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The Oklahoma Sooners return plenty of talent on defense in 2026, but they will also need to replace several key contributors from last season's defense. One of the biggest losses is star pass rusher R Mason Thomas.
Several players will be counted on to help replace Thomas' production, but Taylor Wein will be one of the most important pieces. The third-year defender had a breakout season lining up opposite Thomas last year. had 39 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks. While Wein will not directly replace Thomas' role, he will need to take another step forward and become the centerpiece of Oklahoma's defensive front.
On3's J.D. PicKell believes Wein is ready for that increased responsibility.
"R Mason Thomas really didn't play for them a lot post Tennessee," PicKell said on 'The Hard Count.' "They played the majority of last year like the meaningful snaps, leading up to that College Football Playoff berth without 32. Which, you know, that sucks. But at the same time, you say we did it without R Mason Thomas during the month of November, essentially. Next year, you've got a lot of guys who had to step up in a big way without him in the lineup. Taylor Wein, big 44. He's going to be a problem."
Replacing a player like Thomas is never easy, but Oklahoma has already shown it can overcome adversity on defense. The Sooners were forced to adjust without Thomas for much of the second half of last season, giving players like Wein valuable experience in bigger roles.
If Wein can build on his breakout 2025 campaign and become one of the SEC's most disruptive defenders, Oklahoma's defensive line could remain one of the biggest strengths of the team in 2026.
Contact/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 Jaron on X @jaronspor.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: College football analyst on Taylor Wein: 'He's going to be a problem'
Continue reading...
Several players will be counted on to help replace Thomas' production, but Taylor Wein will be one of the most important pieces. The third-year defender had a breakout season lining up opposite Thomas last year. had 39 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks. While Wein will not directly replace Thomas' role, he will need to take another step forward and become the centerpiece of Oklahoma's defensive front.
On3's J.D. PicKell believes Wein is ready for that increased responsibility.
"R Mason Thomas really didn't play for them a lot post Tennessee," PicKell said on 'The Hard Count.' "They played the majority of last year like the meaningful snaps, leading up to that College Football Playoff berth without 32. Which, you know, that sucks. But at the same time, you say we did it without R Mason Thomas during the month of November, essentially. Next year, you've got a lot of guys who had to step up in a big way without him in the lineup. Taylor Wein, big 44. He's going to be a problem."
Replacing a player like Thomas is never easy, but Oklahoma has already shown it can overcome adversity on defense. The Sooners were forced to adjust without Thomas for much of the second half of last season, giving players like Wein valuable experience in bigger roles.
If Wein can build on his breakout 2025 campaign and become one of the SEC's most disruptive defenders, Oklahoma's defensive line could remain one of the biggest strengths of the team in 2026.
Contact/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 Jaron on X @jaronspor.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: College football analyst on Taylor Wein: 'He's going to be a problem'
Continue reading...
