Tavita Pritchard takes over as Stanford’s head coach after a 4-8 overall and 3-5 ACC campaign in 2025, with Terry Heffernan joining as offensive coordinator. Michigan transfer Davis Warren takes over as the starting quarterback, while Micah Ford returns after leading Stanford with 71 rushing yards per game last season. The Cardinal must replace the receiving production of CJ Williams and Sam Roush. UCLA transfer Carter Shaw and JonAnthony Hall take on larger roles, while Yale transfers David Pantelis and Nico Brown provide additional options. The offensive line returns full-time starters Niki Prongos and Kahlil House, each making 12 starts last season, along with center Fisher Anderson, who made 10. Josh Williams also returns after starting all six games he appeared in during 2025, while Harvard transfer Aidan Kilstrom joins the group.

Kris Richard takes over as defensive coordinator with Stanford returning six of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including Matt Rose, Scotty Edwards, Jahsiah Galvan, Jayvion Green, and Tevarua Tafiti. Rose returns at linebacker after making 11 starts, while Galvan made seven. Update (Sept. 22): LB Jahsiah Galvan is sidelined with an undisclosed injury and currently has no timetable for his return. The secondary brings back Green and Edwards after making nine and seven starts, respectively, while Washington transfer Leroy Bryant joins the group after making five starts last season.

Nate Kaczor takes over as special teams coordinator with considerable continuity among Stanford’s specialists. Emmet Kenney returns at placekicker after making 16 of 21 field-goal attempts last season, while Aidan Flintoft returns at punter. Liam Thorpe handles punt-return duties, while Chris Davis Jr. handles kickoff returns. Stanford enters 2026 with a new coaching staff and transfer quarterback but returns experience along the offensive line and on defense. The Cardinal bring back their leading rusher and six of their top eleven tacklers, including each of the top four, while replacing significant production at receiver.