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Sooners' defensive leader notches another outstanding game in his revenge tour after disappointing 2024 season

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By AJ Schulte | Last updated Nov 2, 2025 2:18 PM ET

The Oklahoma Sooners' 33-27 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday was one of the biggest wins of the Brent Venables era. They snapped their cold streak of beating ranked teams on the road and kept their hopes for the College Football Playoff alive with this win, and it likely took some of the heat off of Venables' seat.

They did so on the backs of their defense, who once again led the charge and made critical play after critical play all game long to give the offense time and good field position, and the Sooners were able to capitalize. Several defenders made monumental plays, including three turnovers, a defensive touchdown, and several sacks and PBUs to rattle Tennessee's offense, and it paid off with a win.

One of those defenders was junior safety Peyton Bowen, who has amassed a stellar junior season so far in 2025 after a disappointing 2024 season where he battled an ankle injury all year. We were hoping that someone would be able to step in and fill the massive shoes left behind by Billy Bowman Jr., and Bowen has done that - and more, all year long.

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Peyton Bowen stepping up as leader for Oklahoma

Bowen had a stellar day in the box score for the Sooners, recording three tackles, a key pass breakup, and one of Oklahoma's two interceptions on the day. However, it was his efforts that don't show up in the box score that helped the Sooners' defense win the day and showcase just how far he's come as a defender.

He cut off routes at key moments, forcing Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar to bounce off of what could have been a big play and take the checkdown or would put himself in phase on double moves to cut off a passing offense that generates explosives through the air with routine ease. He filled lanes in the run game, forcing runs inside or outside into help, including a key run stop that helped Oklahoma allow just 63 yards on the ground, Tennessee's fewest tally since 2021.

After a dismal 2024 season, many (including myself) wondered whether Bowen would be able to live up to the hype his 2023 freshman season delivered. Now that he's fully healthy and confident in his ability once again, we're seeing the playmaker we were promised break out and emerge as a leader for the Sooners.

Joey Aguilar is picked off by Peyton Bowen, who appears to be punched at the end of the play but no flag is thrown#GBO #GoVols #Sooners pic.twitter.com/69GebuxaO5
— Von (@vonpnefc) November 2, 2025

Oklahoma hasn't had the best track record with five-star recruits in recent years, but Bowen has been one of the biggest success stories of the year, and is another notch in the belt for this staff's development ability at every position.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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