NCAA denies Oklahoma State Football's use of helmet NIL QR codes

STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) — In what was a controversial topic surrounding Oklahoma State University's announcement regarding NIL QR codes being worn on the back of football helmet's for the 2024 season, the NCAA has shut it down.

According to a release by OSU, the NCAA is blocking Oklahoma State from adding QR codes decals to their helmets.

The QR codes were an attempt to support players with name, image and likeness (NIL) funds during games in the 2024 football season by linking fans in attendance and watching at home to the general team fund for athletes on the teams roster.

Oklahoma State says their interpretation of the QR code stickers being "institutional decals permitted under NCAA bylaws." However, the NCAA interprets the QR code stickers as "advertising and/or commercial marks," and says that is not permitted.

"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," said OSU Athletic Director Chad Weiberg. "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 OSU in the release, they consulted with the Big 12 Conference office and were confident enough afterwards that the helmet decals were allowed to be worn.

"As we enter this new age of college athletics, the Big 12 Conference welcomes the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and creativity," says Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. "I look forward to partnering with the NCAA and my fellow conference commissioners in an effort to modernize legislation that enables our schools to drive value for our student-athletes."

Oklahoma State says they will continue to work with the Big 12 Conference and NCAA on innovative opportunities for student-athletes surrounding NIL.

Though the QR codes will no longer be featured on football helmets, OSU says they will continue with placing them in larger and noticeable locations at Boone Pickens Stadium which includes the stadiums video board.

They will also continue to be on player's bag tags during "The Walk" on game days and on coasters, signage and the OSU football equipment truck as previously planned.