In Pivotal Case, Oklahoma Linebacker Overcomes NCAA Opposition To Win Injunction To Play In 2026

By Jeff Birren, Senior Writer Introduction In 2021 Owen Heinecke went to Ohio State to both play lacrosse and attempt to walk on for the football team. That season he played in three lacrosse games. Heinecke left for the University of Oklahoma (“OU”) after the season. He sat out in 2022 but played football from 2023 through the 2025. Heinecke wanted to return for the 2026 season, but the NCAA concluded that he had participated in four seasons of collegiate sports in five years, completing hi