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Oklahoma Sooners star defender heading to the Kansas City Chiefs
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- Oklahoma Sooners star defender heading to the Kansas City Chiefs
R Mason Thomas
The first Oklahoma Sooner is off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft. R Mason Thomas was selected in the second round, No. 40 overall, by the Kansas City Chiefs .
In his four years at Oklahoma, Thomas became a force off the edge for Brent Venables defense. He totaled 17 sacks in four seasons, including 15.5 over the last two years, the Sooners ' first two seasons in the SEC. He's the highest defensive player taken in the draft out of Oklahoma since Nik Bonitto was selected No. 64 overall by another AFC West squad, the Denver Broncos .
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Bonitto has since become one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, and Thomas has the potential to be a force for Kansas City . Thomas joins former Sooners Creed Humphrey, Wanya Morris , Ethan Downs , and James Winchester . Thomas played on the same defensive line as Downs from 2022 to 2024.
Thomas flipped from Iowa State to Oklahoma late in the 2022 recruiting class, Brent Venables first at Oklahoma. He became arguably the best player on the roster during his time with the Sooners and will have a chance to play early with a Chiefs team looking to get back into contention after a down year in 2025.
Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas (32) and Jonah Laulu (8) celebrate a play in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Central Florida Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 21, 2023.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) attempts to elude the rush of Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) is sacked by Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrate during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) celebrate after a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) for a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) chases after Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-13.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) applies pressure on Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Illinois State Redbirds running back Victor Dawson (5) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kobie McKinzie (11) and defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) signs a football for a fan during Meet the Sooners Day at Gaylord Family Ñ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
R Mason Thomas (32) runs drills during an Oklahoma (OU) football practice at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
(Jordan Godfree, Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Navy Midshipmen fullback Alex Tecza (46) during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates beside Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Caiden Woullard (90) 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.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates after sacking Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, John Reed-Imagn Images)
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) moves in to block Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Izavion Miller (72) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, John Reed-Imagn Images)
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) tackles Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) and causes a fumble during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) sacks Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) defends a pass by Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas (32) and Jonah Laulu (8) celebrate a play in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Central Florida Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 21, 2023.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas (32) and Jonah Laulu (8) celebrate a play in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Central Florida Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 21, 2023.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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Which former Sooners could return under new federal ruling?
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) attempts to elude the rush of Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) is sacked by Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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'It'll be fun': Kip Lewis reacts to Colin Simmons on Red River Rivalry
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrate during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron, Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) celebrate after a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) for a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) chases after Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-13.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) applies pressure on Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Illinois State Redbirds running back Victor Dawson (5) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kobie McKinzie (11) and defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) signs a football for a fan during Meet the Sooners Day at Gaylord Family Ñ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
R Mason Thomas (32) runs drills during an Oklahoma (OU) football practice at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
(Jordan Godfree, Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Navy Midshipmen fullback Alex Tecza (46) during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates beside Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Caiden Woullard (90) 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.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
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.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates after sacking Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, John Reed-Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) moves in to block Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Izavion Miller (72) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, John Reed-Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) tackles Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) and causes a fumble during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) sacks Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) defends a pass by Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: R Mason Thomas taken No. 40 overall by Kansas City in 2026 NFL Draft
