Oklahoma Sooners defensive end R Mason Thomas had a breakout season in 2024. After arriving in Norman as part of the 2022 recruiting class, Thomas dealt with injuries in his first two seasons before a huge performance in 2024.
Thomas has developed into one of the best pass rushing threats in the SEC, and his return to OU in 2025 was a big boost for head coach and defensive play-caller Brent Venables.
However, ESPN still believes Thomas isn’t on the level of some of the other great pass rushers in college football.
ESPN ranked their top 10 pass rushers for 2025 following spring football, and Thomas did not make the cut. In fact, Thomas received the 18th-most votes from the ESPN staff panel. That was after a nine-sack season last year. That was just 2.5 sacks behind South Carolina’s Kyle Kennard, who led the SEC in sacks last season. That was 2.5 more than fellow Gamecock defensive end Dylan Stewart, who had just 6.5 sacks in 2024. Stewart came in at No. 1 on ESPN’s list of best pass rushers in college football.
Thomas registered nine sacks and forced a fumble in 2024, and with so many of last season’s leaders on defense going pro, he’ll be relied upon to step up even more for Venables in 2025.
Seems ESPN just posted some bulletin board material for R Mason Thomas.
Thomas considered declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft after emerging as OU’s closer this past season. His ability to get after quarterbacks unlocked a new level for the Sooner defense, and he helped seal big wins against Tulane and Auburn early in the year.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Aaron on X @Aaron_Gelvin.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: R Mason Thomas snubbed by ESPN
Oklahoma Sooners defensive end R Mason Thomas had a breakout season in 2024. After arriving in Norman as part of the 2022 recruiting class, Thomas dealt with injuries in his first two seasons before a huge performance in 2024.
Thomas has developed into one of the best pass rushing threats in the SEC, and his return to OU in 2025 was a big boost for head coach and defensive play-caller Brent Venables.
However, ESPN still believes Thomas isn’t on the level of some of the other great pass rushers in college football.
ESPN ranked their top 10 pass rushers for 2025 following spring football, and Thomas did not make the cut. In fact, Thomas received the 18th-most votes from the ESPN staff panel. That was after a nine-sack season last year. That was just 2.5 sacks behind South Carolina’s Kyle Kennard, who led the SEC in sacks last season. That was 2.5 more than fellow Gamecock defensive end Dylan Stewart, who had just 6.5 sacks in 2024. Stewart came in at No. 1 on ESPN’s list of best pass rushers in college football.
Thomas registered nine sacks and forced a fumble in 2024, and with so many of last season’s leaders on defense going pro, he’ll be relied upon to step up even more for Venables in 2025.
Seems ESPN just posted some bulletin board material for R Mason Thomas.
Thomas considered declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft after emerging as OU’s closer this past season. His ability to get after quarterbacks unlocked a new level for the Sooner defense, and he helped seal big wins against Tulane and Auburn early in the year.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Aaron on X @Aaron_Gelvin.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: R Mason Thomas snubbed by ESPN
