Stillwater, Oklahoma – Oklahoma State is making headlines as the new college football season approaches. The Cowboys’ head coach, Mike Gundy, shared his hopes that his players can now focus entirely on football and not get distracted by the business side of name, image, and likeness (NIL). With the season opener inching closer, Gundy is optimistic about an innovative approach that could help boost his players’ NIL earnings during the season.
On Tuesday, the school announced a unique plan for their helmets this season. The Cowboys will feature QR codes on the back of each helmet, which will link directly to a donation page for the school’s NIL fund. This initiative is considered a first in college football. The codes measure about 1.5 square inches and won’t be seen from the stands, but fans watching the games on television can easily capture them with their phones.
Gundy expressed his excitement about this revolutionary step, stating, “This 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.” He believes that this strategy will not only help raise the team’s NIL value but also connect fans more deeply with the players. The coach previously voiced concerns about distractions caused by the new NIL era, noting the presence of agents pressing players for more money. He emphasized that for now, the focus can be solely on the game.
The Cowboys are set to kick off their season on August 31 against the defending FCS national champions, South Dakota State. Currently, Oklahoma State is ranked No. 18 in the ESPN preseason rankings, led by standout running back Ollie Gordon II, who rushed for an impressive 1,732 yards last season. Gundy noted, “The good news is, the next five months we can just play football. There’s no negotiating now.” This optimistic approach sets a promising tone for the upcoming season.
