Will R Mason Thomas play vs Alabama? Oklahoma star's injury status for CFP
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Oklahoma football star R Mason Thomas was one of the most productive edge rushers in the country before injury, but has missed the Sooners‘ last three games, including most of their win over Tennessee on Nov. 1. He’s aiming to return for the first time since against Alabama on Friday, Dec. 19, in the College Football Playoff.
Thomas, a senior, still managed to make a game-altering play against the Vols. Linebacker Owen Heinecke strip-sacked Joey Aguilar, before Thomas picked up the ball and fought off a Tennessee player for nearly 30 yards before returning it 71 yards for a touchdown. He was injured on the play but still managed to hobble into the end zone.
The first-team All-SEC selection finished the regular season with 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in eight games this season, although he only played the first quarter against Tennessee.
Thomas returning for Oklahoma’s first-round CFP matchup with Alabama would be a massive boost for the Sooners.
Here’s a look at his injury status for the opening CFP game on Dec. 19.
Will R Mason Thomas play vs Alabama?
Thomas was off the CFP availability report in the days leading up the Oklahoma vs. Alabama, indicating he’ll be available for the Sooners.
It’s a huge boost for Oklahoma, as Thomas is its best pure pass rusher. Thomas had nine sacks in 2024 and 6.5 sacks in 2025 before missing most of the Sooners’ last four games.
R Mason Thomas looked like someone preparing to play against Alabama during the #Sooners’ practice today. pic.twitter.com/kv3NjGxpYa
— Colton Sulley (@colton_sulley) December 15, 2025
The 6-foot-2 senior was seen practicing during an open session for media on Dec. 15 and looked like he was at full speed in drills. He injured his leg against Tennessee after returning a fumble for a touchdown.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will R Mason Thomas play vs Alabama? Oklahoma star’s injury status for CFP
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