Sports Analytics Students Shape UFL Rules and Strategies through Influential Impact
In the world of sports, the United Football League (UFL) has made a significant stride by partnering with Syracuse University's David B. Falk College of Sport for the 2025 season. This groundbreaking collaboration marks the first time an American college or university has teamed up with the nation's premier spring football league.
Under the guidance of Rodney Paul, Chair of the Department of Sport Analytics, seven sport analytics majors embarked on an exciting internship with the UFL. These students – Austin Ambler, Danny Baris, Toby Halpern, Zach Seidel (all scheduled to graduate in December 2025), Nolan Bruton (Class of 2026), Eleanor O'Connor (Class of 2027), and Johann Perera (Class of 2025) – were instrumental in shaping UFL rules and strategy.
Their projects ranged from devising a point after touchdown conversion (PAT) decision chart to working on an onside kick alternative, and delving into game timing. One of their most notable accomplishments was the development of a "QB Decision Score" metric to quantify quarterback decision-making, a tool that could revolutionise the way QB performances are evaluated.
These data analysis models were not only theoretical; they were elevated to the teams and their coaches during the season, giving the students practical experience working with real-world data that were actually used and implemented by the league.
The UFL officials overseeing the sport analytics students included Bryan Kilmeade (Operations Manager), Scott Harniman (Senior Vice President of Technology), and Brad Campbell (Vice President of Football Technology). The partnership has exceeded expectations, as evidenced by UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon's membership on the Falk College of Sport Advisory Board.
The students' work did not go unnoticed, impressing many dignitaries, including film producer and UFL co-owner Dany Garcia. Their use of the Sportable tracking device and presentations showcased their dedication and the impact they had on the league.
The partnership between the UFL and the Falk College of Sport has set a precedent for future collaborations between academic institutions and professional sports leagues. The skills these students have gained will undoubtedly prove valuable in their future professional careers.
Football was a significant focus of the internship opportunity provided by the United Football League (UFL) to sport analytics majors from Syracuse University. Under the guidance of Rodney Paul, these students developed data analysis models that were used and implemented by the UFL during the 2025 season, revolutionizing the way quarterback performances are evaluated and shaping UFL rules and strategy.
