NCAA Blocking Oklahoma State From Using NIL QR Codes on Helmets

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State announced on Saturday morning the NCAA is blocking the program from putting NIL QR codes on the back of the helmets.

"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. "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 book."

According to the release from the program, the NCAA interpretates the rule as “advertising and/or commercial marks, which are not permitted. As for Oklahoma State, they interpret the rule as “institutional decals permitted under NCAA bylaws.

The program announced back on August 20 they would be wearing NIL fund QR codes on the back of their helmets for the upcoming season, making them the first college football team to do so.

The athletic department will have the codes posted across the stadium, even more so than before the NCAA’s announcement banning usage of the codes on the helmets, iincluding up on the video boards. The players will also still wear the QR codes will still be featured on the player’s bags during “The Walk,” as well as on the side of the equipment truck.