• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 19, 2025

NCAA Nixes Oklahoma State Helmet QR Codes

  • Oklahoma State announced the plan just 10 days ago to stamp QR codes on players’ helmets linking to an NIL fund.
  • According to the school, the NCAA views the QR codes as prohibited advertising.
Oklahoma State’s Alan Bowman (7) warms up before the college football game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Aug., 31, 2024.

Oklahoma State says “the NCAA is blocking” the school from applying stickers with a QR code to players’ helmets ahead of its season opener at home Saturday against South Dakota State, according to a statement issued by the OSU Athletic Department.

The news was first reported by 247Sports Oklahoma State beat reporter McClain Baxley, who shared the press release from OSU just before the school’s home opener.

The QR codes, first announced on Aug. 20, were intended to link to an NIL (name, image, and likeness) collective called Pokes With a Purpose.

While the NCAA generally allows helmet stickers, the fundraising nature of the decals is apparently too much for a governing body that is still navigating the NIL world in which college players are entitled to profits from their appearances. 

“Oklahoma State interprets the QR code stickers as institutional decals permitted under NCAA bylaws,” the release reads. “The NCAA interprets the QR code stickers as advertising and/or commercial marks, which are not permitted.”

The NCAA sent Front Office Sports this comment on the news: “Based on current NCAA football playing rules, a QR Code would not be allowed on the players uniform, which also includes the helmet. These are the rules in place for the 2024-25 season. Any discussions to adjust the approach to advertising and/or commercial marks would be a broader discussion for conference commissioners and NCAA committees that manage the playing rules across all sports.”

OSU A.D. Chad Weiberg said, in the school’s press release, “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.”

Head coach Mike Gundy announced the NIL Helmet Initiative earlier this month, even days Gundy had griped about player agents contacting him about NIL deals: “Tell your agent to quit calling us and asking for more money.” The NIL helmet QR code initiative, thought to be the first of its kind, was potentially a way for the program to focus on the season while also keeping athletes happy.

While fans in the stands likely wouldn’t get close enough to scan the 1.5 square inch stickers, supporters watching on television or scrolling through social media photos would be able to donate.

Now the Cowboys have to give the initiative the boot before it even got off the ground. But supporters don’t need to fret: OSU Athletics says it will plaster the QR code across the stadium and on the video screen.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
Aug 30, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) attempts to make a catch over Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) in the first half at Ohio Stadium.

SEC Games Help ABC Dominate College Football Ratings at Midseason

Texas–Ohio State on Fox remains the most-watched game of the season.
Tortillas

Texas Tech-Kansas Tortilla-Knife Mess Ends With $50K in Fines

Texas Tech’s tortilla tradition got both teams in trouble.
Oct 14, 2025; Birmingham, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel.

SEC Coaches Sound Off on NIL, Revenue-Sharing: ‘Upside Down’

John Calipari doesn’t want to become “transactional.”

Featured Today

@chef__tezz/Instagram

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance, balancing science, taste, and the demands of professional football.
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Sep 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick walks the sideline during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at the Bounce House Stadium.

Belichick’s UNC Saga Now Includes GM Trip to Saudi Arabia

UNC GM Michael Lombardi traveled to Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Semaj Morgan (0) makes a catch for a first down in the first half against the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
October 16, 2025

Michigan Board Publicly Opposes Big Ten Investment Proposal

“The Big Ten does not need to be sold to save college sports.”
Cignetti
October 17, 2025

Curt Cignetti Lands Third Contract in Just 19 Games With Indiana

Cignetti signed a new contract five days after Indiana upset Oregon.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Cody Campbell
October 15, 2025

Texas Tech Booster Cody Campbell Slams Conference PE Deals

Campbell said the concept goes against “all the laws of finance.”
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) takes the ball on a kickoff return in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
October 14, 2025

USC, Michigan Officials Oppose Big Ten’s Private Capital Proposal 

Officials from both schools met virtually on Tuesday.
October 13, 2025

Penn State Could Owe James Franklin Very Little of Buyout

FOS has reviewed Franklin’s 2021 contract extension.
Patrick Kraft
October 13, 2025

Penn State Says Adidas Had No Role in James Franklin Firing or..

Franklin is owed tens of millions of dollars.