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R Mason Thomas set to return to OU for one more season

headshotby:George Stoia•01/06/25•

GeorgeStoia

Syndication: The Oklahoman
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) hits Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.

R Mason Thomas is returning to OU for one more season.

The star edge rusher announced on Monday that he will back in Norman in 2025. It’s one of the biggest decisions of the offseason for the Sooners, as Thomas was one of Oklahoma’s best players this past season. He totaled 23 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks, which was fourth best in the SEC in 2024.

Thomas could have chosen to declare for the NFL Draft, where he likely would’ve been a Day 2 draft pick. He also could have chosen to enter the transfer portal, where he would’ve been one of the top players available. Instead, he chose to stay OU, where he will be the focal point of a potentially elite defense.

The university’s collective, 1Oklahoma, also played a major role in Thomas choosing to stay. He was offered an attractive NIL deal that will pay hime around what he would’ve made as an NFL rookie.

What this means for the Sooners in 2025 is high expectations for the defense. The Sooners return several key players, inlcuding safeties Robert Spears-Jennings and Peyton Bowen, linebackers Kip Lewis and Kobie McKinzie and defensive tackles Jayden Jackson, Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams.

Oklahoma has also added two high-caliber players on defense through the portal. Florida State defensive end Marvin Jones Jr. and Oklahoma State linebacker/safety Kendal Daniels both committed to OU. Jones playing alongside Thomas should make for one of the better pass rushing duos in the country.

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