Oklahoma State had an innovative and truly unique idea to generate money for the team’s general NIL fund.

Naturally, the NCAA is blocking the Cowboys from using it.

Oklahoma State planned to wear helmets that featured scannable QR codes on the back. The school announced the plan nearly 2 weeks ago. While fans weren’t expected to be able to scan the codes with their phones from the stands on gameday, snapping a photo of the code via the game broadcast or using a team photo shared online would work just fine. The money raised would go to the football team’s general fund.

A memo shared with local media at the school’s opener on Saturday stated the NCAA was “blocking” Oklahoma State from adding the sticker to helmets.

From the release (shared online by OkState247’s McClain Baxley):

Oklahoma State interprets the QR code stickers as institutional decals permitted under NCAA bylaws. The NCAA interprets the QR code stickers as advertising and/or commercial marks, which are not permitted.

“We disagree with the interpretation of the rule but will abide by it and work with the appropriate groups to lead on the needed change,” Oklahoma State athletic director Chad 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 book.”

Oklahoma State has well-established procedures for determining rules compliance and followed those procedures in its determination to permit the helmet decals. Oklahoma State also consulted with the Conference office and felt condident after those conversations that the helmet decals were permissible. 

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is also quoted in the release saying the league “welcomes the opportunity” to be “at the forefront of innovation and creativity.”

It should be noted that the NCAA is said to be considering allowing corporate sponsors on uniforms in the future. The NCAA has already allowed corporate advertisements to be placed in various spots on the playing surface. And one school has already sold the naming rights to its stadium.

Oklahoma State has a complicated and, frankly, tense relationship with the NCAA. This latest move from the NCAA will likely go over just fine in Stillwater.

The 17th-ranked Cowboys host South Dakota State at 2 p.m. ET (ESPN+) on Saturday.