Oklahoma LB Owen Heinecke granted extra year of eligibility as court rules against NCAA

Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke was granted an additional year of college eligibility by a state court on Thursday, winning his lawsuit against the NCAA.Heinecke, 23, filed a suit against the NCAA last month seeking a preliminary injunction for the 2026 college football season after the NCAA denied his prior waiver request and appeal. Judge Thad Balkman of Oklahoma’s Cleveland County District Court granted the injunction from the bench after a day-long hearing.“Just super grateful for it all,” Heinecke said after the decision. “I’m just really excited.” Here’s #Sooners LB Owen Heinecke following the decision. “I'm extremely grateful to everybody who poured into this case.” pic.twitter.com/tbbUnbFFwE — Colton Sulley (@colton_sulley) April 16, 2026Heinecke recorded 74 tackles and earned second-team All-SEC honors for the Sooners in 2025. He participated in the Senior Bowl and the NFL combine earlier this year while his collegiate status for 2026 was in doubt. The defender was projected as a potential late-round NFL Draft pick this month.Advertisement