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Crimson Countdown: No. 23 Eli Bowen

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo08/07/25BPrzybylo
Syndication: The Oklahoman
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) knocks the ball away from Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (3) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.

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. 23 Eli Bowen

2024 stats: Played in 11 games, started eight, 30 tackles, two for loss, interception, four pass breakups

2025 outlook:

Bowen just has to get back to the field. Now his injury is allowing other cornerbacks to get some opportunities, but Bowen showed as a true freshman what he could do.

He was never overwhelmed in the moment. Showed the ability to tackle, and of course, make some game-changing plays.

It will be crucial for Bowen, though, to make the leap. No sophomore slump, which is just a little bit tougher since he has been out for so long.

Now he wasn’t healthy to begin 2024, either, and we saw how far he was able to go. Can he duplicate that once again?

The room is getting deeper, but Bowen brings about a special star power when he’s healthy and on the field.

2025 cornerback outlook

Stay healthy, period. OK, that’s simplifying things too much, but it has been an issue. Whether it’s something known like what has gone with Gentry Williams. Or just the lingering issue with Eli Bowen ever since spring. OU didn’t get aggressive in the transfer portal to land an experienced cornerback. So that puts a lot of pressure on some younger guys to grow up quickly. There are a lot of options for guys to come in and make their mark. A big season as well for cornerbacks coach Jay Valai to show he can get his guys playing at an elite level.

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