Completed Event: Football versus UTEP on September 4, 2026 , Win , 51, to, 0
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Football
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University of Oklahoma Athletics
Photo by: Sutton Spinner/University of Oklahoma
Peyton Bowen Named Thorpe Award National DB of the Week
October 13, 2026 | Football
NORMAN — University of Oklahoma senior defensive back Peyton Bowen was named the Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week after his performance in leading the Sooners to a 27-24 win over No. 1 Texas on Saturday at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced Tuesday.
Bowen, who was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week, returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown to give Oklahoma a 24-17 fourth-quarter lead – its first of the game after trailing 17-7 at halftime. His pick-six was his first interception of the season and the third of his career. He picked off the pass at the back of the defense and weaved through the field, breaking through tacklers near the goal line to reach the end zone.
The senior from Corinth, Texas, recorded a season-high seven tackles (six solo) in the game. The interception was the third of Bowen's career and first returned for a touchdown. All three of Bowen's interceptions have come in the last two seasons, and he has totaled 79 return yards.
Bowen helped give the Sooners their first win against a No. 1-ranked team since 2007 and first over a No. 1-ranked opponent while unranked in the AP poll. It was also OU's first victory over Texas when the Longhorns were the AP No. 1 team.
This is Bowen's second career Thorpe Award National DB of the Week honor. He also received recognition following OU's win over Missouri last season.
Oklahoma (3-2, 1-1 SEC) plays No. 15/17 Kentucky (5-1, 3-1 SEC) on Saturday at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network.
Bowen, who was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week, returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown to give Oklahoma a 24-17 fourth-quarter lead – its first of the game after trailing 17-7 at halftime. His pick-six was his first interception of the season and the third of his career. He picked off the pass at the back of the defense and weaved through the field, breaking through tacklers near the goal line to reach the end zone.
The senior from Corinth, Texas, recorded a season-high seven tackles (six solo) in the game. The interception was the third of Bowen's career and first returned for a touchdown. All three of Bowen's interceptions have come in the last two seasons, and he has totaled 79 return yards.
Bowen helped give the Sooners their first win against a No. 1-ranked team since 2007 and first over a No. 1-ranked opponent while unranked in the AP poll. It was also OU's first victory over Texas when the Longhorns were the AP No. 1 team.
This is Bowen's second career Thorpe Award National DB of the Week honor. He also received recognition following OU's win over Missouri last season.
Oklahoma (3-2, 1-1 SEC) plays No. 15/17 Kentucky (5-1, 3-1 SEC) on Saturday at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network.
Players Mentioned
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