For most teams, including the Oklahoma Sooners, this part of the offseason is about players leaving. Whether it is via the transfer portal or players declaring for the draft, it is a tough time for many programs. However, the Sooners got some amazing news this evening when star defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. announced he would be returning for his senior season.
BREAKING: Oklahoma DB Billy Bowman Jr. will return for his Senior Season, he tells @on3sports
The 5’10 195 DB totaled 61 Tackles, 4 Pass Deflections, and 6 INTs (3 for TDs) in 2023
Huge news for the Sooners‼️https://t.co/T5kIyIOIkg pic.twitter.com/A6jWOW5WXj
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 9, 2023
Oklahoma Sooners DB Bill Bowman Jr. Returns For Senior Season
It cannot be understated how huge this is for the Sooners. Bowman Jr. led the nation in interceptions returned for touchdowns. In 2023, he had 61 Tackles, 4 Pass Deflections, and 6 INTs (3 for TDs). As the Sooners move to the SEC, they will have an upperclassman anchoring their secondary. With so many other teams looking to have to start very green players next season, the Sooners will be able to trot out one of the best safeties in the country on week 1.
Gearing Up For The SEC
There are still some holes to fill on the roster. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel left via the transfer portal but the Sooners seem to be in the mix for a good replacement. The SEC is going to be an absolute gauntlet next year for all teams. Every week in conference play will be a tough game. Even the teams that are near the bottom of the conference are not pushovers. If a team doesn’t come out with their best every week, they could easily get beat.
Brent Venables has his hands full next season but getting Billy Bowman Jr. back is a massive boost for the program. The offseason is just getting started and no doubt we will see many major moves in the coming weeks.