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Oklahoma

OU defensive end R Mason Thomas ejected for targeting, will miss first half vs. Auburn

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo09/13/25BPrzybylo
R Mason Thomas7
OU defensive end R Mason Thomas. (Kevin Jairaj - Imagn Images)

OU will be without one of its leaders for the first half next week against Auburn. Defensive end R Mason Thomas is going to miss the initial 30 minutes after a targeting call against Thomas in the second half against Temple.

It has been a dominant OU defensive performance all afternoon in Philadelphia, and Thomas was going for his initial sack of the season. Thomas was initially called for a roughing the passer penalty.

The officials stopped the game to review the targeting and ruled it checked the boxes. Because it occurred in the second half against the Owls, Thomas will miss the rest of Saturday and then the first half when Auburn comes to Norman next week.

Targeting was something associated with this game quite a bit. OU safety Jaydan Hardy was almost ejected for it, but it was not ruled a targeting. OU wide receiver Keontez Lewis took a massive shot that led to an interception. That was not even reviewed, but Lewis missed the rest of the game after the helmet-to-helmet hit.

But the Thomas shot was ruled a targeting.

It’s a role reversal spot for OU. The Sooners were able to have their first half offense last week go against Michigan without its star linebacker Jaishawn Barham. OU took advantage with a 14-0 lead at the break.

Now? As Jackson Arnold returns to Norman for the first time in an Auburn uniform, OU will be without Thomas for the first half.

OU has shown a lot of depth at the position. Guys like Marvin Jones Jr., Taylor Wein and Adepoju Adebawore have provided a steady rotation. However, the leader of the group has always been Thomas.

Thomas did not have a chance to impact the game against Temple. But against Arnold and the Auburn RPO attack? There is no question Thomas and the EDGE spot will be so vital toward stopping everything.

Auburn and OU will both come into the game 3-0, both ranked in the top 25.

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