomplished this season, which is still plenty, but this is nothing new for him.
Bowen will make his 22nd start in a row on Saturday after also starting every game last season. He has appeared in 46 games with 27 starts.
In his career, Bowen has totaled 153 tackles, six TFL, two sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, 17 pass breakups, and three quarterback hurries. He was named Second-Team All-SEC last year, and should be elevated to first team at the end of this season.
Bowen is not just one of the best defensive playmakers in Oklahoma, but in the country, and that’s becoming undeniable.
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