Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas Predicts Two Sooners Primed for Breakout Seasons in 2024
The Oklahoma Sooners are gearing up for what could be a pivotal 2024 season, and defensive end R Mason Thomas has already set the tone by singling out two teammates he believes are on the verge of breakout performances. In a recent interview, Thomas didn’t hold back his excitement, naming two players who have been turning heads in practice and are poised to make a major impact when the season kicks off.
Thomas, who has emerged as a key leader on Oklahoma’s defense, knows what it takes to shine in the Big 12—and soon, the SEC. His own journey from a promising recruit to a disruptive force off the edge has given him a keen eye for talent and work ethic. So when he speaks about players ready to take the next step, people listen.
The first name Thomas mentioned was wide receiver Nic Anderson. The sophomore pass-catcher had flashes of brilliance in 2023, including a memorable game-winning touchdown against Texas, but injuries and a crowded receiver room limited his opportunities. However, according to Thomas, Anderson has been “uncoverable” in offseason workouts. His combination of size, speed, and route-running has made him a favorite target for quarterback Jackson Arnold. With several veteran receivers moving on to the NFL, Anderson is expected to step into a much larger role, and Thomas believes he’s more than ready. “Nic’s got that dog in him,” Thomas said. “He’s been putting in extra work after practice, and you can see it paying off. When the lights come on, he’s gonna be a problem for defenses.”
The second player Thomas highlighted was linebacker Kip Lewis. A former four-star recruit, Lewis saw limited action as a freshman but has since bulked up and sharpened his instincts. Thomas noted that Lewis has been flying around in scrimmages, showing off his sideline-to-sideline speed and improved tackling. With Danny Stutsman and Jaren Kanak drawing most of the attention at linebacker, Lewis could be the X-factor that takes Oklahoma’s defense to another level. “Kip’s always had the talent,” Thomas explained, “but now he’s playing with way more confidence. He’s calling out plays before they happen, and when he hits you, you feel it. He’s gonna surprise a lot of people this year.”
Of course, breakout seasons don’t happen by accident. Both Anderson and Lewis have been putting in the work behind the scenes, and their teammates have taken notice. Oklahoma’s coaching staff has also been raving about their development, with head coach Brent Venables emphasizing that competition within the roster has brought out the best in everyone. The Sooners are entering a new era as they transition to the SEC, and they’ll need unexpected contributors to step up if they want to compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
For fans, Thomas’s comments should be an exciting sign of what’s to come. Breakout players often make the difference between a good season and a great one, and if Anderson and Lewis live up to the hype, Oklahoma’s offense and defense could be even more dangerous than anticipated. Anderson’s ability to stretch the field would give Arnold a reliable deep threat, while Lewis’s athleticism at linebacker could help the Sooners contain some of the SEC’s elite rushing attacks.
Beyond individual performances, Thomas’s praise speaks to the culture building in Norman. Players are pushing each other, veterans are mentoring the younger guys, and there’s a clear sense that this team has unfinished business after falling short of a Big 12 title last season. The confidence within the locker room is high, and if these breakout candidates deliver, Oklahoma could find itself in the playoff conversation sooner rather than later.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Anderson and Lewis to see if they can turn potential into production. But if R Mason Thomas’s word means anything—and given his own rise, it certainly does—the Sooners might just have two new stars in the making.
