"They told me I reminded them of Gracen Halton": Bishop Thomas commits to Oklahoma's defensive front
In a significant addition to their defensive front amid the ongoing transfer portal frenzy, the Oklahoma Sooners have secured the commitment of Bishop Thomas, a defensive tackle transferring from Georgia State.
The news broke on January 12, 2026, via On3 and Rivals reporter Parker Thune, who shared exclusive details from Thomas himself.
Thomas, who has spent the past two seasons with the Georgia State Panthers after earlier stints at Florida State and Colorado, told Thune that the Sooners' coaching staff drew a compelling comparison during his recruitment: “They told me I reminded them of Gracen Halton.”
This reference is high praise.
Gracen Halton has emerged as one of the standout defensive tackles in the SEC and a cornerstone of Oklahoma's defensive line under head coach Brent Venables.
The 6-foot-2, approximately 285-pound Halton, a former four-star recruit from San Diego, has developed into a disruptive force since arriving in Norman.
In 2024, he recorded 30 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and even a crucial safety in a key win over Houston—earning SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.
Halton opted to return for his senior season in 2025, continuing to anchor the interior alongside talents like Damonic Williams and Jayden Jackson.
His growth from a rotational player to a pressure-generating leader exemplifies the type of development Oklahoma's staff excels at with defensive linemen.
The Sooners see similar potential in Thomas.
Listed around 6-foot-1 to 6-foot-2 and 295-305 pounds depending on sources, Thomas brings proven production and experience to a defensive line that could use added depth and competition heading into 2026.
After beginning his college career at Florida State in 2022 (where he appeared in two games and redshirted), Thomas transferred to Colorado for 2023, playing in nine games and recording six tackles, two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery in a reserve role.
He then landed at Georgia State ahead of the 2024 season, where he quickly became a key contributor.
In 2024, Thomas saw action in a limited capacity, but by 2025 he played in all 12 games for the Panthers, totaling 48 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one pass breakup.
His ability to play all 12 contests in his most recent campaign highlights his durability and readiness for Power Four competition—especially in the demanding SEC environment Oklahoma now calls home.
The commitment comes at a pivotal time for the Sooners' defensive line.
With the 2026 transfer portal window open (January 2-16), Oklahoma has been active in addressing needs across the roster.
While the program has added pieces like defensive lineman Kenny Ozowalu from UTSA and pursued other targets, losing key veterans from recent seasons (including potential departures tied to NFL draft decisions or portal entries) has created opportunities for transfers like Thomas to compete immediately.
Venables' defense has built a reputation for developing interior linemen into disruptive forces, and Thomas fits that mold—physical, instinctive, and capable of generating pressure up the middle.
This move also speaks to Oklahoma's aggressive approach in the portal under general manager Jim Nagy.
The Sooners have positioned themselves as an attractive destination for transfers seeking a fresh start and a chance to play in high-profile games.
Thomas, a former three-star high school prospect out of Bishop Moore Catholic in Florida (ranked among the top defensive line talents in the 2022 class), now gets the opportunity to elevate his game in one of college football's premier programs.
For Thomas, the comparison to Halton isn't just flattery—it's a blueprint.
Halton's journey from highly touted recruit to SEC standout shows what dedication and coaching can achieve in Norman.
If Thomas can follow a similar path, he could quickly become a valuable rotational piece or even push for significant snaps in 2026.
As the transfer portal continues to shape rosters across the country, Oklahoma's latest addition signals their intent to maintain a strong, veteran-laden defensive front.
Bishop Thomas's commitment is more than just another pickup—it's a statement that the Sooners are targeting players with upside, production, and the right fit for their system.