Stanford is banking on a bold rebuild approach as it moves into a new era under interim coach Frank Reich and a revamped leadership structure led by former star quarterback Andrew Luck as general manager. Reich, hired in the spring to replace the fired Troy Taylor, said Luck’s presence and leadership have already begun to lift the program, creating a clearer vision for the 2025 season.
Luck, who helped restore the Cardinal’s notoriety as a player, was brought back in November to help reestablish the culture and compete at a high level. Reich credited Luck with inspiring the team during training camp, noting that Luck’s on-field involvement and timely addressings in meetings have had a noticeable impact on the locker room and the players’ buy-in to the program’s path forward.
“Players are bought in and they understand the culture in the locker room,” Reich said. “He’s out there, he’s making his presence felt, and I think it lifts the entire program.”
QB competition and roster moves
With last year’s top two quarterbacks, Ashton Daniels and Justin Lamson, transferring out, Stanford held a summer quarterback battle that was won by Ben Gulbranson, an Oregon State transfer. Gulbranson appeared in 18 games with 12 starts for the Beavers, throwing for 2,648 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on a 61.8% completion rate. He went 7-1 as a starter in 2022 and is tasked with stabilizing the offense as the Cardinal shift to a new offensive regime under Reich.
Gulbranson beat out redshirt freshman Elijah Brown, who played in limited action last season, in the competition for the starting job.
Portal-driven overhaul
Stanford’s offseason reshaping included a school-record 17 transfers, as the administration allowed more flexibility to build the roster from the portal. The sizable influx features major help along the offensive line, with UCLA transfer Niki Prongos expected to start at left tackle and Texas Tech transfer Nick Fattig slated to start at left guard. At receiver, Wisconsin transfer C.J. Williams is among the key additions, adding immediate depth and playmaking ability.
Coaching staff dynamics
Reich, who took over March 31, inherited a staff that includes Andy Thompson as co-defensive coordinator, a role Thompson had with Taylor since December after previously working with Reich at Sacramento State. Thompson will work with Bobby April to run the defense, while Reich oversees the offense. Reich acknowledged the unusual situation of inheriting an existing staff but praised the quality of the coaches and the men involved, stressing a collaborative approach to maximize the players’ development.
Road trips and travel demands
Stanford’s second season in the ACC is set to be one of the program’s most demanding travel-wise, spanning five time zones with trips to Hawaii and multiple East Coast destinations. Bookies.com estimates the Cardinal will tally more than 23,500 miles this season, a figure well above the ACC average. Cornerback Collin Wright noted the importance of smart planning and the resources available to keep players healthy and rested during long flights.
The schedule and early tests
Stanford opens the season with an early-season trip to Hawaii, followed by a bye for Week 1 in most leagues. The nonconference slate also features a trip to BYU on September 6 and a season-ending home game against No. 6 Notre Dame. In conference play, the Cardinal will head to the road against preseason Top-25 teams SMU (No. 16) and Miami (No. 10) in October, and will face California in the Big Game at home on November 22.
outlook
The combination of Reich’s NFL-head coaching experience and Luck’s front-office leadership aims to accelerate Stanford’s return to competing for championships. The heavy use of the transfer portal signals a willingness to modernize roster-building to complement a restructuring of the program’s culture and strategy. If the team can quickly translate these changes into on-field success, Stanford could begin a meaningful turnaround in 2025 despite a demanding schedule and the challenges that come with integrating a large group of new players.
Summary
Stanford has launched a high-profile rebuild under interim coach Frank Reich, with Andrew Luck serving as general manager to shape culture, roster, and recruiting. A quarterback competition concluded with Ben Gulbranson taking the helm, and the Cardinal have added a wave of transfers to revitalize the roster. A demanding travel schedule and a tough early slate loom, but the plan centers on restoring a winning mindset and rebuilding the program’s identity for 2025 and beyond. Positive momentum could emerge quickly if Luck’s leadership and Reich’s offensive vision align with the new talent and players’ buy-in.
Additional comment
This setup is a notable test case for how pro-experience leadership can influence college programs during a rapid rebuild. If the portal-driven approach pays off and the coaching staff can maximize the new talent, Stanford could regain a competitive edge sooner than many expect, offering a hopeful outlook for Cardinal fans after several challenging seasons.