Oklahoma Sooners defender R Mason Thomas was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, at No. 40 overall. He recorded 17 sacks during his college career, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Chiefs.
Key points
R Mason Thomas selected by Kansas City Chiefs
Second round, No. 40 overall in 2026 NFL Draft
Totaled 17 sacks in four seasons at Oklahoma
Highest defensive player drafted from Oklahoma since Nik Bonitto
Joins several former Sooners on the Chiefs
Mentioned in this story
Kansas City ChiefsOklahoma SoonersDenver Broncos
R Mason ThomasNik Bonitto
Oklahoma Sooners star defender heading to the Kansas City Chiefs
The first Oklahoma Sooner is off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft. R Mason Thomas was selected in the second round, No. 40 overall, by the Kansas City Chiefs.
In his four years at Oklahoma, Thomas became a force off the edge for Brent Venables defense. He totaled 17 sacks in four seasons, including 15.5 over the last two years, the Sooners' first two seasons in the SEC. He's the highest defensive player taken in the draft out of Oklahoma since Nik Bonitto was selected No. 64 overall by another AFC West squad, the Denver Broncos.
Bonitto has since become one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, and Thomas has the potential to be a force for Kansas City. Thomas joins former Sooners Creed Humphrey, Wanya Morris, Ethan Downs, and James Winchester. Thomas played on the same defensive line as Downs from 2022 to 2024.
Thomas flipped from Iowa State to Oklahoma late in the 2022 recruiting class, Brent Venables first at Oklahoma. He became arguably the best player on the roster during his time with the Sooners and will have a chance to play early with a Chiefs team looking to get back into contention after a down year in 2025.
Q&A
Who is R Mason Thomas and what are his college achievements?
R Mason Thomas is a star defender from the Oklahoma Sooners, known for totaling 17 sacks in four seasons, including 15.5 in his last two years.
What round and pick was R Mason Thomas selected in the 2026 NFL Draft?
R Mason Thomas was selected in the second round, No. 40 overall, in the 2026 NFL Draft.
How does R Mason Thomas compare to previous Oklahoma defensive players in the NFL Draft?
He is the highest defensive player taken from Oklahoma since Nik Bonitto, who was selected No. 64 overall by the Denver Broncos.
Which former Oklahoma Sooners players are currently on the Kansas City Chiefs?
R Mason Thomas joins former Sooners Creed Humphrey, Wanya Morris, Ethan Downs, and James Winchester on the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas (32) and Jonah Laulu (8) celebrate a play in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Central Florida Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 21, 2023.
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) attempts to elude the rush of Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) is sacked by Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrate during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) celebrate after a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family ΓΒ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) for a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family ΓΒ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) chases after Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family ΓΒ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-13.
Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) applies pressure on Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Illinois State Redbirds running back Victor Dawson (5) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kobie McKinzie (11) and defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) signs a football for a fan during Meet the Sooners Day at Gaylord Family Γβ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
R Mason Thomas (32) runs drills during an Oklahoma (OU) football practice at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Navy Midshipmen fullback Alex Tecza (46) during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates beside Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Caiden Woullard (90) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) hits Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates after sacking Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) moves in to block Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Izavion Miller (72) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) tackles Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) and causes a fumble during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) sacks Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) defends a pass by Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas (32) and Jonah Laulu (8) celebrate a play in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Central Florida Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 21, 2023.
1 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas (32) and Jonah Laulu (8) celebrate a play in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Central Florida Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct., 21, 2023.
2 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) attempts to elude the rush of Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
3 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) is sacked by Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
4 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrate during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
5 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) and defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) celebrate after a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family ΓΒ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
6 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) for a safety during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family ΓΒ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
7 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) chases after Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family ΓΒ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-13.
8 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) applies pressure on Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
9 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
10 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Illinois State Redbirds running back Victor Dawson (5) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kobie McKinzie (11) and defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) signs a football for a fan during Meet the Sooners Day at Gaylord Family Γβ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
R Mason Thomas (32) runs drills during an Oklahoma (OU) football practice at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
13 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
14 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) brings down Navy Midshipmen fullback Alex Tecza (46) during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
15 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates beside Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Caiden Woullard (90) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
16 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) hits Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
17 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) celebrates after sacking Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
18 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) moves in to block Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Izavion Miller (72) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
19 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) tackles Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) and causes a fumble during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
20 / 21
Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) sacks Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 14, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) defends a pass by Tulane Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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