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Talented tandem shine together, deliver opening and closing statements for Sooners' defense in upset win over Alabama Crimson Tide

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By AJ Schulte | Last updated Nov 16, 2025 12:46 AM ET

Back in 2023, Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables pulled off a massive recruiting win when he flipped five-star safety Peyton Bowen away from Notre Dame and Oregon on Signing Day, inking the highest-ranked defensive back recruit in Oklahoma history.

Just a year later, Venables pulled in his brother, Eli, a less-heralded three-star recruit but a player that the coaching staff was still fully bought in on.

Peyton broke out right away as a true freshman in Oklahoma's 10-3 2023 season, proving to be a bright spot on a resurgent defense who made plenty of big plays when they mattered most. Not to be outdone, just a year later, Eli broke out on the national stage and proved to be a lockdown cornerback on his own. Now, the brothers are leaders of the Sooners' defense together, and made the two biggest plays of the day in Oklahoma's upset victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

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Bowen Big Play Brothers Deliver the Win

Eli Bowen started Oklahoma's big day defensively by ripping off an 87-yard pick-six in the first quarter to put the Sooners up 10-0. Peyton Bowen closed the day defensively by delivering a key pass breakup on Alabama's final play of the game, cleanly running the route for the receiver and breaking up the pass to seal their upset win over the Tide.

Peyton spoke after the game of the importance of the brothers being able to play together and deliver key moments like this for the Sooners' faithful.

"I’m his biggest fan so I was happy for him and just so glad he got to shine in that moment. Man, words can’t even explain it. I’m just so happy for him. I’m just so happy that we’re both able to play on this stage. Just so grateful. I thank God that we can do this. I’m just happy we got to shine when our moments came.”

Take a bow, Bowen Brothers pic.twitter.com/zC8TjY4Lqm
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) November 16, 2025

Both brothers have had All-American caliber seasons, even if neither will get the credit they deserve for their elite levels of play this season. However, the Sooners are sure grateful for their efforts, as the tandem has done nothing to deliver time and time again in their Oklahoma careers. Now, the two can enjoy the fruits of their labor in an amazing victory over the Tide.

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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

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