Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners: Peyton Bowen forces massive fumble in Red River Rivalry

Former Guyer (Texas) 5-star makes big plays at University of Texas in one of college football's storied rivalries

Welcome to the Red River Rivalry officially, Peyton Bowen.

The Oklahoma Sooners safety and former Dallas area blue chip high school prospect made another game-altering play in his freshman season. 

He jarred the ball loose with a hit on Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers and Oklahoma recovered the fumble in a pivotal third quarter momentum swing. Oklahoma went on to beat Texas, 34-30, in an instant classic.

The storied rivalry took place at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas — some 40 miles down the road from Bowen's hometown Denton.

Watch the play for yourself:

True freshman composite 5⭐️ DB Peyton Bowen forces the fumble on Quinn Ewers 💪

Bowen has also blocked 2 punts this season on special teams.pic.twitter.com/oS9nsFeyQN

— 247Sports (@247Sports) October 7, 2023

After Oklahoma's Gentry Williams recovered the fumble, the Sooners punted on the ensuing possession but managed to keep Texas out of the endzone the rest of the third quarter.

The Sooners went ahead four with a late touchdown after a Texas field goal gave the Longhorns the lead late. On the last play of the game, Ewers launched a Hail Mary into the endzone and the Sooners secondary swatted it down.

It's turning into a memorable freshman season for Bowen, the former 5-star prospect from Guyer (Texas). He was the No. 16 prospect and No. 2 safety in the country and No. 3 overall recruit in Texas in the class of 2023.

He blocked a punt for a safety in a September 30 win over Iowa State.

Bowen's pathway to the Sooners was memorable

He initially committed to Notre Dame — a decision that was reportedly between the Irish and Oklahoma. He made a surprising commitment to Oregon on national signing day in February, but flipped and signed with the Sooners two days after a reported paperwork mishap.

He's made a quick impact for the Sooners. He's logged two blocked punts, 18 total tackles and four pass defections in his first five games. 

Photo by SBLive Sports

Watch: 5-star Notre Dame commit Peyton Bowen's wild punt return earns SportsCenter's top play

Peyton Bowen signs with Oklahoma Sooners; 5-star Denton Guyer DB previously committed to Oregon, Notre Dame

-- Andy Buhler | andy@scorebooklive.com | @sblivetx

Lead image by Sarah Phipps / The Oklahoman / USA Today Network