Billy Bowman and Danny Stutsman, once co-captains leading the Oklahoma Sooners defense, now find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield as division rivals in the NFL. Their journey from teammates to competitors has added an intriguing layer to their already storied careers, setting the stage for intense matchups in the seasons ahead.
### A Brotherhood Forged at Oklahoma
During their time at Oklahoma, Bowman and Stutsman were the backbone of the Sooners’ defense. Bowman, a standout safety, was known for his elite ball-hawking skills and game-changing interceptions. Stutsman, a hard-hitting linebacker, anchored the defense with his leadership and relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks. Together, they formed a formidable duo, earning All-Big 12 honors and leading Oklahoma to multiple bowl appearances.
Their chemistry on the field was undeniable. Whether it was Bowman reading a quarterback’s eyes and jumping a route or Stutsman delivering a crushing hit to force a fumble, their ability to complement each other’s strengths made Oklahoma’s defense one of the most feared in college football.
### The NFL Draft Changes Everything
The 2025 NFL Draft marked the beginning of a new chapter for both players. Bowman was selected by the **Atlanta Falcons** in the fourth round, while Stutsman was picked just moments earlier by the **New Orleans Saints** [A](https://oklahoma.rivals.com/news/billy-bowman-drafted-by-falcons-in-the-fourth-round?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWTR2dlo2U0ZaOWpjeGpDV2dOTHNyIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvb2tsYWhvbWEucml2YWxzLmNvbVwvbmV3c1wvYmlsbHktYm93bWFuLWRyYWZ0ZWQtYnktZmFsY29ucy1pbi10aGUtZm91cnRoLXJvdW5kIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiQ3NmdkFVaVVqV1NwN2czdmU2U2o3In0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The two former teammates, once united under the crimson and cream of Oklahoma, were now destined to face off in the NFC South.
The realization that they would be division rivals quickly set in. While their friendship remained strong, both players understood that their battles on the field would be fierce. The Falcons and Saints have one of the most heated rivalries in the NFL, and Bowman and Stutsman’s presence only adds fuel to the fire.
### The Rivalry Begins
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, anticipation is building for their first showdown. Bowman, now a key piece in Atlanta’s secondary, will be tasked with shutting down opposing offenses, while Stutsman, a rising star in New Orleans’ linebacker corps, will look to disrupt plays and dominate the trenches.
Their first meeting is expected to be a spectacle. Will Bowman pick off a pass intended for a Saints receiver? Will Stutsman break through the Falcons’ offensive line for a game-changing sack? The possibilities are endless, and fans from both teams are eager to see how their former partnership translates
