Getty Image / Michael Reaves
Five-star safety Peyton Bowen has been committed to Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame since New Year’s Day. He was set to be a huge part of the Irish defense in the future.
But, the senior safety from Denton Guyer High School in Denton, Texas, has been having second thoughts for a few weeks. He’s been visiting and considering other schools.
He visited Texas A&M and Jimbo Fisher in late September. And, just four days ago, 247sports recruiting expert Steve Wiltfong predicted that Bowen would be going to play for Brent Venables and Oklahoma.
247Sports Director of Football Recruiting Steve Wiltfong flipped his Peyton Bowen prediction from Notre Dame to the Oklahoma Sooners. https://t.co/yguKCChPnd
— Sooners Wire (@SoonersWire) December 17, 2022
And, that’s where he was expected to go on signing day, but he had a shock in store.
Five-star safety Peyton Bowen signed with Oregon in a shocker
It was time for Peyton Bowen to sign his letter of intent on Wednesday. And, he shocked the college football world.
Peyton Bowen chooses Oregon.
The five-star Denton Guyer safety flips from Notre Dame to the Ducks. pic.twitter.com/597uOxGqFn
— Shawn McFarland (@McFarland_Shawn) December 21, 2022
Oh no. He did the hat switcheroo.
Hat switch is cowardly, don’t need a guy like that on my team
— Lenny Gunther – my own research (@yutyutlenny) December 21, 2022
Notre Dame fans have a right to be pissed off at the ball hawk safety.
Imagine just casually blowing off a bunch of guys that you’ve had close relationships with for a year and thinking it’s funny.
— Tim (@DomenGolder) December 21, 2022
Weak….these signing day ceremonies have become a "let me out-cool everyone else" event. Such a sad reflection on our narcissistic society. Nothing against this young man, just sickened by what this has become for soooo many.
— Chris Melson (@chrismelson17) December 21, 2022
Was it worth it? I don't think it was
— Irishnation (@irishnation122) December 21, 2022
Oklahoma fans are less sad, as he was never committed there. Still, a big blow for Brent Venables.
Oregon’s recruiting class is up to number nine in the country, according to 247 sports.