Oklahoma fans already anticipated a pair of defensive standouts to be on the initial SEC Availability Report on Wednesday evening before the Sooners travel to Alabama on Saturday, but there was even more than expected.
In what's a do-or-die game for the No. 11 Sooners' College Football Playoff chances against No. 4 Alabama, OU could have to survive and advance without two starters along its defensive line, including defensive end R Mason Thomas and defensive tackle Jayden Jackson. Both were listed as questionable on Wednesday evening.
Jayden Jackson, R Mason Thomas injury update
Wednesday’s SEC Availability Report ahead of Oklahoma-Alabama: pic.twitter.com/drk9vL99aa
— Stormin In Norman (@StorminInNorman) November 13, 2025
Jackson, a sophomore, was the surprise addition on the initial availability report, especially coming out of a bye week. He has started six of nine games this season while tallying 22 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks.
Thomas was expected to be listed after exiting the Sooners' last game against Tennessee two weeks ago, but he could be the Sooners' most detrimental loss. Thomas hurt his quad while returning a fumble for a 71-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Volunteers and never returned.
Thomas leads the Sooners with 6.5 sacks, plus has 23 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss.
THERE GOES THAT MAN pic.twitter.com/cE3lEVeeW7
— Stormin In Norman (@StorminInNorman) November 2, 2025
On a good note, starting MIKE linebacker Kobie McKinzie was listed as probable, so is expected to play. He didn't play against Tennessee after injuring his groin against Ole Miss.
More positive updates came offensively with wide receiver Keontez Lewis and offensive tackle Derek Simmons being listed as probable. Neither have played since the Red River Rivalry against Texas on Oct. 11.
Runnings backs Jovantae Barnes and Taylor were also listed as questionable after both being sidelined for several weeks now.