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Jake Trotter, ESPN Senior Author
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said last week that he hopes his gamers can give attention to soccer now as a substitute of the “enterprise facet” of title, picture and likeness with the season opener only a few days away.
However Gundy can be hoping that an revolutionary ploy can earn his gamers extra NIL cash throughout the season.
The varsity introduced Tuesday that the Cowboys will sport QR codes on their helmets linking to a donation web page for the varsity’s NIL fund, believed to be a primary in faculty soccer.
The QR codes on the again of every helmet might be 1.5 sq. inches. The varsity mentioned that whereas the codes will not be seen from the stands on sport day, followers watching throughout tv broadcasts will have the ability to seize them on their telephones. Oklahoma State believes it will assist increase the group’s NIL worth all year long.
“It is a revolutionary step ahead to assist preserve Oklahoma State soccer forward of the sport,” Gundy mentioned. “It provides an opportunity for on a regular basis followers the world over to have an actual influence with regards to supporting the NIL efforts for Cowboy soccer. I am thrilled about this chance for our gamers.”
Final week, Gundy lamented the haggling and distractions of the NIL period, which now contains brokers for faculty gamers.
“We’ve to have these conversations with [the players]. ‘Inform your agent to give up calling us and asking for extra money.’ It is non-negotiable now. It will begin once more in December,” Gundy mentioned. “So now we’re in a position to direct ourselves simply in soccer, and that half is enjoyable.”
The Cowboys open the season Aug. 31 in opposition to defending FCS nationwide champion South Dakota State. Oklahoma State is ranked No. 18 in the ESPN preseason rankings, headlined by star operating again Ollie Gordon II, who led the nation with 1,732 dashing yards final season.
“The excellent news is, the subsequent 5 months we will simply play soccer,” Gundy mentioned. “There is not any negotiating now. The portal’s over. All of the negotiation’s historical past. Now we’re enjoying soccer.”
