The Oklahoma Sooners have received a significant boost for the 2025 season with the announcement that standout defensive end R Mason Thomas will return for his senior year. Thomas, who led the team with nine sacks in 2024, made his decision public via social media on January 6, 2025.
Thomas’s return is pivotal for the Sooners’ defense. In the 2024 season, he recorded 23 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and nine sacks, leading the team with 36 total pressures and contributing two forced fumbles. His performance was instrumental in key victories over Auburn and Alabama, and he earned second-team All-SEC honors from the conference’s coaches.
Overcoming injuries that limited his playtime in his first two years at Oklahoma, Thomas showcased his potential when healthy, becoming a formidable force against opposing offensive lines. His decision to stay reflects his confidence in the team’s direction under head coach Brent Venables and the defensive coaching staff.
The defensive end position will benefit from Thomas’s leadership and experience, especially with the departure of players like Ethan Downs, Trace Ford, and Caiden Woullard due to graduation. The addition of former five-star edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. from Florida State further strengthens the defensive line, indicating a promising outlook for the Sooners’ pass rush in the upcoming season.
Thomas’s return also has implications for the team’s overall defensive strategy. With other key defenders like Robert Spears-Jennings, Kip Lewis, Kendel Dolby, and Damonic Williams also returning, the Sooners are poised to build upon a defense that was a bright spot during the 2024 season. The continuity and experience among these players are expected to enhance the unit’s performance, providing stability and leadership on the field.
In summary, R Mason Thomas’s decision to return for the 2025 season is a significant development for the Oklahoma Sooners. His presence is anticipated to bolster the defensive line, contribute to the team’s pass-rushing capabilities, and provide veteran leadership as the Sooners aim to compete at the highest level in the upcoming season.
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