Oklahoma LB Owen Heinecke granted injunction, eligible to play in '26

Star Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke may not have exhausted his collegiate eligibility after all.

According to multiple reports, Heinecke has been granted an injunction by Judge Thad Balkman in Cleveland County Court that will allow him to play one more season of college football. Judge Balkman also reportedly prohibited the NCAA from taking action against Heinecke or the University of Oklahoma because of Heinecke’s being allowed to play.

Heinecke filed a request for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA, after his petition and appeal for an extra year of eligibility were both denied this winter. Taking the NCAA to court, Heinecke won his case, and is now immediately eligible to return to OU for the 2026 season.

While the NCAA will likely appeal the decision, much like in Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss' case, Thursday's decision is a significant win for Heinecke and Co., as the way has now been cleared for him to return to the Sooners. Reportedly, there's a chance the NCAA's likely appeal wouldn't be heard until during or after the 2026 season.

Heinecke had been denied a fourth year of college football after playing 15 total minutes of lacrosse over three games at Ohio State in 2021. He had also missed all of the 2022 season at OU, due to injury. After mostly playing on special teams in 2023 and 2024, Heinecke broke onto the scene at inside linebacker in 2025, helping OU make the College Football Playoff and starting the season's final five games.

Heinecke registered 74 total tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, and four pass breakups in his first significant playing time as Sooner. Barring a drastic change, he'll now return to Norman for one last year in 2026, instead of heading off to the NFL Draft. Heinecke attended the NFL combine and OU's pro day, and was a near certainty to hear his name called, but will look to improve his draft stock for next year.

Oklahoma athletics director Roger Denny released a statement after the decision was made by Judge Balkman, saying, "We're grateful for today's decision. This is a fair outcome for a young man who has handled this process with integrity and resilience. We're proud to stand with Owen and look forward to supporting him as he returns to competition in a Sooners uniform."