Notre Dame 5-star defensive back commitment Peyton Bowen is still listening to other programs even as the 2023 recruiting cycle moves toward signing day.

According to On3’s Sam Spiegelman, Bowen is still being heavily recruited by programs like Texas A&M and Oklahoma. Bowen hails from Denton, Texas. The Aggies and Sooners have a major proximity advantage over Notre Dame in this recruitment.

Spiegelman indicated that Bowen might not “finalize” a decision until after his high school season is over. He plays for one of the best teams in the state of Texas in Guyer High School.

“He made this decision in January, so we are almost 11 months removed from that original commitment to Marcus Freeman,” Speigelman said. “With that being said, schools like Texas A&M and Oklahoma have not taken their foot off the gas. Both schools have had multiple opportunities to get Peyton Bowen, his mom, his dad, his little brother, on campus for visits.

“He can maintain his commitment and take these visits and he’s not going to rush to re-open his recruitment or flip or anything. But that decision is certainly weighing on him. Before the season I had heard that he was going to re-open things. That obviously never transpired. But that leaves me thinking that a decision is not yet finalized and it probably will be after Guyer finishes their season. ”

Bowen has been committed to the program since Jan. 1, 2022. He’s since taken trips to Norman and College Station and seems to be trending away from the Fighting Irish.

If Bowen does decommit, it would be a tremendous loss for Notre Dame. He’s the top-ranked recruit in Notre Dame’s 2023 class right now. He’s the No. 24 overall player and the No. 2 safety in the country, according to 247Sports Composite rankings

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Spiegelman offered a parting thought on Bowen’s recruitment as the calendar moves toward late October.

“This recruitment has never slowed down,” Spiegelman added. “The schools around the country have continued to make their push for Peyton Bowen … I don’t think we’re even close to a verdict yet.”