Oklahoma Sooners Receive Boost as R Mason Thomas Returns for 2025 Season
The Oklahoma Sooners received exciting news on Monday afternoon, as their top pass rusher, R Mason Thomas, announced his decision to return for the 2025 season. This development is a significant boost to the Sooners’ defense, which was the standout unit for the team in 2024.
Thomas had a breakout season in 2024, leading the Sooners with nine sacks, including six during SEC play. He also recorded 23 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 36 total pressures, with two forced fumbles. His impressive performance was a key factor in Oklahoma’s victories over Auburn and Alabama.
The return of Thomas is a significant morale booster for the Sooners, who have already seen several key defensive players announce their decision to return for the 2025 season. These players include Robert Spears-Jennings, Kip Lewis, Kendel Dolby, and Damonic Williams.
The Sooners’ defense was the highlight of their 2024 season, keeping the team competitive in several games where the offense struggled. With Thomas back for his senior season, Oklahoma has an opportunity to build on their defensive success and potentially become one of the top defensive units in the nation.
To further bolster their defense, the Sooners have added two key players through recruitment: former five-star edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. and former Oklahoma State defender Kendal Daniels. These additions, combined with Thomas’s return, have generated excitement among fans and coaches alike.
While the Sooners have lost several defensive players to graduation, including Ethan Downs, Trace Ford, and Caiden Woullard, they have a talented group of defensive ends, including Adepoju Adebawore, Taylor Wein, and Danny Okoye. With defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis at the helm, the Sooners are well-positioned to develop their pass rush and build on their defensive success.
Under the leadership of head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners are expected to continue their defensive excellence in 2025. The return of R Mason Thomas is a significant factor in this expectation, and fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season.
