The Oklahoma Sooners are navigating a whirlwind of eligibility battles, with linebacker Owen Heinecke and former quarterback Chandler Morris at the center of it all. The NCAA recently denied Heinecke's appeal for a sixth season, leaving the Sooners without one of their defensive stars for 2026. Meanwhile, Morris is taking legal action in a quest for a seventh year on the field.
Chandler Morris, who began his college journey with the Sooners back in 2020, has played for four schools over six years. His college timeline aligns with the NFL careers of players like Jalen Hurts and CeeDee Lamb. Morris made his mark as a backup QB for Oklahoma, notably scoring a rushing touchdown in their Big 12 championship victory over Iowa State.
After his stint with the Sooners, Morris moved to TCU for three seasons, spent 2024 at North Texas, and landed at Virginia in 2025. There, he threw for 3,245 yards and 21 touchdowns, guiding the Cavaliers to the ACC title game. Virginia's QB room is already packed with transfers Beau Pribula and Eli Holstein, but Morris remains a key figure after leading the team to an impressive 11-win season.
Morris is seeking a medical redshirt for his 2022 season at TCU, where he played just four games. Having used his eligibility, redshirt, and COVID year, his case now heads to the Charlottesville Circuit Court in Virginia, following the NCAA's denial of his waiver and appeal.
Morris isn't alone in his pursuit. Trinidad Chambliss secured a seventh year at Ole Miss, while Joey Aguilar's attempt at Tennessee was unsuccessful. Montana linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu has been granted a remarkable ninth season, and former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia played for the Commodores in 2025, finishing second in Heisman voting.
As for Heinecke, Sooner Nation feels the sting of his denied eligibility. Despite only playing three seasons of college football, the linebacker made a significant impact in 2025, registering 74 tackles, four passes defended, three sacks, and a forced fumble. His breakout season was a key component of Oklahoma's "Red November" run to the College Football Playoff.
Currently participating in the NFL scouting combine, Heinecke is contemplating his next move. With the NCAA's decision, he faces a choice between pursuing legal action or focusing on the NFL draft.
"I really only started this past year as a linebacker for Oklahoma," Heinecke shared. "I wanted to keep all my options open...
Really leaning on family and the Lord for which direction is right for me."
As the Sooners prepare for the 2026 season, they'll be without Heinecke but remain optimistic. Kip Lewis and transfer Cole Sullivan from Michigan are poised to step up at inside linebacker. The Sooners' roster is shaping up well as they aim for another playoff run, even as they watch Morris' legal journey unfold from afar.