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Owen Heinecke Case / Owen Wins! He’s Back!!!
Posted on 4/14/26 at 9:36 am
Posted on 4/14/26 at 9:36 am
George Stoia III
@GeorgeStoia
This could be important for Thursday’s hearing because when the NCAA denied Heinecke’s petition, it stated that he didn’t provide evidence of past cases (now he has) and that he did not establish he was denied two participation opportunities (neither did the case in October).
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George Stoia III
@GeorgeStoia
Owen Heinecke's legal counsel submitted another filing yesterday in Cleveland County. This one was a "notice of supplemental authority."
Essentially, there is another case very similar to Heinecke's that was approved in October.
(Going to break this down as simply as I can.)
When Heinecke petitioned for his year of eligibility, the NCAA denied it, stating that he did not provide "evidence of how similarly situated student-athletes’ waiver requests have been adjudicated."
But when Heinecke submitted his petition, the NCAA had failed to upload this case -- the one in October involving a female athlete who started her career playing volleyball but transferred elsewhere to play basketball -- to the NCAA database, which allows schools to see past waiver decisions.
Heinecke's legal team included the case of the female athlete, who started her career in 2019 and was given a sixth year by the NCAA, in this filing.
@GeorgeStoia
This could be important for Thursday’s hearing because when the NCAA denied Heinecke’s petition, it stated that he didn’t provide evidence of past cases (now he has) and that he did not establish he was denied two participation opportunities (neither did the case in October).
—-
George Stoia III
@GeorgeStoia
Owen Heinecke's legal counsel submitted another filing yesterday in Cleveland County. This one was a "notice of supplemental authority."
Essentially, there is another case very similar to Heinecke's that was approved in October.
(Going to break this down as simply as I can.)
When Heinecke petitioned for his year of eligibility, the NCAA denied it, stating that he did not provide "evidence of how similarly situated student-athletes’ waiver requests have been adjudicated."
But when Heinecke submitted his petition, the NCAA had failed to upload this case -- the one in October involving a female athlete who started her career playing volleyball but transferred elsewhere to play basketball -- to the NCAA database, which allows schools to see past waiver decisions.
Heinecke's legal team included the case of the female athlete, who started her career in 2019 and was given a sixth year by the NCAA, in this filing.
This post was edited on 4/16/26 at 3:20 pm
1
Posted on 4/14/26 at 9:39 am to OU Guy
From yesterday
George Stoia III
@GeorgeStoia
Owen Heinecke's legal counsel replied to the NCAA's rebuttal with a 10-page response on Friday, including comparing Heinecke's case for eligibility versus Laurence Seymore, who was recently given another year of eligibility after transferring to Texas.
George Stoia III
@GeorgeStoia
Also in the response is this letter from Heinecke's high school coach, JJ Tappana, who will testify on Thursday.
"It is strange that the NCAA gave relief to college players with extended eligibility during covid but seems to not be offering that same relief to the high school players that also had their trajectories altered due to the disruptions caused by covid."
George Stoia III
@GeorgeStoia
Owen Heinecke's legal counsel replied to the NCAA's rebuttal with a 10-page response on Friday, including comparing Heinecke's case for eligibility versus Laurence Seymore, who was recently given another year of eligibility after transferring to Texas.
George Stoia III
@GeorgeStoia
Also in the response is this letter from Heinecke's high school coach, JJ Tappana, who will testify on Thursday.
"It is strange that the NCAA gave relief to college players with extended eligibility during covid but seems to not be offering that same relief to the high school players that also had their trajectories altered due to the disruptions caused by covid."
Posted on 4/14/26 at 9:41 am to OU Guy
Posted on 4/14/26 at 12:29 pm to OU Guy
Seems like he's got a case (we already knew he did, but its the NCAA)
Will they have a ruling on Thursday?
Will they have a ruling on Thursday?
Posted on 4/14/26 at 12:34 pm to Naked Bootleg
They better rule fast, I want to see him suited up Sat
Posted on 4/16/26 at 8:00 am to OU Guy
Posted on 4/16/26 at 8:43 am to OU Guy
This is the best follow he’s in the courthouse
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If tweet fails to load, click here.Posted on 4/16/26 at 8:44 am to OU Guy
Lauderdale continuing to explain Heinecke’s story, noting that COVID limited Heinecke’s recruitment and that Ohio State did not have football tryouts.
