On Saturday, the NCAA made an interesting decision regarding Oklahoma State’s uniform combination ahead of their Week 1 matchup against South Dakota State.
While the Cowboys announced that each player’s helmet would feature QR codes with a link to a general team fund, the NCAA ruled against the idea.
Oklahoma State, often thought a program straggling behind in the NIL game, proved one of the more innovative teams in the country earlier this offseason 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 planned to have a QR code located on the back of their helmets that would send fans to the Pokes With a Purpose website, where they could contribute to the team’s NIL fund.
Unfortunately for Oklahoma State, the NCAA had other plans.
“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,” Oklahoma State AD 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.”
While the Cowboys will not enter their season opener with QR-coded helmets, the program will likely have more to say about the ruling in the coming weeks.
