Born and raised in Denton, Texas, Billy Bowman Jr. exploded onto the high school football scene at Denton Ryan High School. He played both wide receiver and defensive back, averaging 86 receptions for 1,207 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior, and tallying 32 tackles, four interceptions, six pass breakups, and two forced fumbles on defense multi-talented athlete, he was ranked No. 6 in SportsDay’s Area Top 100 for the Class of 2021 (). Recruited by the University of Oklahoma, he emerged as a defensive anchor for the Sooners, earning All-Big 12 honours and ranking among the nation’s top returning cornerbacks (
Hailing from The Colony, Texas, Jayda Coleman was already a softball phenom when she entered high school. Named six-time All-State and three-time All-American, she amassed 279 hits, 261 runs, a .702 batting average, and a staggering 209 stolen bases during her high school tenure ( Highly touted—the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2020—she committed early to Oklahoma, where she carved a legacy as a four-time NCAA champion, All-American, and future USA Softball standout (
Together, they formed a union of two rising stars—the football star and the softball sensation—symbolizing hope, success, and the best of Oklahoma athletics
Their relationship had modest beginnings, first crossing paths at regional recruiting events in high school and growing deeper as they arrived at OU, Their five-year love story, culminating in mutual athletic stardom, was a constant presence on social media, stadium bleachers, and Sunday highlight reels (
On New Year’s Eve 2023 leading into 2024, Billy staged an unforgettable proposal at Lake Thunderbird near Norman. Amid fireworks, rose petals, photo albums, and illuminated “MARRY ME” letters, he dropped to one knee—and she said yes). The engagement announcement orbited social platforms, capturing over 1.2 million views on TikTok and earning cross-platform shares—including ESPN, SportsCenter, and USA Softball
In early January 2024, Jayda shared the joyous news on Instagram with the caption: “Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves,” echoing their spiritual and emotional bond
The couple’s simultaneous excellence—Billy anchoring OU’s secondary and Jayda propelling OU softball to a historic fourth straight WCWS title—painted a picture of an inspiring, emotionally grounded power coupleBoth credited one another with helping maintain competitive focus and emotional resilience: Jayda during Billy’s draft prep and Billy during the WCWS™ run .
As Jayda prepared for pro and international softball, including the Olympic‑qualifying tournaments, and Billy ramped up for the 2025 NFL Draft, their paths began trending apart
A teammate revealed: “They loved each other, but they were both becoming different people. Billy started thinking more about the NFL. Jayda was getting calls about the Olympic team. They had dreams”—ambitions—“starting to pull in opposite directions”
Training regimens, travel for scouting combines, games, and NIL promotions made joint time scarce. “It was hard to even find a time to FaceTime,” a friend said. They archived photos of each other from Instagram and slowed their public expressions of support
Fans noticed a shift—less game-day shoutouts, fewer joint appearances, removed photos. The absence of their usual shared light sparked speculation—drama started circulating before anything was confirmed
By late March to early April 2025, rumors had escalated to confirmation. The Sooner power couple had quietly and firmly decided to part ways
Two weeks before the public announcement, they met in Norman. Not surrounded by fans or media—just the two of them, sharing coffee, tears, mutual understanding “Jayda was calm. Billy was emotional,” said a witness. “No yelling. Just a mutual understanding that love alone wasn’t enough.”
Sunday morning, both released individual Instagram statements:Fans, teammates, and coaches quickly responded with empathy and admiration. OU Head Coach Brent Venables weighed in:
Social media erupted with #BillyAndJayda and #SoonerSplit trending. Some fans mourned the end of their dream pairing, while others respected the decision born of personal growth
On X, one user wrote:
A striking example of mature closure came when sources revealed that Jayda returned the engagement ring quietly—thus keeping the dignity of the relationship intact
“They both wanted to keep it classy. No drama. No dragging each other on social media. Just love, real love, that didn’t last forever.” a friend shared
Billy has been laser-focused on his NFL aspirations. He participated in the NFL Combine, trained with top-tier coaches in Arizona and Florida, and is expected to hear his name late in the second round . Scouts praise his athleticism, leadership, and football IQ—qualities that many credit to his partnership with Jayda (
Continuing her ascent, Jayda has committed to playing for the Oklahoma City Spark in the AFP, boasting a .367 batting average in her first pro season and continuing her pursuit of international and Olympic dreams (). Already a Team USA roster member, her lightning speed, dynamic batting, and leadership have placed her on the path to being a household name in women’s softball .
Off the field, she’s become an icon for youth sports, sparking packed softball clinics and endorsement rumors. With discussions swirling around book deals and advocacy roles, she’s poised to make an impact far beyond the diamond
Their story underscores several universal truths:
At its core, the Bowman‑Coleman story was a union of shared ambition. From high school talents to collegiate champions, they navigated personal dreams together. But as momentum toward pro careers grew, individual ambitions scattered their paths.
Their journey, transitioning from “the Sooners’ golden couple” to individuals in pursuit of separate destinies, highlights the maturity it takes to know when to grow—and grow apart. Their parting, marked by affection and mutual respect, is a testament to emotional maturity.
Their engagement and public declarations were chapters in what many assumed would be “happily ever after.” The breakup, though unexpected, didn’t turn dramatic or mean. Instead, it felt like a fairytale that recognized the need for new chapters. As one insider poignantly shared:
Even as they reinterpret their individual identities, both Billy and Jayda remain beloved figures in Norman. Their combined legacy is one of gratitude, hard work, and balanced love before greatness. They remind fans that behind athletic stardom are personal sacrifices, evolving aspirations, and often, difficult choices.
- Billy: has NFL potential, likely to be drafted soon, with his physicality and leadership earning early commendations from scouts
- Jayda: may emerge as one of softball’s brightest stars—a professional, Team USA leader, role model, and catalyst for growth in women’s sports .
Their story invites us to appreciate both athletic glory and emotional authenticity. Two extraordinary young people grew up together, loved deeply, and made the courageous decision to chart their own paths. Their legacy is no less special for its end—and may well shine even brighter in their elegiac independence.
For Sooner Nation, this brings closure—no closure required, but respectful acknowledgment that people, even celebrated athletes, evolve. The pain of farewell is easier to bear when remembered in kindness. As fans reflect, there are no villains, no scandal—only two young stars taking separate flights from a shared nest.
- Origin: Texas→OU; shared athletic—and romantic—roots
- High Peaks: NCAA champions + Heisman-caliber athletic status
- Engagement: New Year 2024 at Lake Thunderbird; viral proposal
- Drifting: Diverging careers, emotional distance, social media silence
- Split: Private, tearful, mutual; public statements of love and respect
- Forward Motion: Billy→NFL; Jayda→professional & international softball; legacies intact
