Innovation and a forward-thinking mentality have helped Brett Yormark solidify the Big 12 as one of the top three conferences in America since he took over in August 2022.
His leadership style has had a trickle-down effect on some of the teams that wear the “XII” logo on their chest.
The world of name, image, and likeness (NIL) has forced college football teams to totally reevaluate their approaches to recruiting, roster management, and even the infrastructure of the support staff around them (e.g., the inclusion of the general manager role in CFB).
Oklahoma State, often thought a program straggling behind in the NIL game, proved one of the more innovative teams in the country on Tuesday when the program announced that it would be making changes to its uniform in 2024 in order to help raise money for its team’s NIL fund.
Throughout the season, Oklahoma State will have a QR code located on the back of their helmets that will send fans to the Pokes With a Purpose website, where they can contribute to the team’s NIL fund.
“This is a revolutionary step forward to help keep Oklahoma State football ahead of the game,” Head Coach Mike Gundy said. “It gives a chance for everyday fans across the world to have a real impact when it comes to supporting the NIL efforts for Cowboy football. I’m thrilled about this opportunity for our players.”
According to a release from the school, QR codes will be applied to the back of each helmet via 1.5 square-inch decals featuring each player’s name and number in the design. Additional QR codes will be found on each player’s travel bag, coasters in the premium areas of Boone Pickens Stadium, signage throughout the stadium, and the OSU football equipment truck.
Oklahoma State opens the 2024 season against defending FCS national champion South Dakota State at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday, August 31, at 1:00 p.m. CT, with coverage on ESPN+.
