Stanford’s football program is at a crucial juncture. After four consecutive 3-9 seasons, the Cardinal are looking to reclaim their former glory. The return of Andrew Luck, a Stanford legend, as the program’s general manager has injected a renewed sense of hope into the team and its fanbase. Tasked with revitalizing all facets of the program, from recruiting to on-field coaching, Luck’s presence is already making a significant impact. He will try to inject some life into the team alongside interim coach Frank Reich.
This article will dive into Luck’s role in reshaping the team’s culture and strategy, the quarterback battle between transfer Ben Gulbranson and redshirt freshman Elijah Brown, the influx of transfer players, and the challenges Stanford faces in its second season in the ACC. It will also look at the team’s daunting travel schedule and key matchups.
Andrew Luck’s Impact on the Program
Andrew Luck’s arrival has been nothing short of transformative. Hired in November as the general manager, Luck’s influence extends to all areas of the football program. Frank Reich emphasizes the immediate impact Luck has had on the team’s morale and performance:
“Him being out on the field as much as he was and letting the team feel his presence on the field and in the meeting room… I just felt like it had a major impact. When he’s out on the field, you just feel his presence and I think it really lifts the whole program.”
Luck’s primary objective is to restore the winning culture that defined Stanford football during his time as a player. He brought on his former coach, Frank Reich, who has taken over as interim head coach, hoping to foster a similar environment in the locker room. Luck and Reich envision creating something special for Stanford football, instilling a sense of belief and determination in the players.
The Coaching Transition: Reich Takes the Helm
Following the dismissal of Troy Taylor in March, Frank Reich stepped in as the interim head coach. Taylor’s exit came after reports surfaced alleging mistreatment of staffers, prompting the university to take swift action. Reich, who was initially hired in the spring, has quickly adapted to his new role, focusing on rebuilding the team’s culture and instilling a winning mindset.
Reich acknowledges the unique situation of inheriting a staff but praises the existing coaches for their talent and dedication. He highlights the collaborative effort among the staff to put the players in the best possible position to succeed.
“It is a unique situation to kind of come in and inherit a staff… But we are so determined as a staff to want to put these players in the best position possible.”
The Quarterback Battle: Gulbranson vs. Brown
With the departure of last year’s top two quarterbacks, Ashton Daniels and Justin Lamson, the Cardinal faced a summer quarterback competition. Oregon State transfer Ben Gulbranson emerged as the victor, bringing valuable experience to the team. Gulbranson’s track record includes 18 games played with 12 starts for the Beavers, where he completed 61.8% of his passes for 2,648 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
In 2022, Gulbranson led Oregon State to a 7-1 record as a starter, including a memorable game against Stanford where he threw a 56-yard touchdown pass with just 13 seconds remaining. He beat out redshirt freshman Elijah Brown for the starting job, who saw limited action last season.
Transfer Portal Additions: A New Era
This offseason, Stanford welcomed a school-record 17 transfers, signaling a shift in the program’s approach to roster building. The administration has granted the football program more flexibility to add players from the transfer portal, addressing key needs across various positions. Notable additions include UCLA transfer Niki Prongos at left tackle, Texas Tech transfer Nick Fattig at left guard, and Wisconsin transfer C.J. Williams at receiver.
These transfer players will be essential in filling gaps and providing immediate contributions, as Stanford looks to rebuild its roster.
ACC Challenges: Travel and Competition
Stanford’s second season in the ACC presents significant challenges, particularly regarding travel. With games spanning five time zones, including a trip to Hawaii and multiple visits to the East Coast, the Cardinal face a demanding schedule. According to Bookies(dot)com, Stanford will travel over 23,500 miles this season, more than triple the average of other ACC teams.
“I think for us just being smart about it… We have so many resources, different things we use on the plane and to keep our body moving, keep our blood flowing. I think we have a great support staff that gives us all those resources,”
Cornerback Collin Wright emphasizes the importance of utilizing available resources to mitigate the impact of extensive travel on the team’s performance. The schedule includes road games against preseason Top 25 teams SMU (No. 16) and Miami (No. 10), as well as the Big Game at home against California.
The Schedule Ahead
Stanford begins its season with an early trip to Hawaii, followed by a week off. The nonconference schedule includes a visit to BYU and a season-ending home game against No. 6 Notre Dame. The conference schedule features tough road games in October against SMU and Miami, as well as the rivalry game against California.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Stanford Football
Andrew Luck’s return to Stanford as general manager marks the beginning of a new chapter for the football program. Paired with interim coach Frank Reich, Luck aims to restore the Cardinal’s winning tradition and create a culture of excellence. The influx of transfer players, the quarterback battle between Gulbranson and Brown, and the challenges of ACC competition all contribute to the narrative of a team in transition.
Whether Stanford can overcome these obstacles and return to its former glory remains to be seen. Still, the combination of Luck’s leadership, Reich’s coaching, and the infusion of new talent offers a glimmer of hope for a program eager to reclaim its place among college football’s elite. The journey will be arduous, but with Luck at the helm, the Cardinal have a chance to soar once again.
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