NORMAN — The NCAA denied Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke’s petition for another year of eligibility, general manager Jim Nagy announced Thursday night on X.
Nagy said Heinecke will appeal the decision.
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The denial for an extra year of eligibility was expected. The NCAA is counting three games of lacrosse at Ohio State in 2021 against Heinecke.
Heinecke broke out for the Sooners during their run to the College Football Playoff this past season, totaling 74 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.
Here’s what Nagy said:
“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 in 2021 couldn’t be reconciled. There will be an appeal. If that appeal is denied, one lucky NFL team is going to get a stud two-contract player and an even better human being. Love everything you’re about, Owen. You stand for everything that is pure and great about college football, Owen Heinecke!”
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If Heinecke was able to return to OU in 2026 it would help the Sooners’ depth at linebacker tremendously.
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NCAA denies OU football LB Owen Heinecke’s eligibility petition
