Oklahoma LB Owen Heinecke files lawsuit against NCAA seeking eligibility injunction for 2026 season
By Mark Kern
Published:
Oklahoma LB Owen Heinecke has been preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft by participating at both the Senior Bowl, and the NFL Combine. While he was preparing for the NFL, that doesn’t mean that he is giving up on his chances of playing college football.
On Monday, Heinecke filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, as he is seeking an eligibility injunction for the upcoming 2026 season.
On Jan. 29, Heinecke filed an initial petition, as well as an appeal on Feb. 24. The NCAA is saying his eligibility is up because he played lacrosse at Ohio State during his freshman year.
For Oklahoma, having Heinecke back would be a huge addition to the defense as he was a key contributor on that side of the ball. He finished the 2025 campaign with 74 tackles and 12 TFLs, while finishing Second-Team All- SEC.
This isn’t the first case of a player suing the NCAA, and it certainly won’t be the last. The most popular case right now involves Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who won his case. The NCAA is currently appealing that ruling, but as of now, Chambliss will be able to play at Ole Miss next season.
With the NFL Draft coming up soon, Heinecke will need a quick decision if he has a chance to be back in Norman next season playing for the Sooners.
Can Oklahoma return to the College Football Playoff in 2026? Kalshi is taking action on predictions!
