Cal, Stanford Seek College Football Passion Revival Amidst Conference Shifts

The 2025 college football season kicks off with several notable traditions and developments across programs and conferences. The University of California's century-old card stunt tradition, which originated in 1914 during their game against Stanford, remains a celebrated game-day ritual despite recent penalties caused by fans throwing cards onto the field. Traditional rivalries such as Michigan vs. Ohio State and Alabama vs. Auburn continue to define the sport's identity, with recent national championships highlighting the intense competition and deep-rooted significance these matchups hold for fans and teams alike. Meanwhile, conference realignments have reshaped the landscape, notably with former PAC-12 teams like USC, Washington, and UCLA joining the Big Ten, and others like Cal Berkeley moving to the ACC, stirring a mix of nostalgia and strategic shifts. Some voices lament the transactional nature of modern college football, citing how mercenary player and coach movements and disrupted rivalries have impacted fan engagement and the sport's passion, contrasting with individuals like Andrew Luck and Buster Posey who demonstrate enduring dedication to their programs. At Stanford, the quarterback competition has concluded with Oregon State transfer Ben Gulbranson winning the starting job for the 2025 season, while injuries have affected other key players, indicating ongoing team adjustments heading into the new season.