How Can the Ex-Oregon State Quarterback Reshape Stanford Cardinal Football?
Former Oregon State quarterback Ben Gulbranson, now Stanford’s quarterback starter, may be the key to reshaping Stanford’s football program. Gulbranson now finds himself at the helm of a team searching for stability and direction. Stanford is set to open the season against the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Gulbranson’s role isn’t just to start games; it’s to set the tone for a program in transition. For veteran quarterback Gulbranson, this is a chance to be a leader. While his role diminished in the seasons that followed, the transfer to Stanford represents a fresh start and a timely one for a team in need of a starting quarterback who can steady the offense in their first opening matchup.
Why This Matters for Stanford
The decision to start Gulbranson immediately signals Stanford’s desire to prioritize experience and control at the quarterback position. Gulbranson’s 2022 campaign at Oregon State, where he passed for 1,455 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions, showed he could manage a game and make smart decisions under pressure. While his role faded in the seasons that followed, Stanford's staff, led by interim head coach Frank Reich and newly appointed general manager and former quarterback for the Stanford Cardinal, Andrew Luck, saw something worth investing in. Luck personally recruited Gulbranson, and now, with both Reich and Luck guiding the program, Stanford is placing its offensive identity in the hands of a composed, seasoned leader. Their Week Zero matchup will be an early test of whether Gulbranson can provide the steadiness this offense has been lacking.
Why It Matters for Gulbranson
For Gulbranson, this isn’t just a starting job; it’s a second chance. After waiting patiently behind other quarterbacks at Oregon State, his transfer to Stanford is a reset, an opportunity to define his career on his terms. Working under two of the sharpest quarterback minds in football, Luck and Reich, gives him the chance to grow beyond what he was allowed to show in Corvallis. If he can execute, stay healthy, and rally a young team, Gulbranson could not only elevate Stanford’s season but rewrite his narrative. This moment represents more than just a lineup change; it’s about trust, timing, and proving that experience still matters in a college football landscape so often focused on hype and upside.
