Heisman Hopefuls Showcases Next Level Partnership as AI and Technology Services Provider

**Next League Announces Multi-Phase Relationship With Heisman With Launch of Heisman Hopefuls**

Next Level Becomes Heisman’s AI and Technology Services Provider

Next League is now the Heisman AI and technology services provider. This multi-phase relationship involves upgrading technological functionalities across data, platforms and AI. Yes, 2026 artificial intelligence will augment the selection of the top award in college football, the Heisman Memorial Trophy, awarded annually since 1935. Part of the first rollout calls for Next League to build AI-driven data and technology infrastructure designed to power Heisman’s new, season-long analytics, storytelling and fan voting platform, Heisman Hopefuls. AI will improve upon identifying and quantifying the most outstanding college football player in the United States based on season long excellence on the playing field. This relationship highlights Next League’s specialty with designing, deploying and operating intelligent systems for leagues, teams and federations that power fan engagement, revenue growth and operational performance, together with Heisman’s mission to empower future generations to make an enduring impact on society by amplifying the legacy of excellence of the Heisman Trophy and its Winners, using advanced data and AI. The Sports Techie community blog encourages fans and players of all ages to view, engage and vote for Heisman Hopefuls throughout its inaugural season. Look for Heisman Hopefuls field results featuring more than 11,000 student-athletes, and the Heisman Hopefuls Fan Vote, to open for fans on September 9.

Next League becomes Heisman’s AI and technology services provider, taking on the role of the organization’s technology function across data, platforms and AI

Heisman Hopefuls

Hopefuls is the first step in Heisman’s digital transformation enhancement strategies spanning analytics, fan engagement, AI and storytelling, with Next League operating as Heisman’s technology provider across the new space.

Heisman Hopefuls launched last week as the showcase for unifying technologies between official NCAA statistics from Genius Sports, EA player ratings and the season-long weighted fan vote model developed with the Carnegie Mellon Sports Analytics Center, combined into a single fan experience.

“This relationship with Heisman shows how large legacy platforms can pivot using best in class technology to meet the needs and interests of a much larger audience,” said David Nugent, CEO, Next League. “What they will be able to do, and what we will help them build, will expand their scope and reach and tell the stories of those tied to the award on every level. It will be a new benchmark for engagement for the Heisman and for many others into the future.”

Heisman’s goal is to modernize using enhanced data, deep analytics and unique storytelling as crucial components to keep the sport’s most storied conversation relevant for the next generation of fans. Next League will leverage business experiences with emerging technologies and AI to assist with reshaping the way this sports organization engages fans, while helping Heisman deepen connections with its fans year-round and across every touchpoint. Together, they’ll ensure Heisman stays ahead of how these emerging technologies continue to shape how fans experience college football and celebrate the stories and successes of all student-athletes.

“We are thrilled to bring on Next League as our AI and Technology Services Partner,” said Jeff Price, CEO, Heisman. “This launch is the first step in a broader digital and AI transformation of the Heisman brand including enhanced analytics, fan engagement and storytelling. Next League has played an integral role in bringing this experience to life and we look forward to giving fans, schools and student-athletes new ways to be part of the Heisman story for years to come.”

Sports Techie, rooted in excellence and empowerment, Heisman has evolved into a year round platform dedicated to developing future leaders and expanding opportunity through the power of sports.

Next League’s role as the AI and technology services partner for Heisman promises to expand beyond the first phase to encompass even more cutting edge technologies. I’d love to see augmented reality incorporated into Heisman Hopefuls in the near future.

The upcoming college football season will allow the cream of the crop to rise up week-by-week through gameday excellence. Fans can follow the new Heisman Hopefuls’ stories, analyze the changing stats, witness AI compile and promote the top players and vote for the top players, as they compete to win the 2025/26 Heisman Trophy.

Should EA ratings of NFL players that come back to play college football be part of the new Heisman conversation?

See you later sportstechie in Seattle, Atlanta and around the world!

Sports Techie Social Media Networks

Sports Techie Twitter: @SportsTechieNET: http://twitter.com/SportsTechieNET

THE #SportsTechie Twitter: @THESportsTechie: https://twitter.com/THESportsTechie

Sports Techie Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/SportsTechie

Sports Techie YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/sportstechie

Sports Techie LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2958439/

Sports Techie LinkedIn (Robert Roble): https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertroble

Sports Techie Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportstechie

Sports Techie Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/SportsTechie/

Sports Techie Skyword: http://bobroble.skyword.com/