NCAA blocking Oklahoma State from using helmet QR code

Oklahoma State will not wear QR codes on their helmets during the season opener as originally anticiapted, the university announced on Saturday. According to a release, the NCAA is blocking them from using it.

The QR code was set to link to the general team NIL fund. The Cowboys interpret as being used as “institutional decals permitted under NCAA bylaws.” However, the NCAA sees them as “advertising/commercial marks, which are not permitted.”

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“We disagree with the interpretation of the rule but will abide by it and work with the appropriate groups to lead on the needed change,” OSU Athletic Director Chad Weiberg said, via the release. “Our people came up with an innovative concept to raise the NIL value of our student-athletes, but ultimately, it just serves as the latest example of how college sports are evolving at a faster pace than the rule.”

Instead, Oklahoma State has placed QR codes in larger, more prominant areas inside Boone Pickens Stadium, incluidng the stadium’s video board. Personalized QR code tags for each player have been placed on their bags used during the pregame walk into the stadium. They’re also going to be featured on coasters, signs in and around the stadium and on the team equipment truck.

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Earlier this month, Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy joined the Pat McAfee Show to speak on the inspiration behind the QR codes. At the time, he noted that the QR code to the general fund would be placed in bars and restaurants near campus to help local fans donate to the team’s NIL program.

“I kind of thought about a GoFundMe, you see people that are in need and they set up a GoFundMe and the people in this country come together and they help them,” Gundy said, via On3’s Kaiden Smith. “And all of a sudden if they’ve had a terrible incident, they have an opportunity to get out of it. So I thought, why don’t we set this up for NIL and give the Oklahoma State people a chance that when they’re sitting there and they see a player make a great play, they’re going to pull that up on social media and bang that money.”

Oklahoma State kicks off its regular season against South Dakota State. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET.