Defensive end R Mason Thomas finally left Oklahoma, but just for the only possible reason that would draw him away from Norman.
After spending his entire four-year career with the Sooners, Thomas went to the Kansas City Chiefs with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft two weeks ago to start his professional career. Asked again why he stayed at the same college football program in the time of the Transfer Portal and NIL when staying put is extremely rare, Thomas made it clear that it was never even a thought to leave the Sooners, which is one of many reasons he was such fan-favorite during his time at OU.
R Mason Thomas explains why OU was the only school for him
"I love Oklahoma," Thomas said. "I didn't feel like I needed to leave. I knew when the Lord led me to pick that school. I didn't have like a drastic reason to. Obviously if they wanted me to play like safety, then obviously I have to leave, but I didn't have a drastic need to change, so I stayed.
"The Lord called me back for another year, my fourth year. People were talking about coming out that third year and I came back for a fourth year. It was either three years and done or four years and done."
Rookie edge R Mason Thomas tells @Leabonics why he chose to stay at one school, Oklahoma, his entire college career: pic.twitter.com/jtJcfZ9Qh9
— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) May 1, 2026
Thomas got to Oklahoma in 2022 as a four-star recruit from Florida and never left. He appeared in 42 games for the Sooners after immediately getting playing time as a freshman and made 20 starts. He finished his college football career as a two-time All-SEC selection, getting second-team honors in 2024, then first team last year.
Last season as a senior, Thomas recorded 26 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 tackles and two forced fumbles while missing three games with a hamstring injury and leading his team to the College Football Playoff in his final chance to.
The fact Thomas spent his entire career at the same place is such a rarity today that he told the reporters in the press conference that was the 28th time during his draft process that he was asked about it. His loyalty is even more exceptional when fans remember that OU head coach Brent Venables revealed last year that Thomas turned down offers “well over seven figures” from other programs to transfer.
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