Owen Heinecke's journey for an extra year of eligibility has hit a significant roadblock, potentially marking the end of his college football career. The NCAA has denied his appeal for a waiver granting a sixth year, as reported by The Oklahoman through a message from Heinecke's father, Justin. While Heinecke could still pursue legal action against the NCAA to seek an injunction or temporary restraining order, it's uncertain if he will choose that path.
Meanwhile, Heinecke is showcasing his talents at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, joining nine other former Sooners at this year's scouting event, which runs until March 2.
In 2025, Heinecke was a standout player for Oklahoma, earning All-SEC honors. After three seasons contributing mainly as a reserve linebacker and special teams player, he became a key part of one of the nation's top defenses. He played in all 13 games and started the final five, helping Oklahoma return to the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019.
Heinecke was a defensive force, finishing second on the team with 74 tackles, just two shy of team leader Kip Lewis. His stats included 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus credited him with 15 total pressures and 31 run stops, earning him second-team All-SEC recognition from the Associated Press.
His path to football success began unconventionally. Originally a lacrosse player at Ohio State in 2021, Heinecke played in three games before transferring to Oklahoma as a walk-on linebacker.
He participated in all 13 games during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, mostly on special teams. He did not play in 2022, his first year at Oklahoma.
The NCAA counted his lacrosse appearances against his eligibility, prompting Heinecke to apply for an additional year. "I'm hoping the NCAA sees I'm not just chasing NIL money," Heinecke expressed after Oklahoma's playoff loss to Alabama. "I care about the university and want another year to prove myself."
Should he decide against legal action, Heinecke's focus will shift entirely to the NFL. He impressed at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, and now has another opportunity to catch the eye of NFL scouts in Indianapolis.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein sees Heinecke as a "good backup with the potential to develop into a starter," while ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as the No. 14 off-ball linebacker in this year's draft, setting the stage for an intriguing future in professional football.