SEC Media Days: Sooners eye breakout season, with big test early against Michigan

As the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for another SEC football season, head coach Brent Venables and defensive end R Mason Thomas say the early test against Michigan will reveal just how ready they are, especially in the trenches.

Sooners Will “Learn a Lot” in Week 2 SEC-BIG TEN Clash Against Michigan

“It is a game that… brings out the best in everybody, creates a really good buzz all summer long, and gives something for the coaches to kind of lean on to challenge guys,” said Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables, speaking from SEC Media Days in Atlanta.

“Michigan won the national championship two short years ago," Venables added. "And they got a lot of great players, not good players, elite great players.”

R Mason Thomas Sets High Bar for 2025 Season

“The single season record, sack leader at OU, it's 14. So I know that's a goal for me,” said R Mason Thomas, defensive standout for the Sooners.

“Be more consistent, more productive. It always can be better at something. Run game, pass rush, shoot. Play some special teams, too.”

MORE OU FOOTBALL COVERAGE:

1. R Mason Thomas Embracing Leadership Role, Physical Growth Ahead of Crucial 2025 Season
2. What we learned: Robert Spears-Jennings on leadership, SEC year 2, and Venables’ defensive mind
3. OU Quarterback John Mateer embraces SEC Media Days
4. OU Head Coach Brent Venables' SEC Media Days press conference takeaways
5. Baker Mayfield talks Sooner football, 2016 Mahomes duel with Kelce brothers on ‘New Heights’ Podcast