An Oklahoma edge rusher famous for a one-handed 71-yard fumble-return touchdown, drafted by the Chiefs in the second round to boost their pass rush.
R Mason Thomas spent four seasons developing into one of Oklahoma's top pass rushers, culminating in a First-team All-SEC senior season and a signature highlight-reel play against Tennessee. The Chiefs selected him in the second round of the 2026 draft, an undersized but productive edge piece for Steve Spagnuolo's defense.
Path to the league
Thomas played four seasons at Oklahoma from 2022 to 2025, developing from a rotational freshman into a full-time starter by his senior year. The Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the second round, No. 40 overall, of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Over his Oklahoma career, Thomas recorded 65 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks, earning second-team All-SEC honors in 2024 before jumping to first-team All-SEC in 2025. He was also named a Bednarik Award semifinalist and earned second-team All-American recognition as a senior.
2025 season recap
Thomas's senior season was the best of his college career, headlined by a play against Tennessee on November 1, 2025, when he scooped a fumble one-handed and raced 71 yards for a touchdown, the longest fumble return in Oklahoma history. That breakout year, capped by All-SEC and All-American honors, made him a coveted pass rusher entering the 2026 draft, despite scouts flagging his smaller frame relative to the prototype favored by Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Sources
- Wikipedia: R Mason Thomas
- Chiefs.com: R Mason Thomas
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Defensive End
- Group
- defense
- College
- Oklahoma
- Hometown
- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Age
- 21
- Status
- active
