Few college programs combine academic rigor and athletic excellence as distinctively as Stanford football. From the roar of the Big Game to the precision of a John Elway pass, the Cardinal story mirrors the university’s blend of intellect, grit, and heart. Today, as college athletics evolves through NIL opportunities, conference realignment, and new player pathways, Stanford stands at a crossroads—balancing tradition with transformation.

In his 25th season with Stanford football, Matt Doyle leads this insider’s look at 130 years of Cardinal history and what lies ahead. A two-session centerpiece revisits the Andrew Luck era, with Luck himself—now Stanford football’s general manager—reflecting on leadership, resilience, and the team’s resurgence in the 2010s. Participants will relive iconic games, analyze Heisman campaigns from Jim Plunkett to Christian McCaffrey, and hear directly from former players and distinguished guests. Luck returns for the final session to discuss recruiting, team culture, and the enduring ideal of the scholar-athlete—exploring how Stanford football’s legacy can shape the sport’s future.