STILLWATER, Okla. — The NCAA has rejected Oklahoma State football’s proposal to put QR code stickers on their helmets. These codes were intended to direct fans to the team’s general fund for name, image, and likeness (NIL) donations that support all players on the roster.

While Oklahoma State views these QR code stickers as permissible institutional decals according to NCAA rules, the NCAA classifies them as advertising or commercial logos.

QR codes can still be used in other contexts that do not involve the OSU uniform. For example, they will remain on players’ bag tags during the pregame walk and will be visible on signage throughout the stadium.

OSU’s athletic director, Chad Weiberg, expressed disagreement with the NCAA’s ruling but stated they would comply and seek to push for necessary changes through appropriate channels. This statement was released shortly before their game against South Dakota State on Saturday.

“We came up with an innovative idea aimed at enhancing the NIL value of our student-athletes, but this situation illustrates how quickly college sports are changing, often outpacing the existing regulations,” said Weiberg.

Oklahoma State had announced plans to include QR codes on players’ helmets a little over a week ago, hoping to create a simple way for fans to support the team’s NIL fund.

The university claims to have a solid compliance process in place. They believed they were following proper protocols in their allowance of the helmet decals and also consulted with the Big 12 office, feeling assured from those discussions that the stickers would be permitted, according to the release.

“As we embrace this new era of college athletics, the Big 12 Conference is eager to be a leader in innovation and creativity,” stated Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark. “I look forward to collaborating with the NCAA and other conference leaders to modernize regulations that empower our schools to enhance the value of our student-athletes.”