Sports Analytics Research

Photo Nikola Jokic
Predicting the future of sports? Impossible. Point blank.
This article delves into the complexities of NBA predictions and sports forecasting challenges, focusing on projecting the future NBA MVP for 2029. Using advanced sports analytics, including Win Shares analysis and player performance projection models, the piece examines NBA career trajectories and basketball statistics to identify potential future stars. The study highlights rising NBA young talents like Victor Wembanyama and discusses the limitations of current prediction methods. By combining factors such as age and experience, the article presents a new approach to player performance projection, offering insights into the future landscape of the NBA while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of sports forecasting. 
Photo A pickleball paddle
Will Pickleball make its debut at the 2028 L.A. Olympics?
Whether it is for patriotic reasons or fandom of athletic performance, people care about watching the Olympics, supporting their countries and being entertained by the display of many different wonderful types of sports. The classic examples of running, javelin or even boxing were showcased as far back as the earliest days of the founding of the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece in 776 BC. There have been many great sports added since. 
Photo soccer stadium in munich
How reliable is Pythagorean Expectation to predict the result of the 2023/24 EFL Soccer Championship?
As the impact of data analytics in sports, soccer in specific, continues to increase at an exponential rate, predictive models are constantly evolving to provide insights into team performance and outcomes. The focus of this study is to apply a well-grounded analysis of the data in hand using a method called the Pythagorean Expectation, borrowed from a fellow sport, baseball. The model aims to predict the result of the 2023/24 EFL Championship after verifying the reliability of the process using data from previous seasons. 
Photo Photo taken by Grace Colyar
By the Numbers: Just How Much do SEC Schools Make and Spend in Athletics
Beyond the roar of the crowd and the excitement of victories, lies a complex financial terrain where revenues and expenses shape the game behind the game. 
Photo Figure 3 Middle Rounds
Does Your NFL Team Draft to Win? New Research Reveals Rounds 3, 4, and 5 are the Key to Future On-Field Performance
Many fans underestimate the importance of the NFL draft beyond the first and second rounds, assuming that only early picks can truly impact a team's success. However, groundbreaking research from the Center for Sports Analytics at Samford University challenges this notion. 
Photo college baseball world series field
How Does RPI Effect College Baseball and the NCAA Tournament?
The Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) is generally known to dictate which college baseball teams qualify for the NCAA tournament, but how can different strategies affect a teams’ RPI ranking?