R Mason Thomas ejected for targeting vs. Temple, to miss first half vs. Auburn

Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas was ejected from Saturday’s game against Temple for targeting. Since the ejection came in the second half, he is set to miss the first half of the Week 4 matchup against Auburn.

Thomas laid a big hit on Temple quarterback Evan Simon and got flagged for roughing the passer in the process. Before the next snap, though, replay buzzed down to initiate a targeting review since Thomas hit Simon in the head and neck area.

The officials ultimately decided there was enough to warrant targeting on the play. That means Thomas is due to sit out the first half of next week’s high-profile matchup against Auburn after the ejection.

R Mason Thomas ejected for targeting will miss the first half of next week’s Auburn game. Monster development.

— Eddie Radosevich (@Eddie_Rado) September 13, 2025

R Mason Thomas is a central part of Oklahoma’s defense after a breakout 2024 season. He set new career-highs with 23 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a junior. He also had two fumble recoveries, including a scoop-and-score.

Thomas’ growth under Brent Venables has been apparent heading into his senior campaign. In fact, Venables said the star pass-rusher had opportunities to leave Oklahoma this past offseason before opting to stay put in Norman to anchor the defense once again.

“Through a lot of hard work, man, he’s really developed into one of the most explosive defenders in all the college football,” Venables said. “He was offered, you know, well over seven figures to leave Oklahoma in the offseason. But, you know, just goes to show the type of character, type of care, the type of investment that he has here at Oklahoma (and) what his opportunity means to him. So, really cool to see.”

Oklahoma looked to keep rolling against Temple on Saturday following a marquee victory over Michigan last time out. Quarterback John Mateer had a monster performance to lead the charge, doing so with both his arm and his legs. He had 270 passing yards and a touchdown while leading the running game with 74 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

The Washington State transfer kept rolling Saturday against Temple. He threw for 282 yards and a touchdown while adding 63 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground before handing over the keys to Michael Hawkins amid a blowout win for OU.