University of Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke is suing the NCAA, seeking another year of eligibility. >> Download the KOCO 5 App | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channel | Sign up for KOCO 5’s Morning NewsletterOnline records show that Heinecke filed an injunction against the NCAA in Cleveland County on Monday. The linebacker has played at OU each of the past three seasons after transferring from Ohio State in 2022. Heinecke joined the Sooners as a walk-on and played a big role in Brent Venables’ defense this past season. Career at OU Heinecke, who was listed as a redshirt junior during the Sooners’ 2025 playoff run, recorded 74 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three sacks last season. He also recovered one fumble and broke up four passes while playing in 13 games, starting the final five games of the season. During OU’s College Football Playoff loss to Alabama, Heinecke led all Sooner defenders with seven tackles. He also posted two tackles for loss and a sack. >> Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.The linebacker has spent the past several years at OU, missing the 2022 season while playing in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons for the Sooners. In 2021, Heinecke played lacrosse at Ohio State University. During his three seasons playing at OU, Heinecke played in 39 games and recorded 85 tackles. Owen Heinecke at the NFL Combine Heinecke recently participated in the NFL Combine. He recorded a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, a 1.64-second 10-yard split, a 34.5-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-11-inch broad jump. He also played in the Senior Bowl. University of Oklahoma Statement New OU Athletic Director Roger Denny issued a statement on social media, saying, “OU fully supports Owen Heinecke and his pursuit of a fair opportunity to continue playing the game he loves. We’ll stand firmly beside him as he works to do just that.” Owen Heinecke’s Eligibility ESPN reports that the NCAA previously denied another year of eligibility for Heinecke. The NCAA stated that he was out of eligibility because he competed in three games with Ohio State’s lacrosse team before joining OU as a walk-on. What’s Next? The online court records show that an emergency hearing has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on April 16 in Cleveland County. Judge Thad Balkman has been assigned to the case. Heinecke is seeking a ruling ahead of the NFL draft, which starts on April 23.

NORMAN, Okla. —

University of Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke is suing the NCAA, seeking another year of eligibility.

>> Download the KOCO 5 App | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channel | Sign up for KOCO 5’s Morning Newsletter

Online records show that Heinecke filed an injunction against the NCAA in Cleveland County on Monday.

The linebacker has played at OU each of the past three seasons after transferring from Ohio State in 2022. Heinecke joined the Sooners as a walk-on and played a big role in Brent Venables’ defense this past season.

Career at OU

Heinecke, who was listed as a redshirt junior during the Sooners’ 2025 playoff run, recorded 74 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three sacks last season. He also recovered one fumble and broke up four passes while playing in 13 games, starting the final five games of the season.

During OU’s College Football Playoff loss to Alabama, Heinecke led all Sooner defenders with seven tackles. He also posted two tackles for loss and a sack.

>> Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.

The linebacker has spent the past several years at OU, missing the 2022 season while playing in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons for the Sooners. In 2021, Heinecke played lacrosse at Ohio State University.

During his three seasons playing at OU, Heinecke played in 39 games and recorded 85 tackles.

Owen Heinecke at the NFL Combine

Heinecke recently participated in the NFL Combine. He recorded a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, a 1.64-second 10-yard split, a 34.5-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-11-inch broad jump. He also played in the Senior Bowl.

University of Oklahoma Statement

New OU Athletic Director Roger Denny issued a statement on social media, saying, “OU fully supports Owen Heinecke and his pursuit of a fair opportunity to continue playing the game he loves. We’ll stand firmly beside him as he works to do just that.”

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Owen Heinecke’s Eligibility

ESPN reports that the NCAA previously denied another year of eligibility for Heinecke.

The NCAA stated that he was out of eligibility because he competed in three games with Ohio State’s lacrosse team before joining OU as a walk-on.

What’s Next?

The online court records show that an emergency hearing has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on April 16 in Cleveland County. Judge Thad Balkman has been assigned to the case.

Heinecke is seeking a ruling ahead of the NFL draft, which starts on April 23.