Over the last few years, college sports has transformed into a booming, financially driven powerhouse. The introduction and utilization of the NIL (name, image, likeness) rule will forever be known as the changing point in college athletics. Oklahoma State, among other universities, is taking every precaution to ensure they are ahead of the curve and can dominate the NIL game.
Oklahoma State recently announced they will now have QR codes on the back of their football helmets, leading scanners to the team fund. Now, fans and spectators will have a chance to, individually, support the athletes. Is this too much power for the fans, or is this the new age of college football?
Power to the Fans
The move by Oklahoma State will undoubtedly send waves throughout the college athletic industry. Giving fans the ability to pay and support athletes makes them a part of the recruiting process. Theoretically, fans could start paying millions of dollars to support their favorite players and to keep them on their team.
It is not uncommon for athletes to seek schools based on the NIL opportunities, and now, financial support from fans comes into play.
The change could ultimately result in some schools stacking up on recruits that they wouldn’t have landed in the first place. If Oklahoma State remains the only school to offer this, it may result in them getting big recruits and transfers. Hypothetically, star athletes like Quinn Ewers, Travis Hunter, and others could transfer to one school based on wealthy and generous fans. It is uncertain whether there will be guidelines or restrictions, but fans will now have the chance to receive a different and more direct experience than they ever have.
Power to the Players
Not only does this move affect the fans, it will also have an impact on the athletes. NIL has changed the lives and careers of numerous athletes since its adoption, and the list continues to grow. Athletes like Caleb Williams, Olivia Dunne, and countless others have earned millions of dollars thanks to their universities and surrounding advertisements and media appearances. Adding the financial support of fans could ultimately make athletes millions of dollars on top of the other NIL benefits.
Not only does this positively affect the athletes financially, but it also gives them the power to make demands. If a star athlete feels that they should be receiving more benefits than they are, they can now blame the fans. Fans will inevitably be more part of the game than just yelling from the stands or repping team gear. With that said, players will now have to relearn everything they know about fans and readjust to the new age.
Possible Trend
Now that Oklahoma State has made the move to allow fan support via the QR code, it is likely that other universities will make the change. Though it is uncertain if it will catch on with other schools, the upside of possibly landing recruits and transfers will intrigue them. Nobody wants to be behind the curve when it comes to innovating and adapting to the new age. NIL continues to grow with every year that passes and shows no sign of stopping. Media has consumed collegiate athletics and transformed it into the powerhouse that it is today.
If other universities do not follow suit with Oklahoma State, another move or change will likely be made. Giving the fans a chance to help and support could potentially take the pressure off of universities. Coaches and administrators will now have more help than they have ever had when it comes to bettering their program and their athletes. The new age is upon us, and the deciding moves of the future are being made.
Final Thoughts
No matter how it is received or how it unfolds, Oklahoma State will forever be credited with making the historic move. With collegiate athletics continuously changing and reaching new heights, the sky is the ceiling for universities and college athletes around the country. Will the move go down in history as one of the biggest mistakes, or will it be remembered for its historic alteration?
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