Roster Efficiency Index:

Overview:

The Roster Efficiency Index (REI) is a comparative framework designed to evaluate how roster investment translates into on-field performance.

REI is not a predictive model and is not intended to function as a public ranking system. It is built to support internal roster evaluation, NIL allocation review, and performance efficiency analysis within a football operations context.

The index is most effective when used alongside film, scouting reports, and staff evaluation.

Core Objective:

REI is designed to answer a single operational question:

How efficiently is a roster converting its total investment into functional on-field production?

The framework emphasizes efficiency, sustainability, and trend analysis rather than raw output or market size.

Primary Inputs:

REI incorporates multiple data categories to capture both investment and performance context:

  • Player NIL valuations (normalized by position and experience)

  • Scholarship allocation and roster composition

  • Player availability and participation (games, snaps, usage)

  • Performance indicators relevant to role and position

  • Roster continuity and depth considerations

Inputs are evaluated at the player, position group, and team levels before aggregation.

Normalization & Weighting:

Raw inputs are normalized to allow meaningful comparison across teams with different roster sizes, market conditions, and valuation environments.

Key principles include:

  • Position groups are evaluated independently prior to team aggregation

  • NIL valuations are adjusted for role expectations and market inflation

  • Performance is weighted by availability and functional usage, not raw volume

  • Outlier values are dampened to reduce distortion from singular events

This approach prioritizes repeatable contribution over isolated spikes in performance or valuation.

Index Output:

The primary output of the framework is a single REI score, expressed as a relative efficiency value.

  • Higher REI scores indicate greater efficiency between roster investment and performance output

  • Lower REI scores indicate underperformance relative to investment

  • Scores are intended for comparison and trend analysis, not absolute judgment

REI is most informative when reviewed longitudinally (week-over-week or season-over-season).

Interpretation Guidelines:

REI should be interpreted within proper context:

  • Scores are comparative, not absolute

  • Small changes week-to-week may reflect availability or role shifts

  • Sustained trends are more meaningful than single-week movement

  • The index does not isolate coaching quality or opponent strength

REI is designed to inform discussion, not replace evaluation.

Intended Use Cases:

REI is built to support the following operational workflows:

  • Weekly roster and self-scout review

  • Post-game decision audits

  • NIL allocation and efficiency assessment

  • Position group investment analysis

  • Longitudinal roster planning and evaluation

The framework is flexible by design and can be adapted to program-specific priorities.

Limitations:

REI does not attempt to independently isolate:

  • Coaching quality or play-calling

  • Opponent strength or matchup variability

  • Injury impact beyond availability metrics

  • Intangible leadership or locker room factors

The index should always be used in conjunction with qualitative staff evaluation.

Versioning & Updates:

The framework is updated iteratively as data quality improves and new inputs are validated.

Methodological changes are documented and versioned to preserve interpretability across seasons.