Following Texas’ Oct. 17 loss to the University of Florida, fans were outraged over comments from Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte that made it seem like the Longhorns relied on Bevo Lab AI to execute a failed play – one which possibly cost them the win.
According to ESPN, Del Conte has now walked back those statements, claiming that a new AI platform from the University of Texas “could suggest” a play similar to what was run in the game, but not that it actually did.
Bevo Lab is an AI data analytics initiative from the University of Texas that will “serve as higher education’s premier sports intelligence platform and living laboratory.”
Del Conte had cited Bevo Labs in his initial statement to the Austin American-Statesman, originally saying the tool could have made a suggestion on the Longhorns' decision to go for it on 4th and second.
As UT continues to pioneer Bevo Labs, officials said that student-athletes in all 21 varsity sports will participate.
"Bevo Lab will become the global benchmark for innovation in sports AI and data analytics, making Texas Athletics the most data-driven athletic program in the country," Del Conte said. "What starts here changes the world, and this vision will transform collegiate athletics."
The tool includes a “transfer AI” program that provides coaches with roster evaluations, game strategy suggestions and plans for player development.
While researchers share excitement about the tool, many fans come back to the same anger they felt when first perceiving that the football team may have relied on AI for a failed play. Longhorns fans sounded off on the r/CFB sub-Reddit, saying, “Good coaches know their players better than a computer ever could,” and “People need to be honest when AI fails.”
Said Del Conte, "With the help of our nationally ranked academic leaders and cutting-edge technology brand sponsors, Bevo Lab will become the global benchmark for innovation in sports AI and data analytics, making Texas Athletics the most data-driven athletic program in the country. What starts here changes the world, and this vision will transform collegiate athletics. There is no bigger stage, no more powerful brand and no better time than now to lead in this new evolution of sports technology."
