What's Happening?
Stanford Cardinal football has announced a renewal of its rivalry with Arizona State Sun Devils, scheduling a home-and-home series for the 2030s. The two teams, former Pac-12 rivals, will meet in non-conference games starting in 2031. The first game is set to take place at Stanford Stadium on September 6, 2031, followed by a game in Tempe on September 11, 2032. This marks only the second and third time the teams will face each other in a non-conference regular season setting. Historically, Stanford has a favorable record against Arizona State, having won 7 out of their last 9 encounters since 2009. The rivalry includes a significant victory for Stanford in the 2013 Pac-12 Championship Game.
Why It's Important?
The renewal of the Stanford-Arizona State rivalry is
significant for both schools as it rekindles a competitive spirit and offers fans exciting matchups. For Stanford, these games provide an opportunity to strengthen their non-conference schedule, which is crucial for national rankings and bowl game considerations. The rivalry also holds historical importance, as both teams have a long-standing competitive history. For Arizona State, facing a familiar opponent outside of conference play can help in maintaining high competition levels. This series could also impact recruiting, as high-profile games attract attention from prospective student-athletes.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, Stanford will focus on its upcoming 2026 season under new head coach Tavita Pritchard. The team aims to improve upon its recent performances and build a stronger program. The scheduled games against Arizona State in the 2030s will be part of a broader strategy to enhance Stanford's football schedule, which also includes the Bill Walsh Legacy Game against San Jose State in 2031. Both teams will likely use the intervening years to develop their rosters and strategies, ensuring competitive and engaging games when the series commences.
