Nagy, Venables to testify at Owen Heinecke's injunction hearing

TL;DR

Owen Heinecke is seeking an injunction for an additional season of eligibility, with a hearing scheduled in Cleveland County Court. Key figures including Jim Nagy and Brent Venables will testify in his favor.

Former Oklahoma Sooners star linebacker Owen Heinecke has filed an injunction against the NCAA for an additional season of eligibility, with the hearing set for Thursday morning in Cleveland County Court. While Heinecke himself will be taking the stand, it sounds like some major OU names will also be testifying in his favor.

According to a report from On3 SoonerScoop's George Stoia III, both general manager Jim Nagy and head coach Brent Venables, among others, will give their testimonies at Heinecke's hearing on Thursday. Stoia also reports that Heinecke's father, high school football coach, and OU director of compliance Brady Newville will take the stand as well.

Heinecke's legal counsel is led by Mary Quinn Cooper, and includes former OU chief of staff Woody Glass, OU law alum Michael Lauderdale, Tyler Ames, and Andrew Richardson. His case will be heard by judge Thad Balkman, who is an OU alum.

Heinecke's battle against the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility has been long and drawn out, and the NCAA is fighting back with everything they have. The inside linebacker had a breakout season in 2025, helping OU make the College Football Playoff. This came after he played 15 total minutes of lacrosse over the course of three games at Ohio State in 2021, missed all of 2022 after transferring to OU due to injury, and played on special teams for the Sooners in 2023 and 2024.

If Oklahoma were to get Heinecke back, it would be a huge boost to the linebacker room that is currently very thin on depth behind Kip Lewis and Cole Sullivan. However, if the ruling doesn't go in Heinecke's favor, he'll very likely be selected in the NFL draft, which beings one week after his hearing.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Heinecke's hearing to feature testimony from Nagy, Venables

Q&A

What is Owen Heinecke's injunction hearing about?

Owen Heinecke's injunction hearing is focused on his request for an additional season of eligibility from the NCAA.

Who will testify at Owen Heinecke's hearing?

Jim Nagy, Brent Venables, Heinecke's father, and other key figures will testify at the hearing.

What challenges has Owen Heinecke faced regarding his eligibility?

Heinecke has faced challenges due to a lack of playing time at Ohio State, injuries, and limited participation at Oklahoma before seeking the injunction.