“Circumstances beyond his control.”
“Owen is just seeking, let me play my four years that I was promised.”
“Circumstances beyond his control.”
“Owen is just seeking, let me play my four years that I was promised.”
Posted on 4/16/26 at 9:00 am to OU Guy
NCAA’s lawyer is now speaking.
“Anything that was offered outside of that file, cannot be considered… There’s not going to be proof here today.”
NCAA: “Those 15 minutes did not take away any ability for Mr. Heinecke to play football for four years… He’s got one missed one opportunity — his 2022 year that he has hurt — he doesn’t have a second… What he’s arguing is that he didn’t get to play football at the level he wanted.”
NCAA: “He has the opportunity to play intercollegiate football at Army, Navy and Division II institutions… His denied opportunity is institution specific.”
“Anything that was offered outside of that file, cannot be considered… There’s not going to be proof here today.”
NCAA: “Those 15 minutes did not take away any ability for Mr. Heinecke to play football for four years… He’s got one missed one opportunity — his 2022 year that he has hurt — he doesn’t have a second… What he’s arguing is that he didn’t get to play football at the level he wanted.”
NCAA: “He has the opportunity to play intercollegiate football at Army, Navy and Division II institutions… His denied opportunity is institution specific.”
Posted on 4/16/26 at 9:03 am to OU Guy
NCAA: “Oklahoma should be proud of this young man… I understand they want him back… His story is fantastic… He’s not done playing football — he’s going to represent Oklahoma in the NFL.”
NCAA: “The court needs to deny this injunction and Mr. Heinecke needs to go be great at the next level of football.”
OU coach Brent Venables is now on the stand. Woody Glass is now asking him questions about his background.
NCAA: “The court needs to deny this injunction and Mr. Heinecke needs to go be great at the next level of football.”
OU coach Brent Venables is now on the stand. Woody Glass is now asking him questions about his background.
Posted on 4/16/26 at 9:05 am to OU Guy
Venables: “I feel like a PhD in dealing with 18-24 year olds.”
Posted on 4/16/26 at 9:11 am to OU Guy
Venables says COVID strongly impacted recruiting because he was unable to evaluate players in-person.
“We were not having walk-on tryouts.”
Venables also says, respectfully, playing at OU versus playing at a military academy or D2 school is much different.
“We were not having walk-on tryouts.”
Venables also says, respectfully, playing at OU versus playing at a military academy or D2 school is much different.
Posted on 4/16/26 at 9:12 am to OU Guy
Venables, when asked where Owen Heinecke was on the depth chart when he first arrived at OU:
“Whatever is the last spot,” he says laughing. “I’ve been there.”
“Whatever is the last spot,” he says laughing. “I’ve been there.”
Posted on 4/16/26 at 9:14 am to OU Guy
Woody Glass asked about where Heinecke was at when he arrived as a walk-on for Sooners.
Venables replied, “whatever was the last spot.”
Whole courtroom chuckled a bit.
Venables replied, “whatever was the last spot.”
Whole courtroom chuckled a bit.
Posted on 4/16/26 at 9:16 am to OU Guy
Venables says Heinecke has a chance to improve a lot if he comes back.
“Based on what I’ve seen, the game was just slowing down for Owen… I think there’s a big jump he can make… He’s just now scratching the surface of what he can become.”
“For me, it’s quite obvious, he’ll take a tremendous jump.”
“Based on what I’ve seen, the game was just slowing down for Owen… I think there’s a big jump he can make… He’s just now scratching the surface of what he can become.”
“For me, it’s quite obvious, he’ll take a tremendous jump.”
Posted on 4/16/26 at 9:19 am to OU Guy
Asked if another year would benefit Heinecke, Brent Venables said:
“I use 30 years of experience… the change, the development… based on what I’ve seen the game was just starting to slow down for Owen.”
