The Oklahoma Sooners had seven players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, marking their largest draft class since 2022. Notable picks include R Mason Thomas, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round.
Key points
Oklahoma had seven players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft
This is the largest draft class for OU since 2022
R Mason Thomas was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs
The draft follows a successful season for the Sooners
OU's players fulfilled their dreams of joining the NFL
Oklahoma SoonersKansas City Chiefs
After having just two players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Oklahoma Sooners well exceeded that number in the 2026 NFL Draft. Last year, only linebacker Danny Stutsman (112th overall to the New Orleans Saints) and defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (118th overall to the Atlanta Falcons) heard their names called, but the Sooners came back with a better showing this year.
After a trip to the College Football Playoff in the 2025 season, OU had a number of players from its roster that were sure to be drafted, and a number of other players who were hoping to hear their names called as well.
Oklahoma had seven players picked this year, which is the largest draft class for OU since 2022, when the number was also seven. It's also OU's largest draft class of players who suited up for head coach Brent Venables. Here is every former Sooner to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, as players who spent at least their final season of college football in Norman fulfilled a lifelong dream; finding their pro football home in the NFL draft.
Defensive lineman R Mason Thomas was, unsurprisingly, the first former Sooner off the board, getting picked by the Kansas City Chiefs . During his four years at OU, Thomas developed into a star pass-rusher at the defensive end position, becoming Oklahoma's closer and hassling opposing quarterbacks off the edge.
Q&A
How many Oklahoma players were drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Seven Oklahoma players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Which team drafted R Mason Thomas from Oklahoma?
R Mason Thomas was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs.
What was the overall pick number for R Mason Thomas in the 2026 NFL Draft?
R Mason Thomas was selected 40th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
How does the 2026 draft class compare to previous years for Oklahoma?
The 2026 draft class is the largest for Oklahoma since 2022, when they also had seven players drafted.
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Offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu was the second Sooner off the board. He was chosen by the Houston Texans with the 106th overall selection. Nwaiwu spent two years at OU after transferring in from North Texas, and he became the stable presence the Sooners needed at right guard in 2024 and 2025. His consistency and versatility were vital up front for Oklahoma.
Defensive lineman Gracen Halton made it back-to-back picks for the Sooners, as he was chosen with the 107th overall selection by the San Francisco 49ers. Halton was developed into a game-wrecker at defensive tackle during his four years at Oklahoma, showing excellent burst and athleticism from the interior DL spots. He was part of a fearsome OU front line that became the strength of the team in the SEC.
Linebacker Kendal Daniels was also picked in the fourth round, as he was selected with the 134th overall selection by the Atlanta Falcons. After spending four years at Oklahoma State, Daniels transferred to OU and started at the cheetah position in 2025. He was very underrated as a key piece of the Oklahoma defense, and his versatility allowed him to help the Sooners in a lot of different ways.
Defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings was the first former Sooner chosen in the seventh round of the draft, as he was selected with the 224th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Spears-Jennings spent all four years of his collegiate career in Norman, and he was developed into the leader of the OU secondary. He was a starter a safety for the last two seasons, and was a physical presence against the run for the Sooners.
Tight end Jaren Kanak also heard his name called in the NFL draft's seventh round, as he was picked with the 225th overall selection by the Tennessee Titans. Kanak spent four years at OU, but played linebacker for the first three. He switched to tight end for his senior year, and it was a move that paid off, as he caught 44 passes for 533 yards. He was essentially a big slot receiver for the Sooners, and an important piece of the offense, starting all 13 games.
Wide receiver Deion Burks was the third Sooner selected in the seventh round, as he was chosen with the 254th overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts. Burks spent two years at OU, after transferring in from Purdue. After being hampered by injuries in 2024, Burks started all 13 games in 2025, finishing second on the team with 57 receptions for 620 yards and four touchdowns. His speed with the ball in his hands made him a dangerous player at OU.
Oklahoma's Kendal Daniels (5) hits Michigan's Justice Haynes (22) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooner and the University of Michigan Wolverines at the Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrate after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) during the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Jay Lindsey (88) against Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.
Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) tackles Missouri Tigers quarterback Beau Pribula (9) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) reacts during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) reacts during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates a safety against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates a sack of South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) pressures Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the first half of the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025.
1 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma's Kendal Daniels (5) hits Michigan's Justice Haynes (22) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooner and the University of Michigan Wolverines at the Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.
1 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma's Kendal Daniels (5) hits Michigan's Justice Haynes (22) in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooner and the University of Michigan Wolverines at the Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.
2 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrate after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
3 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) during the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
4 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Jay Lindsey (88) against Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
5 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.
6 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) tackles Missouri Tigers quarterback Beau Pribula (9) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
7 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) reacts during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
8 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) reacts during the second half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
9 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates a safety against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
10 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oct 18, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) celebrates a sack of South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Lanorris Sellers (16) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
11 / 11
Photos of Kendal Daniels with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kendal Daniels (5) pressures Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the first half of the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025.
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