Okay State disallowed from utilizing QR codes on helmets

Eli Lederman, ESPN Staff WriterAug 31, 2024, 01:58 PM ET Close Eli Lederman covers college football and recruiting for ESPN.com. He joined ESPN in 2024 after covering the University of Oklahoma for Sellout Crowd and the Tulsa World.The NCAA has blocked Oklahoma State from putting NIL-linked QR codes on its players’football helmets after the program announced the decision ahead of the Cowboys ‘Week 1 game against South Dakota State.On Aug. 20, Oklahoma State announced plans to put a 1.5-square-inch

QR code linking to the program’s basic NIL fund on the backs of helmets this fall. The Cowboys were thought to be the first college football program to use QR codes to promote NIL during a regular-season game.However, the NCAA has actually barred Oklahoma State from sporting the QR codes in Week 1, and the matter, according to the Cowboys, is down to interpretation.Editor’s Picks The program believes it is permitted under NCAA laws to put QR codes on its helmets as institutional decals. According to an Oklahoma State release, the NCAA sees the decals as “advertising and/or business marks,” which are not permitted under NCAA rules.

“We disagree with the analysis of the rule however will comply with it and deal with the appropriate groups to lead on the required modification,” Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg said in a declaration. “Our individuals came up with an innovative concept to raise NIL worth of our student-athletes, however ultimately, it simply acts as the latest example of how college sports are progressing at a much faster rate than the rulebook.”

Oklahoma State states its choice to employ the QR codes is certified with NCAA rules and was made in assessment with the Huge 12. In a declaration launched through Oklahoma State, league commissioner Brett Yormark advised the sport’s leaders to think about forward-thinking options as college football continues into the NIL period.

“As we enter this brand-new age of college sports, the Big 12 Conference invites the chance to be at the forefront of development and creativity,” Yormark stated. “I eagerly anticipate partnering with the NCAA and my fellow conference commissioners in an effort to improve legislation that allows our schools to drive value for our student-athletes.”

While Oklahoma State will not use QR codes on its helmets in Week 1, the image will be featured plainly throughout Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday, including on players’ equipment bag tags, consume rollercoasters in premium areas, signage around the stadium and the videoboard.The 17th-ranked

Cowboys open their 2024 season versus the back-to-back FCS national champs at 2 p.m. ET Saturday on ESPN+.