Sooners star just pleaded his case to anyone who will listen regarding the 2026 season

Sooners star defender Owen Heinecke just wants one more year.

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke in loss to Alabama
SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

2025 was a magical season for the Oklahoma Sooners football program, even if it ended with a sour taste in most fans’ mouths. Losing a College Football Playoff game at home isn’t fun, but it’s important to take a look back at the season as a whole and reflect on all the good. One of the more magical storylines this year has to be the emergence of former lacrosse player and linebacker Owen Heinecke.

Owen Heinecke needs another year in Brent Venables’ defense

Heinecke has been one of the team’s best defensive players. He’s gotten the Sooners so many havoc plays that have led to big-time points. Heinecke has proven that he’s one of the best linebackers in the country, and he’s just now starting to show what he’s about. Heinecke needs another year, and he’s begging the NCAA to give him one.

“I hope the NCAA will see that I’m not just another Football player who’s wanting a bunch of NIL money,” Heinecke said after the loss. “I’m someone who cares about the University and stuck his time out at the same place and is just starting to reap the rewards and is just wanting another year to go at it.”

Heinecke had an impressive 2025 season, finishing as the team’s second-leading tackler with 67 total tackles and two sacks. Not to mention, two hands full of tackles for losses. Heinecke was destructive, and to make it all better, he was once a walk-on and played lacrosse for the Ohio State Buckeyes before playing football.

He’s certainly deserving of another year, especially since his lacrosse season was one where he didn’t play much, and in a completely different sport. The NCAA has given other players an extra year who aren’t as deserving. And, if they do give him another year of eligibility, the Sooners already have Kip Lewis’ replacement ready.

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