While G leaguers and 7 to 8 year footballers get extra years the nazi’s have denied this request. All because he played some minutes in 3 Lacrosse games - as a walk on - at tOSU.

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What Nagy had to say:

NCAA has denied Owen Heinecke's petition for another year at OU. When other players are being granted 7th and 8th years of football, CFB governing body has ruled Owen won't get a 4th year. Evidently, this walk-on's three games of lacrosse at Ohio State in 2021 couldn't be reconciled.

There will be an appeal.

If that appeal is denied, one lucky NFL team is going to get a stud two-contract player and an even better human being.

Love everything you're about, Owen.

You stand for everything that is pure and great about college football,
@HeineckeOwen

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Mike Brooks
@MBrooks02
Owen Heinecke: A Breakout Season for the Ages

Owen Heinecke’s college football path has been anything but conventional — and that’s exactly what makes his 2025 season so remarkable.

Heinecke began his collegiate career in 2021 at Ohio State, where he played one season of lacrosse, he appeared in three games before transferring to Oklahoma. In 2022 he Did Not Play, then spent 2023 and 2024 he contributing on special teams and as a reserve linebacker.

Over those two seasons, Heinecke appeared in 26 games, accounting for 11 total tackles

Then came 2025 — and everything changed.

Given an expanded opportunity, Heinecke didn’t just contribute — he exploded.

2025 Season Highlights
Second on the team in tackles (74), trailing only Kip Lewis
12 tackles for loss (including sacks)
2 quarterback hurries
4 pass breakups
1 forced fumble
1 fumble recovery
Led the Sooners in tackles five times
Started the final five games of the season
Second Team All-SEC (AP)
Don Key Award Winner

His first career start came against Tennessee, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Heinecke posted a season-high 13 tackles and played a central role in one of the defining moments of the year.

Heinecke sacked Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar and forced a fumble, setting off a historic sequence. Defensive end R. Mason Thomas scooped the ball and raced 71 yards for a touchdown — the longest fumble return for a touchdown in Oklahoma football history.

A moment that perfectly captured Heinecke’s season:

Heinecke’s went from a Special Teams guy to Second Team All-SEC honors, a remarkable achievement for a player who had spent years waiting for his moment.

He has now petitioned the NCAA (since denied in 29 Jan)

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To add and show his desire. In the summer he actually sent some if his OU spring and summer tape to HC Brent Venables and asked for a bigger role. And BV looked and agreed. Pretty creative and smart if you ask me.

He does not want to return for NiL, he wants to secure his legacy at OU plus better hone his skills for NFL. He loves the staff and feels they can get him even better with another year.

This post was edited on 1/29/26 at 10:53 pm