If you came here looking for a Stanford football score today, you're going to be a little disappointed. It’s January 18, 2026. The pads are in storage. The stadium is quiet.
College football wrapped up its season weeks ago. Stanford finished their 2025 run back in late November with a tough loss to Notre Dame. So, no, there isn't a kickoff happening this afternoon.
But honestly? Things are actually getting pretty wild behind the scenes at Palo Alto.
The Last Time They Suited Up
To find the most recent "score," you have to look back to November 29, 2025. That was the season finale against No. 9 Notre Dame. It wasn't pretty. The Cardinal fell 49-20.
The game was a bit of a microcosm of their whole year. Flashy moments mixed with frustrating mistakes. Elijah Brown threw for over 200 yards, but the defense just couldn't handle the Irish's ground game.
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Before that, though, they gave fans something to scream about. They absolutely dismantled Cal in the 128th Big Game, winning 31-10. Micah Ford was a beast in that one, rushing for 150 yards. If you’re a Stanford fan, that’s the score you should probably keep on your fridge until next August.
The New Era: Tavita Pritchard is Back
The biggest news isn't a score; it's the sideline. Stanford just made a massive move by hiring Tavita Pritchard as the new head coach.
Remember him? The former Cardinal QB who pulled off that legendary upset against USC years ago? Yeah, he’s back. He spent the last few seasons in the NFL coaching Jayden Daniels with the Washington Commanders.
He’s not coming alone. Just yesterday, reports surfaced that Stanford is hiring Keli'i Kekuewa from the Jacksonville Jaguars to coach the offensive line.
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They are also reportedly chasing Kris Richard for the Defensive Coordinator spot. If they land him, they’re getting a guy who helped build the "Legion of Boom" in Seattle. That’s a serious statement of intent for a team that went 4-8 last year.
Why Everyone is Searching for the Score
Usually, when people search for "Stanford football score today" in mid-January, it’s because of one of two things:
- They're confused by the Stanford basketball schedule. (The hoops team actually played Duke yesterday and lost 80-50, and they play Syracuse today).
- They're checking on recruiting and transfer portal "wins."
The "score" in January is measured in commitments.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cardinal
People love to say Stanford can't compete in the modern NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era. They think the academic standards make it impossible to get talent through the door.
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That’s sorta true, but not entirely.
The school recently hired a General Manager—none other than Andrew Luck. Yes, that Andrew Luck. He’s been working the phones and the boardroom to modernize how Stanford handles the portal. They aren't going to be "buying" a roster like some SEC schools, but they aren't sitting on their hands anymore.
The 2026 Outlook
Stanford is now fully entrenched in the ACC. The travel is still a nightmare. Flying to North Carolina or Virginia every other week takes a toll on these kids.
However, the roster is young. Micah Ford is returning. Sam Roush, who was an All-ACC tight end, is back. The foundation is there, even if the 2025 record didn't show it.
Your Next Steps for Staying Updated
Since there's no game today, here is how you can actually track the team's progress during the "dark" months:
- Watch the Assistant Hires: Keep an eye on the Defensive Coordinator search. If Kris Richard signs, expect a massive bump in defensive recruiting.
- Check the Basketball Score: If you just want to cheer for the Cardinal today, the men's basketball team is taking on Syracuse. That's the actual game happening on your TV right now.
- Spring Game Prep: Mark your calendar for April. That’s when you’ll get your first look at Pritchard’s new offense and see if the "NFL style" he’s bringing from Washington actually works in college.
- Monitor the Transfer Portal: The spring portal window is the next big "game day" for this staff.
The 2025 season is over, but the 2026 season is being won in the offices at the Varsity Lot right now.