NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Two Indian-origin students from New York University have captured national attention after winning the National Football League’s 2025 Big Data Bowl.
Smit Bajaj and Vishakh Sandwar, both students at NYU, took first place in the NFL’s annual data science competition. Their project, titled “Exposing Coverage Tells in the Pre-Snap,” earned them the $25,000 grand prize. The two presented their work earlier this year at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, a stage where top athletes and football minds gather.
The Big Data Bowl is one of the league’s most prominent technology contests. Each year, the NFL invites students, researchers, and data professionals worldwide to use tracking data to improve the game. Contestants analyze raw player movement data and apply analytics to uncover insights that could help coaches, players, or fans.
Bajaj and Sandwar’s winning project studied how defensive players reveal their coverage strategies before the ball is snapped. Their model used advanced data techniques to find patterns that could give teams a competitive edge. By detecting these subtle “tells,” teams could better prepare for what type of defense they face on the field.
Their approach combined innovation and practical application, which impressed NFL judges and data experts. The project stood out for its ability to connect complex data with real football strategy.
Bajaj recently graduated from NYU’s School of Professional Studies. Sandwar is a senior pursuing a dual degree at NYU’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Stern School of Business. The two first met through NYU’s Blockchain and Fintech Club. Their shared passion for data, sports, and technology pushed them to enter the NFL’s competition as a team.
They spent months studying player tracking data released by the league. Their focus on pre-snap formations reflected both creativity and a deep understanding of football strategy.
The Big Data Bowl has become a global stage for fresh ideas in sports analytics. Each year, it draws hundreds of entries from data scientists, students, and sports enthusiasts across the world. The NFL uses the contest to connect with innovators and discover tools that could shape the future of the game.
This year’s challenge centered on defensive play. Teams were asked to analyze how defenders react and align before plays begin. Bajaj and Sandwar’s solution fit perfectly into this theme, offering insights that could influence coaching decisions at the highest level.
Winning the Big Data Bowl not only brought Bajaj and Sandwar a financial reward but also recognition in the sports and tech communities. Presenting their work at the NFL Scouting Combine gave them direct exposure to coaches, executives, and analysts. For young professionals looking to build careers at the intersection of sports and data science, the opportunity is invaluable.
Both students expressed pride in representing NYU and in showcasing how data analytics can shape the future of football. Their win also highlights the growing impact of international students in American sports innovation.
As football continues to evolve, data science plays an increasingly central role. From player health to game strategy, analytics is transforming how the sport is played and understood. The NFL’s Big Data Bowl encourages young minds to explore these possibilities and bring new solutions to the league.
For Bajaj and Sandwar, the victory marks just the beginning. With their expertise and recognition, they are well-positioned to pursue careers in sports technology, analytics, and beyond.
Their achievement shows how innovation can come from unexpected places, and how students from around the world can leave a mark on one of America’s most beloved sports.
