When it comes to producing top defensive talent, Ohio State football is leading the pack in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the potential for four first-round picks, and possibly even six, the Buckeyes are setting a new standard for defensive excellence.
This past season, Ohio State was a powerhouse, charging to a 12-0 start before stumbling in the final stretch. Meanwhile, Oklahoma made headlines by clinching a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff for the first time, thanks in part to standout defensive player Owen Heinecke.
Heinecke’s journey is a fascinating one. He began his collegiate career at Ohio State, not on the football field, but as a lacrosse player.
After a season, he transferred to Oklahoma as a preferred walk-on for football. Heinecke’s close brush with the Buckeyes' football program adds an intriguing layer to his story.
Reflecting on his time at Ohio State, Heinecke shared that he did consider joining the football team. However, financial constraints due to the loss of his lacrosse scholarship and the burden of out-of-state tuition led him to make the move back home to Oklahoma.
His decision to enter the draft was driven by the NCAA's denial of his waiver for an additional year of eligibility, as his lacrosse season was counted against his total. Had he stayed at Ohio State, breaking into the lineup would have been a tall order with first-round talents like Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles ahead of him.
In his lone starting year at Oklahoma, Heinecke made his mark with 74 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble in 2025. Now, he’s setting his sights on the NFL, ready to prove his worth on the professional stage.