BV said he thinks Owen is “just scratching the surface on what he can become. There is only one way to develop and that is to go through it.”
“He will take a tremendous jump a year from now”
“I use 30 years of experience… the change, the development… based on what I’ve seen the game was just starting to slow down for Owen.”
BV said he thinks Owen is “just scratching the surface on what he can become. There is only one way to develop and that is to go through it.”
“He will take a tremendous jump a year from now”
Posted on 4/16/26 at 9:21 am to OU Guy
Venables on Heinecke and going to the NFL: “It’s immeasurable what you would miss… Everything changes dramatically (if you get to play more college football).”
On if it would effect his draft stock if he came back:
“Without question… The NFL is not a developmental league… It’s the most demanding league on the planet… If you’re not ready, your career will be over quickly.”
Venables now talking about the jump Danny Stutsman made after he came back for another year. Says the Heinecke could make a similar jump and be more ready for the NFL.
Venables: “He’s just now coming into his own as a football player… Becoming an All-American, competing for a Butkus Award — all of those things are sitting in front of him… He would likely be a captain, as well.”
On if it would effect his draft stock if he came back:
“Without question… The NFL is not a developmental league… It’s the most demanding league on the planet… If you’re not ready, your career will be over quickly.”
Venables now talking about the jump Danny Stutsman made after he came back for another year. Says the Heinecke could make a similar jump and be more ready for the NFL.
Venables: “He’s just now coming into his own as a football player… Becoming an All-American, competing for a Butkus Award — all of those things are sitting in front of him… He would likely be a captain, as well.”
Posted on 4/16/26 at 9:58 am to OU Guy
Stoia: "Brent Venables was built for the witness stand."
Posted on 4/16/26 at 10:16 am to Naked Bootleg
Sorry for the break had to do some work
Venables now talking about the jump Danny Stutsman made after he came back for another year. Says the Heinecke could make a similar jump and be more ready for the NFL.
Venables: “He’s just now coming into his own as a football player… Becoming an All-American, competing for a Butkus Award — all of those things are sitting in front of him… He would likely be a captain, as well.”
Venables on if Heinecke would have a negative impact on his roster:
“Owen is going to bring out the best in everyone… He will help the growth and development of others… It will actually have the exact opposite effect.”
They are now playing a video of Heinecke receiving a scholarship from a couple of years ago.
The NCAA is now asking Venables questions.
The NCAA asks if Heinecke will get to play in the NFL regardless.
Venables: “There’s a difference between going in the back door than the front door.”
NCAA asks Venables if Heinecke is back, would it take away from another player on the roster?
“We rotate. We play several players. I don’t think Owen’s opportunity would take away from anyone else.”
NCAA implies Heinecke winning the Butkus Award is speculative.
Venables: “Not everyone is capable of winning the Butkus Award, but Owen is.”
NCAA says, but injuries happen right?
Venables: “So do healthy seasons.”
NCAA ends its questioning by telling Venables he’s “running a hell of a program.”
Venables now talking about the jump Danny Stutsman made after he came back for another year. Says the Heinecke could make a similar jump and be more ready for the NFL.
Venables: “He’s just now coming into his own as a football player… Becoming an All-American, competing for a Butkus Award — all of those things are sitting in front of him… He would likely be a captain, as well.”
Venables on if Heinecke would have a negative impact on his roster:
“Owen is going to bring out the best in everyone… He will help the growth and development of others… It will actually have the exact opposite effect.”
They are now playing a video of Heinecke receiving a scholarship from a couple of years ago.
The NCAA is now asking Venables questions.
The NCAA asks if Heinecke will get to play in the NFL regardless.
Venables: “There’s a difference between going in the back door than the front door.”
NCAA asks Venables if Heinecke is back, would it take away from another player on the roster?
“We rotate. We play several players. I don’t think Owen’s opportunity would take away from anyone else.”
NCAA implies Heinecke winning the Butkus Award is speculative.
Venables: “Not everyone is capable of winning the Butkus Award, but Owen is.”
NCAA says, but injuries happen right?
Venables: “So do healthy seasons.”
NCAA ends its questioning by telling Venables he’s “running a hell of a program.”
