Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy late Thursday night finally delivered the news OU fans had been dreading that the NCAA denied to give breakout linebacker Owen Heinecke another year of eligibility.
The Sooners had petitioned for Heinecke to get one more year since the NCAA counted three games and about 15 minutes of garbage time of lacrosse at Ohio State in 2021 as a full season of eligibility for Heinecke. He was also injured all of 2022 after walking on to play football at OU.
Owen Heinecke denied extra year of eligibility with Sooners
Although the outcome had been anticipated, especially with Heinecke participating in the Senior Bowl this week, it was still a heartbreaking blow to Sooner Nation. Nagy noted, though, that the Sooners aren't done fighting for Heinecke yet and will appeal the decision, while also going off on the NCAA about how contradictory the organization is.
This fight to get Heinecke one more year comes during a time in college sports when the NCAA is routinely handing out sixth and seventh years of eligibility to college football players, and even granting former pros eligibility in college basketball. Meanwhile Heinecke was wanting just a fourth season of college football like everyone else while staying at the same place his entire football career and earning a starting job.
Former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia famously got a sixth year of eligibility because the NCAA decided not to count his time as a junior-college athlete still playing the same sport.
"NCAA has denied Owen Heinecke's petition for another year at OU," Nagy wrote. "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 in 2021 couldn't be reconciled."
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
After two years primarily on special teams, Heinecke finally broke out in 2025 and ended up earning a starting job down the stretch while being listed as a redshirt junior on OU's roster. He tallied 74 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks and forced a fumble while playing in all 13 games.
Heinecke was named Second-Team All-SEC and, as Nagy pointed out, emerged as an NFL Draft prospect if his appeal is denied and will succeed at that level, as well.
"If that appeal is denied, one lucky NFL team is going to get a stud two-contract player and an even better human being," Nagy wrote. "Love everything you're about, Owen.
"You stand for everything that is pure and great about college football."