Eric Boggs 
Oklahoma State helmet with the QR Code
Oklahoma State University is set to innovate the business side of college football in 2024 with a groundbreaking initiative. The Cowboys will become the first college football team to feature QR codes on their helmets, linking directly to a donation page for the school’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fund. This innovative approach is expected to enhance the financial support for student-athletes.
The QR codes, each measuring 1.5 square inches, will be strategically placed on the back of the players’ helmets. Although not visible from the stands, these codes can be captured by viewers watching the Cowboys’ games on television, allowing fans worldwide to contribute directly to the NIL efforts.
Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy expressed his enthusiasm for this new initiative, stating, “This is a revolutionary step forward to help keep Oklahoma State football ahead of the game. It gives everyday fans across the world a real opportunity to support our players’ NIL endeavors. I’m thrilled about this opportunity for our players.”
In addition to helmet placement, the QR codes will also be featured on players’ bag tags, coasters in premium areas of Boone Pickens Stadium, various stadium signage, and even on the Oklahoma State football equipment truck. The program believes this marks the first instance of a college football team using QR codes during regular-season games to enhance players’ earning potential.
Oklahoma State also plans to promote this initiative through all official social media channels, amplifying the reach of their NIL efforts. The QR codes will direct potential donors to “Pokes with a Purpose,” a nonprofit collective established in June 2022 to organize NIL opportunities for OSU athletes.
This announcement follows Coach Gundy’s recent comments about shifting focus back to football after the completion of NIL negotiations for the upcoming season. “The good news is, the next five months we can just play football,” Gundy said. “All the negotiation is history. Now we’re playing football. The business side of what we do now—we have to have those conversations with [the players]. ‘Tell your agent to quit calling us and asking for more money. It’s non-negotiable now. It’ll start again in December. So now we’re able to direct ourselves just in football, and that part is fun.”
Oklahoma State’s QR code initiative will debut on August 31, 2024, during the season opener at home against South Dakota State. As college football continues to evolve, OSU’s innovative approach could set a new standard in how programs engage with fans and support their athletes.
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