Posted on 4/16/26 at 10:21 am to OU Guy
Venables is now done on the stand.
Bishop Kelley coach JJ Tappana is now taking the stand.
Tappana is explaining how the recruiting process works and how COVID worked against him.
Tappana says they knew early on Heinecke was going to be special. Say Heinecke played running back and safety.
“He was an absolute dude.”
Tappana says Heinecke has interest from some Division I schools before COVID.
“But one of the problems is college coaches need to see (the player).”
“During a normal recruiting year, his grades and ACT, he would have received offers from any school in the country.”
Tappana: “COVID denied him the opportunity to be recruited at the highest level…”
Tappana says no coaches were able to visit Bishop Kelley and there were no camps he could go to.
Tappana says he text messages from coaches at Oklahoma State and Duke saying they wanted to offer Heinecke, but they hadn’t been able to see him play in-person.
Tappana is now explaining how it’s “not apples to apples” when talking about playing at a service academy or a D2 school.
Tappana continues to say Heinecke would have had more opportunities if it was a normal year.
Tappana say he doesn’t understand why the NCAA didn’t offer relief to the kids that were in high school during COVID.
Tappana says the NCAA never reached out to him.
Tappana says Owen Heinecke is the best player in Bishop Kelley history.
(I agree.)
Tappana is now being questioned by the NCAA.
The NCAA asks why Tappana believes high school students, who were not college student athletes, should receive relief from COVID.
“The NCAA is an intelligent organization, I’m sure they could come up with something (to help the high school players).”
Tappana and NCAA continue to go back and forth about Heinecke’s recruitment.
Tappana continues to reiterate that no college coaches were able to be on campus at the time.
The NCAA is asking Tappana about how every high school athlete faced a similar situation as Heinecke in recruiting.
A lot of talk about the NCAA and roster limits and rules.
NCAA asks, “are you the person they should be asking to help with those decisions?”
Tappana: “No, but are you the person to ask?”
Tappana to end his testimony: “A lot of those guys who weren’t recruited went and joined a frat and did keg stands… Owen didn’t. He climbed the mountain.”
Bishop Kelley coach JJ Tappana is now taking the stand.
Tappana is explaining how the recruiting process works and how COVID worked against him.
Tappana says they knew early on Heinecke was going to be special. Say Heinecke played running back and safety.
“He was an absolute dude.”
Tappana says Heinecke has interest from some Division I schools before COVID.
“But one of the problems is college coaches need to see (the player).”
“During a normal recruiting year, his grades and ACT, he would have received offers from any school in the country.”
Tappana: “COVID denied him the opportunity to be recruited at the highest level…”
Tappana says no coaches were able to visit Bishop Kelley and there were no camps he could go to.
Tappana says he text messages from coaches at Oklahoma State and Duke saying they wanted to offer Heinecke, but they hadn’t been able to see him play in-person.
Tappana is now explaining how it’s “not apples to apples” when talking about playing at a service academy or a D2 school.
Tappana continues to say Heinecke would have had more opportunities if it was a normal year.
Tappana say he doesn’t understand why the NCAA didn’t offer relief to the kids that were in high school during COVID.
Tappana says the NCAA never reached out to him.
Tappana says Owen Heinecke is the best player in Bishop Kelley history.
(I agree.)
Tappana is now being questioned by the NCAA.
The NCAA asks why Tappana believes high school students, who were not college student athletes, should receive relief from COVID.
“The NCAA is an intelligent organization, I’m sure they could come up with something (to help the high school players).”
Tappana and NCAA continue to go back and forth about Heinecke’s recruitment.
Tappana continues to reiterate that no college coaches were able to be on campus at the time.
The NCAA is asking Tappana about how every high school athlete faced a similar situation as Heinecke in recruiting.
A lot of talk about the NCAA and roster limits and rules.
NCAA asks, “are you the person they should be asking to help with those decisions?”
Tappana: “No, but are you the person to ask?”
Tappana to end his testimony: “A lot of those guys who weren’t recruited went and joined a frat and did keg stands… Owen didn’t. He climbed the mountain.”
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