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.

Dreams to reality.@thomss_r x @Chiefs pic.twitter.com/5tmRtpdyxx

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 ImagesOct 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 ImagesOct 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 ImagesOklahoma 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 Ð 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 Ð 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 Ð 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 ImagesAug 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 ImagesAug 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 ImagesOklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) signs a football for a fan during Meet the Sooners Day at Gaylord Family Ñ 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 ImagesOklahoma 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 ImagesSep 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 ImagesSep 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 ImagesSep 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 ImagesSep 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 Images1 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma'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 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma'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 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOct 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 Images3 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOct 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 Images4 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOct 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 Images5 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma 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 Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.6 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma 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 Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.7 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma 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 Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-13.8 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersSep 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 Images9 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersAug 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 Images10 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersAug 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 Images11 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma Sooners defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) signs a football for a fan during Meet the Sooners Day at Gaylord Family Ñ Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.12 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersR 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 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersJul 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 Images14 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma 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 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma 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 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma 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 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersSep 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 Images18 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersSep 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 Images19 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersSep 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 Images20 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersSep 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 Images21 / 21Photos of R Mason Thomas during his time with the Oklahoma SoonersSep 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 ImagesContact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: R Mason Thomas taken No. 40 overall by Kansas City in 2026 NFL Draft