Elijah Thomas has given Oklahoma every reason to get his breakout opportunity

It feels like we’re hearing the same preseason storyline about Oklahoma wide receiver Elijah Thomas, but this is not the same Elijah Thomas in 2026.

Thomas signed with the 2025 class as an electric recruit that many fans expected immediate contributions from. That hype then soared even higher during fall camp last year when he was making highlight-reel catches and even had wide receivers coach Emmett Jones comparing him to New York Giants star Malik Nabers.

But Thomas was limited to a special teams role as a freshman with only one five-yard catch. Fans were left wanting more, and after another impressive fall camp, many have entered the point where we'll believe it when we see it. It's not because we don't buy Thomas' talent, but we doubt his opportunity. Thomas, though, is convinced he's done what was needed to get his chance at a breakout season.

"Big developmental period for me and my whole team," Thomas told media after Tuesday's practice. "Going through it together, it really made it very easy. Gaining that trust from my coaches and my teammates. And I can trust them as much as they can trust me. ...

"I had to show them I know my plays and I can make my plays."

Sooners can't waste Elijah Thomas after paying his dues

Although it felt like a waste of talent to some fans, Thomas believes his role on special teams is what created the trust he has now that was needed for him to get more time at receiver in 2026 as a sophomore. Someone also has to play special teams, and the Sooners had one of the best units in college football in 2025 because they had budding stars like Thomas paying their dues.

Thomas was molded for special teams after excelling not just as a receiver, but also all over the defense when he was at Checotah High School (OK). He primarily played defensive back, but would also creep up to linebacker and even come off the edge some. Even as Checotah's best player, he still went out there on kickoff and returned kicks for the Wildcats. Offensively, he lined at wide receiver, running back and as a wildcat quarterback.

That freak athleticism had Thomas ranked as the No. 5 athlete in the 2025 class, per the 247Sports Composite, and was why fans were so amped to see what Thomas could accomplish once in crimson and cream, and focusing on one position.

Thomas this season will still be buried behind the likes of Isaiah Sategna III and transfer additions Trell Harris and Parker Livingstone, but after that trio, the rest of OU's receivers are fighting to be the next guy up. Thomas has earned that opportunity, or else there's reason to worry he'll transfer and someone else will give him the chance he deserves.

Thomas already had the talent. He has since gained the experience and trust. This is clearly not the same Elijah Thomas of 2025, so now we just hope it's also not the same role for the promising star in 2026. Thomas did his part, so now the Sooners need to hold up their end of the deal to fully unlock Thomas.

“Massive maturation. A lot of maturation in my process,” Thomas said. “I changed my process up. My mindset is all different. I’m coming for it. That’s it.”

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