Stanford College Football Preview, Best Players, Top Transfers, Season Prediction, Win Total 2024

Stanford Cardinal 2024 Preview

Stanford has a history of success in football. It may feel like a lifetime ago, but the Cardinal consistently won nine or more games annually from 2010 to 2018, with only one season falling short of eight wins. However, in recent years, including the abbreviated 2020 season, Stanford has struggled, failing to exceed four wins over the past five seasons and going 3-9 in the last three.

Change was necessary, and it came with the surprising move to the ACC. This move could be a game-changer. While the ACC is a solid, academically prestigious conference, it should present a less daunting challenge compared to the Pac-12 in 2023.

Under second-year head coach Troy Taylor, who is expected to rejuvenate the program with some time, Stanford showed promise last season. They fought hard against Oregon State, pulled off a surprise victory over Colorado, and came close against Arizona. Yet, they also suffered losses to Sacramento State and experienced heavy defeats in five of their nine losses. The key now is to become more competitive, and the Cardinal might just be poised for a successful run in their new conference.

Travel could be a factor. Stanford will face long trips to Syracuse and Clemson in consecutive weeks, but will also host Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, SMU, and Louisville in Palo Alto. With Stanford becoming a coast-to-coast team, the 2024 season promises to be intriguing. Don’t be surprised if this year's team turns things around and has a winning record.

Stanford 2024: Offense

• Consistency Issues: Stanford's offense has struggled with consistency, but there are promising playmakers. Ashton Daniels and Elic Ayomanor form an exciting pitch-and-catch duo, with Daniels having a standout game against Colorado, where he threw for 396 yards, 294 of which went to Ayomanor.

• Receivers and Tight Ends: Alongside Ayomanor, Tiger Bachmeier and Sam Roush will be key contributors. The receiving corps is not deep, but it has potential.

• Offensive Line: The line needs improvement. Once a strength for Stanford, recent years have seen struggles with pass protection and rushing yardage, averaging just 119 yards per game. All five starters are expected to return, which should help stabilize the line.

• Running Game: The running backs need to step up. Justin Lamson and Ashton Daniels, both quarterbacks, led the team in rushing last season. With EJ Smith transferring to Texas A&M, Sedrick Irvin is expected to take on a significant role. More depth and production from the running backs are needed.

Stanford 2024: Defense

• Defensive Struggles: Last season, Stanford's defense was among the worst nationally, ranking 129th in both total defense and scoring defense, allowing 462 yards and 37 points per game. Improvements are crucial.

• Secondary: The secondary needs help from the pass rush but has potential with returning cornerbacks Collin Wright and Zahrain Manley, and safety Mitch Leigber, who recorded 53 tackles.

• Linebackers: This unit could be a strength, with Gaethan Bernadel and Tristan Sinclair expected to combine for around 160 tackles. David Bailey, a versatile edge rusher, led the team in sacks.

• Defensive Line: The line must be more disruptive. Although the edge rushers are deep, including Bailey and Tevarua Tafiti, and the interior line features veterans Tobin Phillips and Anthony Franklin, the unit needs to be more impactful.

Stanford Key To The Season

The Cardinal must improve their run defense. Last season, they struggled against teams that rushed for 180 yards or more, losing all five games in which they allowed that amount. Stanford went 3-1 when allowing fewer than 145 yards and was competitive in the other three games where they were run on. Stopping the run and controlling the tempo will be essential.

Stanford Key Player

RB Sedrick Irvin, Soph.

Irvin, the son of former Michigan State RB Sedrick Irvin and cousin of Michael Irvin, is expected to be a major factor in the running game. Last season, he had 26 carries for 113 yards and a touchdown. He will be crucial for the ground attack this year.

Stanford Top Transfer and Biggest Transfer Loss

• Top Transfer In: LB Jahsiah Galvan, Soph.

Galvan joins the linebacker corps from Northern Iowa, where he recorded 77 tackles last season. He should add depth and skill to an already solid group.

• Top Transfer Out: TE Benjamin Yurosek

Yurosek, a key player for Stanford in the past three seasons, is now with Georgia. Although Sam Roush can step up as a solid tight end, Yurosek’s departure leaves a notable gap.

Stanford Key Game

At Syracuse, Sept. 20

A strong start is crucial. Stanford faces road games against TCU and Cal Poly before opening ACC play at Syracuse. With tough games against Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Notre Dame ahead, winning the first-ever meeting with the Orange will be important.

Stanford 10 Best Players

1. Elic Ayomanor, WR, Soph.
2. Tristan Sinclair, LB, Sr.
3. Gaethan Bernadel, LB, Sr.
4. Ashton Daniels, QB, Jr.
5. Collin Wright, CB, Soph.
6. Tiger Bachmeier, WR, Soph.
7. Anthony Franklin, DT, Jr.
8. Sam Roush, TE, Jr.
9. Luke Baklenko, OT, Soph.
10. Levi Rogers, C, Sr.

Stanford 2023 Fun Stats

• 2nd Quarter Scoring: Opponents 164, Stanford 56
• Field Goals: Stanford 23-of-27, Opponents 4-of-9
• Touchdowns Scored: Opponents 63, Stanford 26

Stanford 2024 Season Prediction

The travel distance could be a factor, but Stanford should manage the time changes better than teams traveling to California. Last season, the Cardinal faced tough opponents, including Washington, Oregon, and USC. This year, they have a less daunting slate, missing Florida State and Miami, and only facing Notre Dame and Clemson as major challenges.

Although Stanford won’t likely have long winning streaks, they only travel outside the Bay Area once in the last seven weeks of the season (at NC State). With a manageable schedule, they should be able to secure enough wins to contend for a bowl game.

Set The Stanford Win Total At … 5.5

Likely Wins: Cal Poly, at San Jose State

50/50 Games: At Cal, Louisville, SMU, at Syracuse, TCU, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest

Likely Losses: At Clemson, at NC State, at Notre Dame

2024 Stanford Football Schedule

• Aug 30: TCU
• Sept 7: Cal Poly
• Sept 14: OPEN DATE
• Sept 20: At Syracuse
• Sept 28: At Clemson
• Oct 5: Virginia Tech
• Oct 12: At Notre Dame
• Oct 19: SMU
• Oct 26: Wake Forest
• Nov 2: At NC State
• Nov 9: OPEN DATE
• Nov 16: Louisville
• Nov 23: At Cal
• Nov 30: At San Jose State

Missing: Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, Pitt, Virginia