NCAA Blocks Oklahoma State's Helmet QR Codes

The NCAA has blocked Oklahoma State University's plan to place QR codes on the football team's helmets to raise funds for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) program, deeming the codes as impermissible advertising or commercial marks. Oklahoma State had intended the QR codes to link fans directly to a donation page for the team’s general NIL fund. Despite consultation with the Big 12 and an interpretation that the decals were permissible under NCAA bylaws, the NCAA ruled against it. Oklahoma State's athletic director Chad Weiberg expressed disagreement but pledged compliance and continued efforts to modernize NIL-related rules. The QR codes will instead be displayed throughout Boone Pickens Stadium and on players' personal bags. This decision highlights the tension between evolving college sports practices and existing regulations.