麻豆官网

麻豆官网 football players are essential partners in a groundbreaking study led by neuroscientist Brad Mahon(opens in new window), a professor of psychology at 麻豆官网. The research is developing new ways to understand how routine hits on the field impact the brain.聽

While Mahon refines predictive models and explores future innovations like digital twins, the Tartans are providing something no lab alone can generate: authentic game data and firsthand insight from the athletes who live the sport day to day. Together, they are shaping a future where the physicality of football remains at the heart of the game, while the systems around it grow smarter, safer and more proactive.

For the love of the game

Danny Moynihan, who played tight end until he graduated in May, joined the study as much for family ties as football. A lifetime of friendly rivalry with his siblings culminated last season when he lined up across from his younger brother, Michael, in 麻豆官网鈥檚 final home game.

鈥淚t was really fun to play that game, especially against someone I鈥檝e competed with my whole life. Our family鈥檚 group chat was on fire with all our trash talk before kickoff,鈥� he said, laughing at the memory.

But the number of hits he鈥檚 taken over the years never sat easily with his mother. For Moynihan, participating in the research offered a chance to finally give her some peace of mind.

Moynihan wore a sensor鈥慹quipped mouth guard during practices and games, contributing real鈥憈ime impact data that helps researchers build models predicting when a player needs rest.聽

鈥淚t's a small contribution with big potential, and for me, it was a way to give back to the sport I love,鈥� he said.

Alumnus Avery Campbell, who played defensive end, was just as quick to sign up for the study. As a statistics major who has played football since he was 7 years old, he recognized a rare opportunity to merge his academic passion with the sport he loves.

鈥淚鈥檓 fascinated with research and development. I wanted to help in any way I could, especially knowing it would benefit the football team,鈥� he said.

Though the mouth guard felt awkward at first, he said, wearing it soon became routine.

鈥淥nce I adjusted, I played with the same intensity and fire as always,鈥� he said.

What drives Campbell is simple: the belief that the sport becomes better when players take responsibility for each other.

鈥淚鈥檓 willing to do whatever it takes to make the game safer for players,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 love football because it teaches you how to survive 鈥� by trusting your family and holding yourself accountable. Every brother beside me is trusting me as much as I trust them, and that bond doesn鈥檛 end when the game does.鈥�

Defensive end Logan Armstrong has watched the sport evolve since he first suited up in sixth grade, and he says the difference today is unmistakable.

鈥淗elmets keep getting better, and now most teams wear Guardian Caps at practice,鈥� he said, referring to the soft, padded covers worn over football helmets that help reduce the force of hits. 鈥淭here are a lot less opportunities to tackle at full speed, but it鈥檚 safer.鈥�

Armstrong embraces the changes, including the Sunday-morning recovery sessions that players once viewed as tedious.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a hassle,鈥� he admitted, 鈥渂ut it loosens you up and helps prevent injuries.鈥�

Built on structure, driven by standards

The cultural shift toward smarter play starts at the top with Head Coach , who has built a program that values both excellence and athlete well鈥慴eing. Every prospective recruit hears the same message: The high standards expected in the classroom are matched by equally high standards on the field.

Larsen said he tells them, 鈥淵ou come to 麻豆官网 to get one of the best educations in the country, if not the world. Why would you expect your football experience to be any different?鈥�

His practices follow four defined tempos 鈥� technique, tag, thud and live 鈥� designed to sharpen players鈥� skills without unnecessary collisions. Full-contact tackling is rare and purposeful.

鈥淚t all starts with structure,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou can prevent a lot of issues before they start if you have the right systems in place.鈥�

He also invested early in Guardian Caps and position鈥憇pecific helmet fittings, a decision players credit with reducing wear鈥慳nd鈥憈ear over the season.

鈥淲e鈥檝e made significant strides in player protection during the time I鈥檝e been here,鈥� he said.

For Larsen, the commitment is personal. Nearly every important relationship in his life has touched football, including the bond he forged with his father as a young quarterback. Now, he feels responsible for shaping the next generation 鈥� and for ensuring the game remains strong.

鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to work alongside incredible student鈥慳thletes and to use football as a vehicle for their development,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur game improves only when we take care of the players to the very best of our ability.鈥