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R Mason Thomas will be back at Oklahoma for the 2025 season, he announced on Monday afternoon.
Thomas was believed to be weighing his professional options after enjoying a career-best season for the Sooners in 2024. But rather than enter the NFL Draft, he will be back in Norman to lead Oklahoma’s defense next fall.
He made the announcement on Instagram:
Thomas was a huge reason why Oklahoma was able to extend its bowl eligibility streak this season despite having one of the worst offenses in the country. He totaled 13 tackles for loss, 9 sacks and 2 forced fumbles on the year, which was his best performance yet at the collegiate level.
He was routinely disruptive in clutch situations as well. He collected 2 sacks in OU’s win over Auburn and helped put that game away late with consistent pressure on quarterback Payton Thorne. He also had a sack in Oklahoma’s upset win over Alabama late in the season.
Looking ahead to next year, Oklahoma will be looking to make a big step forward as a team. Defensively, the Sooners were solid in 2024 but will have to replace the likes of Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman. It’s likely a big relief for Brent Venables and his coaching staff that they don’t also have to replace the R Mason Thomas’ production off the edge in 2025.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
