RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe NCAA made a major rule change this offseason that shook college athletics. The rule has been dubbed the "five-for-five" rule because college athletes now only get five years of eligibility.
There are no more redshirts, either optional or medical. This will cut down on some players playing college football for six, seven, or even eight seasons. This rule is forcing college football teams to re-evaluate. Now, players entering their senior season have the option to come back for another year if they want to. This will affect recruiting and even the transfer portal.
Oklahoma Sooners ' Peyton Bowen is a former five-star recruit and has had a solid career, with his best season coming last year. Bowen had 47 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass deflections, becoming one of the better safeties in the SEC. He's going into his senior season without having redshirted any prior season. Despite now having the option to return next season, Bowen revealed his plan is to make this his last season in Norman.
“I don't want to use my fifth year, but if that happens, it happens," Bowen said via The Oklahoman's Colton Sulley on X. "Ultimately, I'm planning on having my best year.”
#Sooners safety Peyton Bowen on the NCAA’s new five-for-five eligibility model: “I don't want to use my fifth year, but if that happens, it happens. Ultimately, I'm planning on having my best year.” pic.twitter.com/Lgfi8WRfnT
— Colton Sulley (@colton_sulley) August 4, 2026 Bowen's comments make it clear where his focus lies. Rather than planning for another year of college football, he's approaching 2026 as if it will be his last opportunity to leave his mark at Oklahoma.
If he delivers on his goal of having the best season of his career, Bowen won't have much reason to consider a fifth year anyway. The Sooners are counting on him to anchor one of the SEC's top defenses, and another standout campaign could not only help Oklahoma compete for a national championship but also boost his NFL draft stock heading into the next level.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma's Peyton Bowen reveals future plans after new 5-for-5 rule
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