Oklahoma State is introducing a small, but significant change to its football helmets.
Now three years into the era of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals for NCAA athletes, the Cowboys have added QR codes to the back of helmets in order to facilitate donations that can be used to lure future players to the program.
Although they’ll be unnoticeable to fans in attendance at OSU games in 2024, television audiences will be able to scan the codes, which will link smart phones and other devices to the team’s general NIL fund.
Those funds, or NIL collectives, are independent organizations aimed at raising money that can be used to pay players at a specific school. While some schools have encouraged the practice on social media and live events, such as tailgate parties, Oklahoma State is trying a more direct approach.
What’s more, coach Mike Gundy’s team is also putting QR codes on coasters at Boone Pickens Stadium – Oklahoma State’s renovated football arena named for the late booster who donated hundreds of millions of dollars to the school over his lifetime.
This photo provided by Oklahoma State Athletics shows a QR code on a Cowboys helmet
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy (pictured) called the move ‘a revolutionary step forward’
The QR codes will be visible on helmets for the season opener on August 31 against defending FCS champion South Dakota State.
‘This is a revolutionary step forward to help keep Oklahoma State football ahead of the game,’ 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.’
The QR codes are small – just 1.5-square inch decals – and will feature players’ names and numbers.
And in addition to helmets, they’ll also be printed on players’ bag tags.
The Cowboys enter the 2024 season ranked No. 17 in the AP’s Top 25.
Unfortunately for Gundy & Co., rival Oklahoma has defected to the Southeastern Conference, meaning the famed Bedlam Series is being discontinued this season. The Cowboys beat the Sooners last season, 27-24.
