NCAA Nixes Oklahoma State Helmet QR Codes

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.