The Oklahoma Sooners received significant news on Monday afternoon with the announcement that their star pass rusher, R Mason Thomas, will return for his senior season in 2025. Thomas, who had an outstanding breakout season in 2024, played a pivotal role in the Sooners’ defensive success and his return provides a major boost to their defensive line heading into the upcoming season.
A Breakout 2024 Season
R Mason Thomas had a standout 2024 season that saw him emerge as one of the top defensive players in the SEC. After battling injuries during his first two years in Norman, Thomas finally hit his stride in 2024, showcasing his immense potential as a pass rusher. He led the Sooners with nine sacks, including six sacks during SEC play, making him one of the most feared pass rushers in the conference. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and collapse the pocket was key to Oklahoma’s defensive success.
In addition to his nine sacks, Thomas recorded 23 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 36 total pressures, and two forced fumbles. His performance not only put him in the conversation as one of the top defensive players for the Sooners but also helped elevate the overall play of the defense. Thomas’ ability to create pressure in key moments and get after the quarterback made him an invaluable asset to the defense, particularly during Oklahoma’s big victories over Auburn and Alabama. His sack against Missouri in a critical moment helped to stall an opposing drive, although the Sooners were unable to finish the game strong in that matchup.
His work ethic, improved health, and exceptional skills as a pass rusher in 2024 solidified his status as one of the leaders of Oklahoma’s defense, and with his decision to return for the 2025 season, the Sooners are set to benefit from his continued development.
Thomas’ Role in Oklahoma’s Defense
The return of R Mason Thomas for his senior season is a major win for Oklahoma as they look to build on the momentum from a strong defensive showing in 2024. Under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners’ defense was one of the bright spots of the 2024 season, keeping the team in games even when the offense struggled to find consistency. Venables has instilled a culture of hard-nosed, aggressive defense in Norman, and with the return of Thomas, the Sooners’ pass rush will remain a top-tier unit.
Thomas is expected to continue leading the way on the defensive line, providing the Sooners with a dangerous edge rusher capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks. With his speed, strength, and relentless pursuit of the ball carrier, Thomas will be a focal point in Oklahoma’s defensive game plan in 2025. His ability to disrupt plays and put pressure on opposing offenses makes him a game-changer who can take over games with his relentless pass rush and ability to make big plays in critical moments.
Having Thomas back in the fold not only strengthens Oklahoma’s defensive line but also helps set the tone for the entire defense. As a leader, he provides valuable experience and leadership to younger players who will be looking to contribute in the coming season. Thomas’ presence in the locker room and on the field will be a significant factor in the continued development of the Sooners’ defensive front.
Defensive Line Depth and New Additions
The Sooners’ defensive line will have considerable depth in 2025, thanks to the return of Thomas and the addition of key players to the defensive front. Along with Thomas, the Sooners will be welcoming former five-star edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. to the defensive line. Jones, who transferred to Oklahoma from Florida State, will provide additional talent and experience to the defensive front. His pass-rushing ability and overall versatility will complement Thomas’ skills, giving the Sooners a dynamic duo on the edge.
In addition to Jones, Oklahoma has added former Oklahoma State defender Kendal Daniels, who brings solid experience to the secondary and defensive front. These additions, combined with Thomas’ return, will make the Sooners’ defensive line one of the most formidable units in the country. The defensive line is expected to continue its development under defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis, who will have a talented group of players to work with.
The Sooners will also have a strong group of returning players on the defensive line. Adepoju Adebawore, Taylor Wein, Danny Okoye, Wyatt Gilmore, Nigel Smith, C.J. Nickson, and Alexander Shieldnight will all be back in 2025, providing Oklahoma with both depth and versatility. This group of returning players will allow Oklahoma to rotate fresh legs on the field and continue applying pressure on opposing offenses throughout the game.
With Thomas and the newly added talent, the defensive line is expected to be one of the strongest units on the team. The Sooners’ defensive front has the potential to be a game-changing force in 2025, capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks, stopping the run, and making big plays throughout the season.
Losses on the Defensive Line
While the Sooners’ defensive line gains talent with the additions of Jones and Daniels, they do lose some key players from the 2024 season. Defensive end Ethan Downs, along with Trace Ford and Caiden Woullard, will graduate, leaving a gap in experience along the defensive front. However, the loss of these players is mitigated by the return of Thomas and the influx of new talent. The combination of returning players and new recruits provides Oklahoma with the necessary pieces to continue excelling on the defensive line.
With a mix of experienced players like Thomas and the new additions, the Sooners’ defensive front is well-positioned to remain one of the top defenses in the country. As the defense continues to develop under Venables, the players on the line will be tasked with maintaining their dominance and improving upon their already impressive performance in 2024.
Building on the 2024 Success
The return of R Mason Thomas is crucial as the Sooners look to build on their strong defensive performance in 2024. The defense was one of the brightest spots during a season in which the offense struggled to find consistency. Thomas, along with the other returning players and new additions, gives Oklahoma a chance to develop an even stronger defense in 2025. The key to success will be continuing to develop depth, maintaining a high level of intensity, and building off the momentum from last season.
With a dynamic pass rush led by Thomas, a strong defensive front, and a commitment to improving every day, Oklahoma’s defense is poised to take another step forward in 2025. As the Sooners continue to recruit top-tier talent and develop their defensive schemes, the team will remain a threat to the best offenses in the nation.
Conclusion
The announcement of R Mason Thomas returning for his senior season is a huge victory for Oklahoma’s defense and the program as a whole. With his standout play in 2024 and his potential to continue growing as a player, Thomas’ return strengthens the Sooners’ defensive line heading into 2025. Along with the addition of Marvin Jones Jr. and other key players, Oklahoma is well-positioned to remain one of the top defensive teams in college football.
The defense has the chance to take another step forward with Thomas leading the charge, and Sooners fans can look forward to an exciting 2025 season. With Thomas back in the fold, Oklahoma has the potential to become one of the best defenses in the nation, and the team is ready to build on their success for the upcoming season.
