Oklahoma State to place QR codes on helmets linked to NIL funds

oklahoma state coach mike gundy said last week He said he hoped his players would now be able to focus on football rather than the “business side” of name, image and fame, with the first matches of the season set to begin in just a few days.

But Gundy also hopes an innovative move will allow his players to earn more zero money this season.

The school announced Tuesday that the Cowboys will put QR codes on their helmets that will link to a donation page for the school’s NIL fund, in what’s believed to be a first in college football.

The QR code on the back of each helmet will be 1.5 square inches. The school said that while the codes won’t be visible from the stands on game day, fans watching during the television broadcast will be able to capture them on their phones. Oklahoma State believes this will help increase the team’s NIL value throughout the year.

“This is a revolutionary step to help keep Oklahoma State football at the forefront of the sport,” Gundy said. “It gives everyday fans around the world a chance to make a real impact in terms of supporting NIL’s efforts for Cowboy football. I’m thrilled about this opportunity for our players.”

Last week, Gundy bemoaned the bargaining and distractions of the NIL era, which now includes agents for college players.

“We have to have those conversations with (players). ‘Tell your agent to stop calling us and asking for more money.’ It’s not up for negotiation now. It starts again in December,” Gundy said. “So now we’re able to just direct ourselves in football, and that’s the fun part.”

The Cowboys’ season begins Aug. 31 against the defending FCS national champions South Dakota StateOklahoma State is ranked 18th ESPN Preseason RankingsTitles by star running backs Ollie Gordon IIWho led the country by scoring 1,732 runs last season.

“The good news is for the next five months, we can just play football,” Gundy said. “There’s no more negotiating. The portal is over. All the history of negotiating is over. We’re playing football now.”