Oklahoma State: NCAA Blocked Use of QR Codes on Helmets Linking to NIL Fund

Oklahoma State has announced that the NCAA has blocked it from putting QR codes on the football team's helmets linking to the general team fund for all players on the roster.

Oklahoma State beat writer McClain Baxley of 247Sports relayed the school's release on the matter.

"Oklahoma State interprets the QR code stickers as institutional decals permitted under NCAA bylaws," the release reads in part.

"The NCAA interprets the QR code stickers as advertising and/or commercial marks, which are not permitted."

The news dropped right before Oklahoma State was set to begin its season at home against South Dakota State, the reigning Division I-FCS champions.

Oklahoma State previously announced its intention to sport the QR codes on Aug. 20.

"This is a revolutionary step forward to help keep Oklahoma State football ahead of the game," head coach Mike Gundy said. "It gives a chance for everyday fans across the world to have a real impact when it comes to supporting the NIL efforts for Cowboy football. I'm thrilled about this opportunity for our players."

Per a team press release, the stickers would have been placed on the back of helmets, and they would have had players' names and numbers on them as well.

The stickers would not have been overly visible from the stands, but fans could have accessed the QR codes via broadcast shots or postgame photos as well.

Although the QR codes won't appear on helmets, previous plans to have them on each player's bag during "The Walk" on game days and on the road during the season have stayed in place.

QR codes are also in place on signs throughout Boone Pickens Stadium. Per the release, they will now be located in "much larger and more prominent locations" in the stadium, and that includes the 6,160-square foot video board.