Mason Thomas, a R for Oklahoma, considers his future while getting ready for the Armed Forces Bowl.

After a recent practice, Thomas shared his thoughts about his future: “I’ve been thinking about it a lot, but I’m still weighing my options. I’m talking to my family, but I’m not sure yet about my next move.” The decision on the table is whether to return to Norman for another season under head coach Brent Venables or to take the next big step and enter the NFL Draft.

Thomas has been making waves with his standout performances, particularly at the close of the 2024 regular season. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 243 pounds, the edge rusher’s numbers speak for themselves: 22 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. His explosiveness and steady growth throughout the season, despite battling injuries, have made him one of the most talked-about players in college football. After a solid freshman campaign in 2022, Thomas truly broke out in 2023, showcasing significant improvement in his stats despite enduring ankle injuries.

The edge rusher possesses the kind of talent that could easily make a significant impact at the next level. His speed and relentless drive off the line of scrimmage have caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike, but it’s his commitment to refining his craft—especially his film study—that has propelled him to such success. His consistency on the field has earned him recognition as one of the top players at his position.

As much as Oklahoma’s coaching staff would love to see Thomas return for another season, the final call rests with the player himself. However, Thomas isn’t allowing the decision to distract him from his current focus: finishing the season strong. He remains committed to his teammates and the team’s pursuit of success, stating, “No matter what, it’s the next man up. We’re sticking to the standard and pushing forward.”

At this stage in his career, Thomas is faced with an important choice. Should he stay another year in college and continue to develop under Venables, who has helped guide his improvement, or should he take the plunge into the NFL, where scouts are already taking notice of his talents? While the decision is clearly weighing on him, Thomas remains grounded, prioritizing the team’s immediate goals and his own future growth as he contemplates the best course of action.

As the 2024 season draws to a close, the future is uncertain, but for now, Thomas is fully focused on his role in helping Oklahoma finish strong.