The 2018 Stanford Cardinal football team represented Stanford University in the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Cardinal were led by eighth-year head coach David Shaw. They played their home games at Stanford Stadium and were members of the North Division of the Pac-12 Conference.
Stanford, coming off a 9âÂÂ5 season and an appearance in the Pac-12 Championship Game in 2017, began the year ranked 13th in the preseason AP Poll. They won their first four games of the year, including wins over No. 17 USC and No. 20 Oregon, and rose to 7th in the polls. The Cardinal then lost four of their next five games, compiling losses to Notre Dame, Utah, Washington State, and Washington. After closing out the regular season with three straight wins, Stanford was third in the Pac-12 North with a conference record of 6âÂÂ3. They were invited to the Sun Bowl, where they defeated ACC runner-up Pittsburgh to end the year at 9âÂÂ4 overall.
Stanford's offense was led by junior quarterback K. J. Costello, who led the Pac-12 Conference in passer rating and finished in second in passing yards and touchdowns. Wide receiver J. J. Arcega-Whiteside finished with 1,059 receiving yards and a Pac-12-leading 14 receiving touchdowns. Offensive tackle Walker Little was named first-team all-conference. On defense, cornerback Paulson Adebo led the team with four interceptions and 17 passes defended, and was also named first-team all-conference.
As of 2026, this is Stanford's most recent bowl-eligible season and most recent season above .500.
The Cardinal signed a total of 14 recruits.
<small>Listed in the order that they were released</small>
The 2018 Pac-12 media days are set for July 25, 2018 in Hollywood, California. David Shaw (HC), J. J. Arcega-Whiteside (WR) & Alijah Holder (CB) at Pac-12 media days. The Pac-12 media poll was released with the Cardinal predicted to finish in second place in the Pac-12 North division.
Late in the 3rd quarter, Oregon led 24âÂÂ7 and had a 1st & Goal at the Stanford 1-yard line. An ensuing fumble returned for a touchdown by the Stanford defense sparked an epic comeback where the Cardinal were able to win in overtime.
Starting running back Bryce Love sat the game out due to an ankle injury.
Stanford beat Oregon State on a smoky night caused by the Camp Fire. The Air Quality Index was close to 150, which qualified as "Dangerous".
The 121st installment of the Big Game was delayed due to unhealthy air quality caused by the Camp Fire. It was only the second time in 27 years that both teams had 7 or more wins. The Cardinal quickly jumped out to a 10âÂÂ0 start and never looked back. From there, the game was mostly a defensive struggle as cornerback Paulson Adebo intercepted two passes from Cal's Chase Garbers. As a result of this game, Stanford extended its winning streak to 9 games, the longest by either team in the series.