Tune into College GameDay and you're bound to see it more often than not. Somewhere among the sea of home-made signs, there's bound to be at least one saying something to the effect of, "Send beer money" with a Venmo handle attached. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't, but either way it doesn't cost anything to try.
This fall, we'll see pleas for the generosity of the masses transition from college students to actual college football programs.
On Tuesday, Oklahoma State announced it will be the first program to put QR codes on the backs of players helmets, with the express goal of soliciting NIL funds from viewers at home.
"This is a revolutionary step forward to help keep Oklahoma State football ahead of the game," Mike Gundy said in a statement. "It 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. I'm thrilled about this opportunity for our players."
The personalized 1.5-inch by 1.5-inch squares are meant to solicit the payments from the television audience but don't worry, the in-person crowd isn't spared a passing of the digital collection plate, either. The same QR codes will also be adorned to each player's travel bag, which will be carried as the Cowboys do "The Walk" into Boone Pickens Stadium.
The promotion will most certainly draw interest, especially from TV crews during early season games, but how effective will it really be?
It'll be pretty rare for a camera to be zoomed in on the back of a helmet long enough for this to matter. https://t.co/FsfJLK46Ok
— Chris Mycoskie 🎙️ (@mycoskie) August 20, 2024
If it doesn't work, Oklahoma State can at least claim it's doing everything it can to generate NIL dollars for its players. And if it does, expect the QR code to become as common to college football helmets as decals and face masks.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.