Another key member of Oklahoma’s defense has earned major recognition.

Linebacker Owen Heinecke was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, it was announced on Wednesday.

Heinecke is making the most of his last ride with the Sooners.

Through seven games, he leads the team with 54 total tackles.

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) October 29, 2026

Safety Peyton Bowen, who was named a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award , is second on the team with 36 tackles.

Heinecke also has a team-high 6.5 tackles for loss, two quarterback sacks and he forced a fumble in Saturday’s victory over Mississippi State.

Defensive end Taylor Wein recovered the fumble, which halted the Bulldogs’ march down the field.…