NCAA bans Oklahoma State from putting NIL QR codes on the back of its helmets

The Oklahoma State Cowboys were set to make some history as they were going to put a QR code on the back of every helmet for the team. The QR code would have led fans to the Oklahoma State general team NIL fund, but the NCAA has blocked the move from happening.

The Cowboys were to use the QR for Saturday's season-opening game against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, but in a release from Oklahoma State Athletic Director Chad Weiberg, the school has not been permitted from using them.

"We disagree with the interpretation of the rule but we will abide by it and work with the appropriate groups to lead on the needed change, Weiberg said. "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."

The rule Weiberg is referring to is that the NCAA is viewing the QR code as "advertising/commercial marks," which are not permitted, while OSU is interpreting the QR code as "institutional decals permitted under NCAA bylaws." It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys wind up playing with the QR code on their helmets at some point this season.

What has the Oklahoma State Cowboys done in regards to the decision by the NCAA?

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are not going down quietly, as instead of just removing the QR codes from the helmets and going about business as normal, they have ramped it up. Boone Pickens Stadium, the home of the Cowboys, has the QR codes in more prominent areas of the stadium, such as the scoreboard.

In addition, the QR codes are personalized for the players on their bags used during the pregame walk from the locker room and into the stadium. The codes will also be on signs throughout the stadium as well as on the team's equipment truck and drink coasters. Just because the NCAA would not allow them to have the QR codes on the helmets does not mean the Cowboys are going to abandon the idea.