Mason tutored the wide receivers at Ohio University under head coach Frank Solich and helped the Bobcats improve from 4-7 in 2005 to a 9-5 mark the following season, culminating in an appearance in the GMAC Bowl againstSouthern Mississippi. The Bobcats won seven straight games during the 2006 season, including a 20-17 win at Big Ten opponent Illinois. The team advanced to the Mid-American Conference title game against Central Michigan and its berth in the GMAC Bowl was its first since the 1968 Tangeriine Bowl