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Oklahoma 'Still Working' to Get 'Special' Owen Heinecke Back for 2026 Season
OU football general manager Jim Nagy says the Sooners are exploring options to get the linebacker an additional year of eligibility.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The University of Oklahoma football team is still working to get linebacker Owen Heinecke back for the 2026 season, according to OU football general manager Jim Nagy. Heinecke's initial appeal to the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility was denied, but Nagy said the team is not giving up and is exploring options to bring the standout player back to Norman next year.
Why it matters
Heinecke was a breakout star for the Sooners' defense in 2025, and his potential return would be a major boost for the team as they look to build on their success. However, the uncertainty around his eligibility status has made it difficult for the team to plan for the upcoming season.
The details
Heinecke started his collegiate career playing lacrosse at Ohio State, and the eligibility issue stems from how the NCAA is counting his time with the Buckeyes. He was one of the standout performers for OU's defense last season, totaling 74 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Nagy said the team had to account for the possibility of Heinecke not being available this offseason, but they are still holding out hope that he can return to the team.
- Heinecke's initial appeal to the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility was denied.
- Heinecke competed alongside nine other teammates at the NFL Combine this offseason.
The players
Jim Nagy
The OU football general manager who is exploring options to get Owen Heinecke an additional year of eligibility.
Owen Heinecke
A standout linebacker for the University of Oklahoma football team who is seeking an additional year of eligibility.
What they’re saying
“We're still working through some of that. We're not giving up. Yeah, Owen's just a guy you want to fight for.”
— Jim Nagy, OU Football General Manager (SI.com)
“Owen's incredible. Been in a lot of close contact with he and his dad through this process and through Owen's Senior Bowl and combine. And he came back last week and we were watching practice together and I think it got him really juiced up about potentially maybe coming back here and being a Sooner, being around his teammates again and seeing those guys work.”
— Jim Nagy, OU Football General Manager (SI.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Owen Heinecke an additional year of eligibility.
The takeaway
This situation highlights the complexities and challenges student-athletes can face when navigating the NCAA's eligibility rules, especially when their collegiate careers span multiple schools. The Sooners' determination to bring Heinecke back speaks to his value as a player and the team's commitment to supporting their athletes through these types of issues.
