Tavita Pritchard takes over as Stanford’s head coach following a 4-8 overall and 3-5 ACC campaign in 2025, with Terry Heffernan joining the staff as offensive coordinator. Michigan transfer Davis Warren joins the program at 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, while Caden High’s status is uncertain due to injury. UCLA transfer Carter Shaw and JonAnthony Hall are among the players expected to 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 after each making 12 starts last season, along with center Fisher Anderson after making 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 each of the top four in Matt Rose, Scotty Edwards, Jahsiah Galvan, and Jayvion Green. Rose returns at linebacker after making 11 starts, while Galvan made seven. Tevarua Tafiti provides continuity along the defensive front after making 10 starts. 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 and Liam Thorpe is back in the punt-return game. Caden High is also an option in the kickoff-return game when healthy. Stanford enters 2026 with a new coaching staff and transfer quarterback but returns considerable 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.