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The Oklahoma State Cowboys made headlines this offseason with the introduction of a new NIL platform that will allow for fans to pay players through a QR code on their helmets. The “revolutionary” introduction is yet another way for college football stars to profit off of name, image, and likeness.
LSU coach Brian Kelly scoffed at the idea while speaking at a teleconference this week. He believes NIL should be kept off the field!
“The QR codes, to me, begins to — I don’t know. For us, I think we can keep NIL off the field. I think we can generate the things that we need here at LSU separate from the game day atmosphere, the collegiate kind of feel that you have.
“I just, this is just my personal feeling: Putting a QR code on your helmet doesn’t feel collegiate to me.”
-Brian Kelly
Kelly wants to keep as much of the college feel to the game as possible as the sport continues to track a path that mirrors the NFL. The postseason has now expanded, potentially taking importance away from the regular season.
The rules are changing to more closely resemble the professional ranks. Conference realignment has ruined traditional rivalries. Heck, there’s even a feeling of free agency with the introduction of the transfer portal.
Player payment, though, is probably the biggest similarity as players can now benefit directly from their play on the field.
While the initial goal of NIL wasn’t necessarily to create bidding wars, in many cases, it has. Brian Kelly knows it’s here to stay, but he doesn’t want to see the college game lose all that makes it unique.
He’s been outspoken on name, image, and likeness in the past with a verbal refusal to “buy players.”
“We want to recruit, we want to engage, build relationships, develop, retain, and have success… We’re not in the market of buying players. And unfortunately, right now, that’s what some guys are looking for. They want to be bought.”
-Brian Kelly
Oklahoma State introduced its QR code campaign ahead of the 2024 season opener. That introduction came shortly after head coach Mike Gundy made some emphatic statements on agents lobbying for more NIL money after inking their initial deals.
“There’s no negotiating now. The portal’s over. All the negotiation’s history. Now we’re playing football. Just coaching and playing football… Tell your agent to quit calling us and asking for more money. It’s non-negotiable now. It’ll start again in December.”
-Mike Gundy
Negotiation season might be over, but there’s still a chance to earn a little extra dough on the side! LSU players won’t have that luxury given Brian Kelly’s latest comments.