The Oklahoma Sooners have landed two players on the watch list for the Lott Impact Trophy, which was released earlier this week. Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy is awarded each season to the Defensive Impact Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field.
The two OU players who made the cut were defensive lineman Taylor Wein and defensive back Peyton Bowen, who both returned to Norman after strong seasons in 2025. Wein was a breakout player at defensive end who will now lead the way at that position in 2026. Bowen was an important playmaker at safety who came up with clutch performances down the stretch of OU’s season.
Wein tallied 15 TFLs and seven sacks in his first significant action for the Sooners last year. Now, the redshirt-junior is considered one of the leaders for the defense, and he won’t be sneaking up on anybody in 2026.
Advertisement
Bowen totaled 47 tackles to go along with two interceptions, seven PBUs, and a blocked field goal last season. The senior is now the leader of the safety room in Norman, and his play last November is a big reason why the Sooners made it to the College Football Playoff.
As key leaders like Damonic Williams, Gracen Halton, R Mason Thomas, and Robert Spears-Jennings have moved on to the NFL, it’ll be up to Wein and Bowen, along with players like Jayden Jackson, David Stone, Kip Lewis, Owen Heinecke, and Eli Bowen, to carry that torch on defense for the Sooners in 2026.
1 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) hugs linebacker Kip Lewis (10) before the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
1 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) hugs linebacker Kip Lewis (10) before the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
2 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) runs onto the field before the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
3 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Oklahoma’s Lloyd Avant (9) celebrates a touchdwon during the University of Oklahoma Sooners Spring Game at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday April 18, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
4 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Oklahoma’s Tate Sandell (29) kicks a field game during the University of Oklahoma Sooners Spring Game at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday April 18, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
5 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners Sooner Schooner leaves the field after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
6 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (bottom right)) takes a photo with the defensive group after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
7 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) takes a photo with the quarterback group during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
8 / 42
Where do the Oklahoma Sooners rank in CBS Sports’ post-spring top 25?
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables celebrates celebrates with quarterback John Mateer (10) after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
9 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners players and head coach Brent Venables react after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
10 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) reacts after the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
11 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
12 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners Casen Calmus (20) makes an interception during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
13 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) is chased by Casen Calmus (20) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
14 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
15 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
16 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jayden Petit (13) cannot make a catch as defensive back Eli Bowen (23) and defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) defend during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
17 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
18 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
19 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) is tackled by defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
20 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) is chased by defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) and defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
21 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) reacts during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
22 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) celebrates with defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
23 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) laughs on the sidelines during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
24 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) kicks a field goal during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
25 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) is sacked by defensive back Michael Boganowski (25) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
26 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Bowe Bentley (8) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
27 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight ends coach Jason Witten watches during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
28 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Jonathan Hatton Jr (20) celebrates with offensive lineman Michael Fasusi (56) after scoring a touchdown during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
29 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Jonathan Hatton Jr (20) scores a touchdown during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
30 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Manny Choice (0) battles for the ball with defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
31 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Elijah Thomas (14) runs with the ball as defensive lineman CJ Nickson (88) defends during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
32 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
33 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables watches during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
34 / 42
Oklahoma projected to land three-star back out of Texas
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables watches during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
35 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) reacts during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
36 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs with the ball during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
37 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) and defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) react after tackling wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
38 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) and defensive back Courtland Guillory (4) tackle wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
39 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) nearly intercepts a pass in front of wide receiver Jahsiear Rogers (2) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
40 / 42
Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
41 / 42
Oklahoma Sooners favored to land dynamic in-state prospect in 2027
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight ends coach Jason Witten greets wide receiver Eli Merck (89) during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
42 / 42
Where does Oklahoma land in CBS Sports post-spring bowl projections?
Apr 18, 2026; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the Oklahoma Spring Game at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Pair of Sooners named to watch list for Lott Impact Trophy
