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What Owen Heinecke returning means for OU's linebacker rotation

headshotby: George Stoia04/17/26GeorgeStoia
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) celebrates with Kip Lewis (10) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) celebrates with Kip Lewis (10) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Owen Heinecke is officially back, which means OU has its starting MIKE linebacker. Heinecke received an injunction from Cleveland County Judge Thad Balkman on Thursday, allowing him to play one more season of college football for the Sooners. And that was significant news for Oklahoma.

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