Crimson Countdown: No. 22 Peyton Bowen

The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2025 Oklahoma football season. Everybody wants to forget about 2024 and move forward.

Head coach Brent Venables and staff have attempted to do that. New face calling the offense (Ben Arbuckle). Venables calling the defense, it’s now or never for this regime at OU in the SEC. No beating around the bush.

Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.

Crimson Countdown: No. 22 Peyton Bowen

2024 stats: Played in 13 games, started five, 34 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss

2025 outlook:

This has to be the season for Bowen to show everyone what he can do. There were so many glimpses of greatness during his true freshman season, but he hasn’t been that guy since.

It’s clear he also hasn’t been healthy the majority of the time, but OU needs Bowen to be that five-star guy. Not a five-star bust, but the one who delivers as advertised.

He’s off to a nice start in preseason camp by being available, after having dealt with a turf toe issue for the spring.

The fact he hasn’t been slowed down yet is a great sign, and you hope continues the rest of the way getting to Aug. 30.

Bowen has big-playmaker written all over him. Let’s see it.

2025 safety outlook

The time is now for Robert Spears-Jennings to lead the room. However, he should have plenty of help. He definitely won’t have to be a one-man show. You start with Peyton Bowen, who, if he can stay healthy, go ahead and circle. Then the trio of safeties growing up after their true freshmen seasons in 2024. It didn’t break any of those guys. All of them are looking forward to making a much bigger impact this season. Brandon Hall has done a tremendous job of building and developing this room. An example of that should be on full display throughout this pivotal season in Norman.