OU linebacker Owen Heinecke has been denied a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, per OU football general manager Jim Nagy on the social platform X.
UPDATE @OU_Football fans: NCAA has denied Owen Heinecke's petition for another year at OU. When other players are being granted 7th and 8th years of football, CFB governing body has ruled Owen won't get a 4th year. Evidently, this walk-on's three games of lacrosse at Ohio State… pic.twitter.com/ZAhAQbsJHQ
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_Sooners) January 30, 2026
In the spring of 2022, Heinecke played three games of lacrosse for Ohio State. Despite his petition, the NCAA is currently counting the season toward his eligibility.
Heinecke joined the Sooners as a walk-on in 2022, but did not play in his first season due to a knee injury. Heinecke appeared in every game of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, primarily on special teams. Over the two seasons, he recorded three total tackles.
After a limited role in his early career, Heinecke broke out as a defensive contributor in the 2025 campaign. He finished second on the team in total tackles with 74, adding 12 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.
Heinecke plans to appeal the NCAA's ruling. If his appeal is denied, Heinecke would be eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft.
This story was edited by Laurie Jones.
