The NCAA is blocking Oklahoma State from placing QR codes on players’ helmets that would allow fans to donate to the school’s official collective, the organization announced Saturday. The NCAA ruled that the markings constitute unauthorized “advertising or commercial markings,” the school said in a statement.

Cowboys athletic director Chad Weiberg said the school disagreed with the decision but would abide by it and not use the codes on helmets. They will be posted throughout the stadium and placed on players’ personal bags during the team walk to the stadium by fans. They also will be placed on coasters in stadium suites.

“Our people came up with an innovative concept to increase the NIL value of our student-athletes, but ultimately it serves as just the latest example of how college sports is evolving faster than the rulebook prescribes,” Weiberg said.

OSU said it consulted with the Big 12 office and its compliance staff to ensure the codes would be allowed to be used on helmets.

“I look forward to working with the NCAA and my fellow conference commissioners in an effort to modernize the law so our schools can create value for our student-athletes,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark.

The move, announced earlier this month, was praised by some but also drew criticism from others within the sport, including LSU coach Brian Kelly.

“Putting a QR code on your helmet just doesn’t feel collegial to me,” he said this month.

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