Owen Heinecke, a redshirt junior linebacker, is diving headfirst into the NFL draft process, even as he navigates an ongoing eligibility dispute with the NCAA. At OU’s Pro Day, Heinecke made it clear that his focus is firmly set on the professional league.
“My year isn’t available right now, so I’m all in on the NFL,” Heinecke stated. “If I’m eligible come draft day, I’ll be ready.”
This determination follows the NCAA’s rejection of his initial eligibility petition on January 29, and the subsequent denial of his appeal on February 24. The crux of the issue? Three lacrosse games he played as a freshman at Ohio State are being counted against him.
Heinecke, who began as a walk-on at OU, has built an impressive resume with 86 tackles, four pass deflections, and three sacks over four seasons. In 2025, he notched 74 tackles, four pass deflections, and three sacks, playing in all 13 games and starting five.
At Pro Day, Heinecke recorded a solid 4.62 in the 40-yard dash. Despite his late emergence as a starter, he believes scouts will recognize his potential. “I only have five games as a starter on film, but I think people see a lot of upside,” he remarked.
While Heinecke eyes the NFL, Sooners’ general manager Jim Nagy emphasized that the team isn’t giving up on resolving the NCAA situation. “We’re still working through it. Owen’s a guy you want to fight for,” Nagy said.
If Heinecke decides to pursue further action, he might file for an injunction, similar to the case of Trinidad Chambliss, a quarterback at Mississippi, who successfully sued the NCAA.
“The next steps would be to file for an injunction,” Heinecke explained. “Every case is unique, and I need to weigh the pros and cons.”
Regardless of the path he chooses, Nagy is confident in Heinecke’s future. “He’s a special young man,” Nagy noted. “If he’s in the NFL next year, any team that gets him will be getting a great player and an even better person.”