The NCAA did not allow the Oklahoma State Cowboys to do so after the team announced they would place QR codes linked to the NIL on players' helmets before their game against South Dakota State.
Oklahoma State University said it will place a 1.5-inch-by-1.5-inch QR code on helmets that will link to the football program's general NIL fund.
Oklahoma State is believed to be the first team to attempt to raise NIL funds this way.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Oklahoma State player Brennan Pressley celebrates a touchdown during the first half of a game against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Boone Pickens Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (image)
But the NCAA stepped in and said teams were prohibited from doing so.
However, Oklahoma State University argues that because the QR code is a university decal, NCAA rules allow its use. In a press release, Oklahoma State clarified that the NCAA considers QR codes to be “advertising and/or commercial marks,” which is a clear violation of the rules.
Oklahoma State University football players will wear QR codes on their helmets that link to the NIL Fund
“While we disagree with the interpretation of the rules, we will abide by them and work with the appropriate parties to lead the necessary changes,” Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg said in a statement, via ESPN. “We came up with an innovative concept to increase the value of our student-athletes' NIL, but ultimately, this is just the latest example of how college sports is evolving at a faster pace than the rule book.”
The Cowboys added that they consulted with the Big 12 Conference before announcing the QR codes on helmets on Aug. 20. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark echoed the Cowboys' statement, urging the NCAA to be proactive as the NIL situation evolves.
Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Ceci Vailahi (3) tries to get past South Dakota State Jackrabbits linebacker Graham Spalding (29) during the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. (William Parnell/USA Today Sports)
“As we enter a new era in college sports, the Big 12 Conference welcomes the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and creativity,” Yormark explained in a statement, via ESPN. “I will work with the NCAA and other conference commissioners to modernize our laws to enable schools to increase the value of their student-athletes.”
Oklahoma State, unhappy with the NCAA's decision, chose not to wear QR codes in its Week 1 game against South Dakota State.
However, QR codes have been spotted in multiple locations at Boone Pickens Stadium, including on tags on team equipment bags, on drink coasters in premium seats, and on the stadium's video boards.
Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II (0) celebrates a touchdown with Preston Wilson (74) during the first half of a game against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday, August 31, 2024 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (image)
Click here to get the FOX News app
The Cowboys defeated the Jackrabbits 44-20 at home on Saturday.
Follow Fox News Digital X's sports coverageSubscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
