Dept. of Athletics Announces Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy
6/12/2025 12:48:00 PM | General
Areas of impact could include roster management, scheduling, scholarships, budgeting and operations
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State Department of Athletics is proud to launch a groundbreaking internal resource designed to elevate performance and support championship-level success across its 36 varsity sports in the rapidly evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics.
The new Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will bring together a cross-functional team of athletics department administrators dedicated to driving strategic planning, optimizing data-driven decision-making, and fostering collaboration across teams. This innovative unit will provide Ohio State coaches with access to cutting-edge analytics, strategic insights and tools designed to inform and enhance key areas such as recruiting, scheduling, resource allocation and roster construction.
"The Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will equip our coaches with more information, context and clarity to make even better decisions," said Shaun Richard, Deputy Athletics Director. "We already have the best sports science team that equips our coaches with data on training, recovery, and performance. This unit will work in tandem with our sports scientists, as well as our business and NIL strategy teams, to give coaches additional data and actionable insights."
Projects, for example, could include: understanding what types of student-athletes tend to be successful in certain sports; identifying traits and trends from high school that best indicate college success; and determining the ideal make-up of a team's roster given the addition of the new Big Ten members.
"The intelligence and strategy we're providing will enhance our coaches' ability to make critical decisions by giving them the most relevant and timely information available – so they can maintain a competitive edge in every aspect of their programs," said Richard.
Ohio State coaches, who are both competitive and curious, are supportive.
"As coaches at Ohio State, we know the difference between winning and losing often comes down to the smallest details," national champion wrestling coach Tom Ryan said. "The Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will uncover subtle patterns and insights that will give our teams a competitive edge. As the world of college athletics evolves, we know the additional intelligence and strategy will help us stay at the forefront in this highly competitive environment."
With a focus on competitive excellence, the Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will integrate data and strategic expertise to support long-term planning and real-time decision-making. Areas of impact include recruiting and roster management, scheduling strategy, scholarship and budget modeling, and other operational aspects.
"The Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy reinforces Ohio State's commitment to innovation, excellence, and leadership in the future of college athletics," said Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director. "As the competitive landscape continues to evolve, the intelligence and strategy provided will serve as an additional resource to ensure sustained success across all 36 sports."
Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy
Shaun Richard, Deputy Athletics Director, will lead the unit which will include Matt Bartlebaugh, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Sport Administration and Strategy, and Makena Alexakos, Associate Athletics Director, Student-Athlete Development and Sport Administration.
#GoBucks
The People. The Tradition. The Excellence.
The new Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will bring together a cross-functional team of athletics department administrators dedicated to driving strategic planning, optimizing data-driven decision-making, and fostering collaboration across teams. This innovative unit will provide Ohio State coaches with access to cutting-edge analytics, strategic insights and tools designed to inform and enhance key areas such as recruiting, scheduling, resource allocation and roster construction.
"The Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will equip our coaches with more information, context and clarity to make even better decisions," said Shaun Richard, Deputy Athletics Director. "We already have the best sports science team that equips our coaches with data on training, recovery, and performance. This unit will work in tandem with our sports scientists, as well as our business and NIL strategy teams, to give coaches additional data and actionable insights."
Projects, for example, could include: understanding what types of student-athletes tend to be successful in certain sports; identifying traits and trends from high school that best indicate college success; and determining the ideal make-up of a team's roster given the addition of the new Big Ten members.
"The intelligence and strategy we're providing will enhance our coaches' ability to make critical decisions by giving them the most relevant and timely information available – so they can maintain a competitive edge in every aspect of their programs," said Richard.
Ohio State coaches, who are both competitive and curious, are supportive.
"As coaches at Ohio State, we know the difference between winning and losing often comes down to the smallest details," national champion wrestling coach Tom Ryan said. "The Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will uncover subtle patterns and insights that will give our teams a competitive edge. As the world of college athletics evolves, we know the additional intelligence and strategy will help us stay at the forefront in this highly competitive environment."
With a focus on competitive excellence, the Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will integrate data and strategic expertise to support long-term planning and real-time decision-making. Areas of impact include recruiting and roster management, scheduling strategy, scholarship and budget modeling, and other operational aspects.
"The Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy reinforces Ohio State's commitment to innovation, excellence, and leadership in the future of college athletics," said Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation-Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director. "As the competitive landscape continues to evolve, the intelligence and strategy provided will serve as an additional resource to ensure sustained success across all 36 sports."
Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy
Shaun Richard, Deputy Athletics Director, will lead the unit which will include Matt Bartlebaugh, Senior Associate Athletics Director, Sport Administration and Strategy, and Makena Alexakos, Associate Athletics Director, Student-Athlete Development and Sport Administration.
#GoBucks
The People. The Tradition. The Excellence.
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