From Struggle to Success: Football, Basketball, and Baseball Look to Reclaim National Relevance

As the Stanford Cardinal’s athletic department continues to navigate the challenges of rebuilding, one question remains: which program has the brightest future? While the football team faces uncertainty, the men’s basketball program is trending upward, and the baseball team is poised for a breakout season.

Under the guidance of interim head coach Frank Reich, the football program is working to regain its footing after a tumultuous few seasons. Reich’s high-level NFL coaching experience and track record of success have sparked optimism, but the team’s direction remains unclear.

With a goal of starting the program on the right path forward, Reich will look to bring the team together and oversee a development project that will set the stage for future success. The program has made some promising additions, including the recent commitment of three-star linebacker Lucas Shanafelt, who chose Stanford over 13 other schools. Shanafelt’s physicality and ability to get to the ball and make a play will be a welcome addition to a team that struggled defensively last season.

In contrast, the men’s basketball program is making strides under the leadership of head coach Kyle Smith. Smith’s first season on The Farm brought a 20-win season, the team’s first since 2019-20. The program’s success can be attributed to Smith’s “nerd ball” strategy, which incorporates analytics into his decision-making process.

This approach has allowed Smith to form a team that fits his system and maximize the potential of his players. With a strong recruiting class on the horizon and Smith’s experience under his belt, the basketball program is poised to make some noise in the ACC next season. The team’s ability to break out stars from within, such as former walk-on Maxime Raynaud, has been a hallmark of Smith’s tenure.

Despite a tough season, the baseball team is young and talented, with players like Rintaro Sasaki and Tatum Marsh returning next season. With a new conference and a year of experience under their belts, the Cardinal are expected to come out firing in 2026.

However, the program’s inexperience and lack of proven success make it difficult to predict their future. The team’s ability to adapt to the new conference and adjust to the increased level of competition will be crucial to their success.

While it’s hard to say which sport has the brightest future, the men’s basketball program appears to be the closest. However, the loss of Maxime Raynaud to the NBA Draft next month raises questions about the team’s depth.

The football program is headed in the right direction, but more time is needed to gauge their progress. The baseball team has talent, but their inexperience makes it difficult to predict their future.

As the Stanford athletics department continues to invest in their programs, one thing is clear: they are eager to return to national relevance and compete for championships. With a renewed sense of optimism and a commitment to rebuilding, the Cardinal are poised to make a comeback in the world of college athletics. The addition of new facilities and the hiring of experienced coaches have been key components of this effort.

In the end, the future of Stanford athletics will be determined by the team’s ability to adapt, innovate, and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. With a talented group of coaches and players, the Cardinal are well-positioned to make a run at national relevance in the years to come.