First Look: How Will the Stanford Cardinals Fare in Their ACC Debut? A Preview of the 2024 Season
Stanford, CA - As the 2024 season begins, the Stanford Cardinal football team enters a new chapter under head coach Troy Taylor, who is looking to revitalize the program in his second year. After going 3-9 last season, Taylor is wanting to greatly improve in a new conference this season. Known for his offensive creativity, Taylor is focused on injecting new energy into a Stanford team that is embracing a rebuild. With a mix of young talent and experienced leaders, the Cardinal aim to make strides in a competitive Pac-12 conference. Quarterback Ashton Daniels and key playmakers on both sides of the ball will be central to the team's push for improvement. Despite the challenges ahead, Stanford fans are hopeful that this season will showcase a promising foundation for the future as the program adapts to Taylor’s vision and strategy. Even getting a chance at a bowl game would greatly improve the confidence of Stanford faithful.
Offensive Preview:
The Stanford offense has 85% of the production returning this season. They struggled to be consistent last season but have the playmakers to get over the hurdle. The offensive line has to greatly improve so they can run the ball effectively. Pass protection is a must as well so Daniels doesn’t feel pressured to always scramble. The skill positions are going to have to step up as Benjamin Yurosek and E.J. Smith have transferred out of the program.
Defensive Preview:
Stanford could not stop anything last season. Their opponents scored 63 touchdowns against the defense, which is awful. They ranked 129th in total defense last season, allowing 462 yards and 37 points per game. They allowed 180 rushing yards or more in five games and got destroyed in those games. With the improved freshman class and incoming transfers, they should be in a position to get pressure on quarterbacks and force some turnovers. Stopping the run has to be the main focus for this season.
Top Returning Players:
Elic Ayomanor WR - Ayomanor led the Cardinals in receiving last year with 62 receptions for 1013 yards and six touchdowns. Against Colorado, he had 13 catches for 294 yards and three touchdowns. The redshirt sophomore is an offensive weapon as he made First Team Freshman All-America (PFF). He is also on the Biletnikoff Award Watch list.
Ashton Daniels QB - Daniels is a dual threat QB and is not easy to take down. In twelve games last season, he had nearly 300 rushing yards and 2,300 passing yards. His touchdowns to interceptions ratio needs to improve but other than that, he should be in for a great season.
Tristan Sinclair LB - He was the second leading tackler a season ago and looks to be the defensive anchor of this team this season. The graduate student was All-PAC 12 Honorable Mention and looks to improve his accolades this season.
Top Incoming Transfers:
Jahsiah Galvan LB - With a weak defense, Galvan comes in to make it stronger. He transfers in from Northern Iowa where he had 77 tackles last season.
Jayvion "Jay" Green DB - Transferring in from Washington, the three-star recruit is set to make some plays this season. His 6’2, 207-pound frame matches up well with taller receivers who are deep ball threats.
Top Incoming Freshman:
Elijah Brown QB - There are rumors saying that he may be the most important recruit since Andrew Luck. If Daniels struggles this season, Brown seems to have what it takes to take over the reins.
Benedict Umeh DL - He is a ridiculous 6’5 270 freshman from Toronto, Canada. He is the #1 defensive lineman recruit in Connecticut and the #7 defensive lineman nationally, according to On3. Interesting fact: he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in spring 2023 and beat it by November 2023.
Dylan Stephenson LB - He is another top 100 national player joining the defense. He is the number 16 ranked prospect in the state of Florida, according to Rivals. He was a two-time MaxPreps All-American and a 2024 NBC All-American Bowl participant.
Top Departures:
Benjamin Yurosek TE - He is a man among men on the football field. He stands at 6’5, 235 pounds and, caught 108 passes in three seasons, and now takes his talents to Georgia.
EJ Smith RB - The son of Emmit Smith entered the transfer portal and found his new home at Texas A&M. In four seasons at Stanford, he combined for six touchdowns.
Under-the-Radar Players:
Sedrick Irvin RB - He didn’t get a whole lot of work last season but should be in line for a ton of carries this season. He is the cousin of Michael Irvin so it seems like football runs in his blood.
Win Total Prediction:
The 2024 season win total is listed as 3.5 for the Cardinals. Their schedule doesn’t do them any favors. According to Phil Steele, he has ranked them as the third toughest schedule in the ACC. There is a lot of cross-country traveling due to switching conferences. You can’t help but think this is a new factor that has to be accounted for when it comes to preparation and recovery. Therefore, I am taking the under on the Cardinal's season win total. They have the potential of having the toughest four-game stretch, starting at Clemson, Virginia Tech, at Notre Dame and against fellow newcomer SMU.
