GameStrat Hosts AFCA Speaker Session on the Impact of In-Game Video Technology in College Football

The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Convention is one of the biggest coaching events of the year, bringing together coaches, analysts, and industry leaders to discuss advancements in football. With 2024 marking the first season that in-game video technology was allowed in college football, GameStrat hosted a special speaker session to highlight the benefits and insights gained from a full season using in-game video technology.

The panel featured Marcus Monaco (Montana State – Special Teams Coordinator & Director of Football Video), Tom Masella (Wagner College – Head Coach), and Jason Smith (Abilene Christian University – Tight Ends Coach). These coaches shared firsthand experiences using GameStrat’s in-game video technology, how it has changed coaching workflows, and what the future looks like for sideline instant replay in college football.

To start the session, each coach discussed their specific role in using GameStrat throughout the season and how in-game video technology became an essential tool on game day. While responsibilities varied—some handled setup, while others focused on coaching adjustments—one thing was clear: instant sideline replay changed the way they operated for the better.

For Marcus Monaco at Montana State, his role extended beyond coaching—he was responsible for setting up the GameStrat system pre-game, ensuring the iPads were distributed, and making sure everything ran smoothly on the sideline and in the booth. His hands-on experience gave him unique insight into just how easy the system was to implement.

I’m in charge of setting up the system pre-game and making sure the iPads are distributed on the sidelines and in the booth. Then, during games, I’m coaching off one of the iPads too. Overall, it's made our jobs as coaches much easier. -Marcus Monaco, SPT & Director of Football Video at Montana State-Marcus Monaco, SPT & Director of Football Video at Montana State

For others, like Tom Masella, head coach at Wagner College, the biggest impact came from how easily GameStrat allowed him to give players real-time feedback. Instead of waiting until halftime or relying on bits of information from assistant coaches & players, he could instantly pull up plays, analyze formations, and make informed decisions—all within seconds of a play happening.

For me, it was all about giving our players instant feedback. Having the iPad on the sideline was fantastic & made it easy to see exactly what’s happening on the field. It was a great product & teaching tool for our guys.-Tom Masella, Head Coach at Wagner College-Tom Masella, Head Coach at Wagner College

Meanwhile, for Jason Smith at Abilene Christian, the most significant benefit of GameStrat’s sideline instant replay system was eliminating guesswork. Before using in-game video, coaches had to rely on what the players were seeing, which often led to confusion—one player might say a defender was giving a certain look, while another player might say something completely different. Now, there was no need for assumptions—coaches could confirm alignments and assignments instantly.

GameStrat completely eliminates the guessing game. Before, we’d try to piece things together from player feedback: ‘Was he in a 7-tech or a 9-tech?’ Now, there’s no confusion. Seconds after the play, you can see it crystal clear on the iPad and make adjustments with precision.-Jason Smith, Tight Ends Coach at Abilene Christian University-Jason Smith, Tight Ends Coach at Abilene Christian University

With in-game video replay technology now approved at the NCAA level, coaching staffs across the country are adjusting to a new era of game-day decision-making. Having instant replay on the sideline allows teams to see exactly what happened seconds after the play and make the right adjustments in real-time, improving both communication and overall execution.

GameStrat keeps the process simple. You’re getting instant feedback, and you don’t have to rely on information from players after a play or series. Instant feedback allows for instant communication. -Marcus Monaco, SPT & Director of Football Video at Montana State

A key takeaway from the speaker session was how in-game video technology has redefined competitive balance in college football & levelled the playing field. In the past, teams with larger coaching staffs had an advantage, relying on more eyes in the booth and on the sideline. Now, with GameStrat’s in-game video system, it’s not about staff size—it’s about who can adjust the fastest.

Instead of one staff’s 30 eyes versus another staff’s 16 eyes, now we have 10 iPads, you have 10 iPads. Let’s see who can make the adjustments the fastest.-Jason Smith, Tight Ends Coach at Abilene Christian University

As teams became more familiar with GameStrat’s in-game video technology, they began finding new ways to incorporate it beyond just in-game adjustments. What started as a tool for instant sideline replay quickly became a key part of film review, post-game analysis, and even practice preparation.

For Coach Tom Masella at Wagner College, having instant access to GameStrat’s replay system didn’t stop when the game ended. Instead of waiting until the next day to break down film, he was reviewing all three phases of the game on the bus ride home, ensuring that by the time they arrived back at the facility, they already had a head start on corrections.

I loved having GameStrat on the bus ride home. With it saved offline, I’m able to watch the entire game back and have all three phases broken down by the time we get back home.-Tom Masella, Head Coach at Wagner College

Beyond game day, teams also started implementing GameStrat’s sideline replay system in practice. Instead of waiting until post-practice meetings to review mistakes, coaches could now pull up plays instantly and correct errors on the spot, making each rep more efficient.

Another area we started using it was during practice. Having access to instant replay in practice allowed us to coach more efficiently throughout the year.-Tom Masella, Head Coach at Wagner College

The AFCA speaker session made it clear—GameStrat’s in-game video replay system is changing how college football teams prepare, coach, and adjust in real-time. Whether it’s eliminating guesswork, improving communication, or streamlining workflow, teams are finding huge advantages with GameStrat's instant video replay technology.

With coaches seeing the impact firsthand, it’s no surprise that more programs are making the switch to GameStrat’s in-game replay system heading into next season.

Interested in learning more? Click below to book a demo and see how GameStrat can impact your program.