As Oklahoma prepares for its second season in the SEC, much of the preseason discussion centers around a defense that could be among the best in the conference. Brent Venables, a defensive mind by trade, has steadily built a unit with championship aspirations, anchored by a loaded defensive line and a veteran group at linebacker. The safety room, in particular, has emerged as possibly the deepest position group on the roster.
But despite all that strength on the back end, one question looms: Can the Sooners trust their cornerbacks?
An Evolving Room
Gone are stalwarts like Woodi Washington, Kani Walker, and Dez Malone — experienced veterans who logged critical reps in 2023 and 2024. In their place stands a talented but relatively unproven group. The coaching staff, notably Venables and cornerbacks coach Jay Valai, chose not to add any corners through either the winter or spring transfer windows. That decision speaks volumes — both in their confidence and in the stakes.
The Sooners are betting on internal growth. They’re hoping the health of Gentry Williams and the development of young talents Eli Bowen, and Jacobe Johnson will elevate the unit to match the strength of the safeties and front seven. But in a league where quarterback play and elite receivers abound, the pressure on Oklahoma’s corners will be unrelenting.
The Star-in-Waiting: Eli Bowen
The breakout star of the group is undoubtedly sophomore Eli Bowen. Overshadowed in recruiting rankings by his brother, Peyton Bowen, Eli emerged as a Freshman All-American in 2024 after climbing the depth chart midseason. His performance against Alabama’s Ryan Williams — holding one of the nation’s best young receivers largely in check — served as a national coming-out party.
Bowen led all Oklahoma defenders with an 80.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, and his 85.4 run defense grade was third among Sooners with 200+ snaps. He played 510 defensive snaps, 404 of them at corner. Despite his modest frame (5-9, 187), Bowen is fearless as a tackler and sticky in coverage. If he stays healthy after a spring injury that kept him on crutches, he could anchor the secondary for years to come.
The Wild Card: Gentry Williams
Redshirt junior Gentry Williams may be the most talented player in the room — and perhaps the most frustrating. A former track star and four-star recruit out of Tulsa, Williams has the speed and physicality to be an elite SEC corner. But injuries have plagued his career, including a second shoulder surgery that limited him to just two games in 2024.
When healthy, Williams is a lockdown boundary corner with NFL upside. He’s physical at the line, smooth in transition, and has the recovery speed to close windows quickly. But his availability remains a question mark. If he can stay on the field, Oklahoma may have one of the best corner duos in the SEC with Williams and Bowen. If not, the Sooners will need their next wave of corners to mature in a hurry.
Next Men Up: Johnson, Jordan & Dolby
Jacobe Johnson, a 6-2, 202-pound junior, is the most physically gifted corner on the roster. A top-10 cornerback in the 2023 recruiting class, Johnson saw action in all 13 games last year but graded out at just 49.2 on defense. He flashed against lesser opponents but struggled in space and needs refinement in footwork and technique. Still, his size and athleticism make him a strong candidate to take over opposite Bowen if Williams isn’t ready.
Sophomore Devon Jordan quietly impressed as a rotational player and special teamer last season. The Tulsa native played in 12 games, logging 116 snaps — 42 of them on defense. He’s speedy, fluid, and physical, and his progress this spring has not gone unnoticed by teammates or coaches.
Then there’s Kendel Dolby. Once a nickel (or “cheetah”) linebacker, Dolby dislocated and fractured his ankle in last season’s loss to Tennessee. Now back at corner, his experience and toughness could be valuable in a reserve or hybrid role, especially in sub-packages.
Youth Movement
Valai has quietly stockpiled talent over the last two recruiting cycles. Jeremiah Newcombe, Courtland Guillory, Trystan Haynes, and Oklahoma legacy Maliek Hawkins are all intriguing young corners who bring speed and upside. Hawkins, in particular, is said to have had a strong spring and could push for rotational reps by midseason.
While none of these players have significant college snaps, the staff believes the talent ceiling is high. Still, playing time in the SEC isn’t handed out for potential. It’s earned through performance, and these freshmen will be tested early if injuries or inconsistencies mount.
Safety Valve: A Veteran Safety Group
Fortunately for Oklahoma, the safety group is arguably the best in the conference. Peyton Bowen and Robert Spears-Jennings return as starters and leaders of the secondary. Bowen is a former five-star who can play deep, in the box, or over the slot. Spears-Jennings is a hard-hitting enforcer who will enter the 2025 season as the team’s returning leader in tackles from last season.
They’re joined by versatile newcomer Kendal Daniels, a transfer from Oklahoma State who will man the “cheetah” role. Young playmakers like Michael Boganowski and Jaydan Hardy add depth and explosiveness. While the cornerback group might lack experience, the safeties’ range and communication should help stabilize the back end — particularly against spread attacks.
The Verdict
So what should we expect from Oklahoma’s defensive backs in 2025?
If Eli Bowen builds on his breakout season, and Gentry Williams can finally stay healthy, the Sooners could have one of the more formidable duos in the SEC. If Jacobe Johnson takes a step forward and younger players like Devon Jordan and Maliek Hawkins emerge, Oklahoma’s depth will be stronger than expected.
But the margin for error is slim. The Sooners face Alabama, LSU, and Tennessee — all teams with dynamic passing games. The cornerbacks will be targeted early and often. For Oklahoma to take the next step toward SEC contention, this group doesn’t need to be perfect — just steady, sound, and opportunistic.
With a dominant front seven and a veteran safety group, the Sooners are equipped to support their corners. Now, it’s up to the young guns to rise to the challenge. The potential is undeniable. Whether that potential turns into production will help define Oklahoma’s ceiling in 2025 — and possibly decide whether the Sooners return to the College Football Playoff for the first time in over five years.
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