California vs Stanford Football Rivalry

Last Modified Nov 26, 2024 15:24 GMT
California vs Stanford Football Rivalry. Source: @stanfordfball

The California Golden Bears and Stanford Cardinal are two prestigious football programs in the Pac-12 Conference and represent the University of California and Stanford University, respectively. The Cardinal began their college football pursuit in 1892 and the Golden Bears in 1882. The California Golden Bears’s home stadium is the California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California and Stanford Cardinal play their home games at the Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California. Both California and Stanford have produced many high-level academic scholars and helped numerous players for NFL teams over the years. The Cardinal and Golden Bears compete annually in a game called ‘The Big Game,’ which is one of college football's oldest and most intense rivalries.

California vs Stanford Football Rivalry History

The California vs Stanford rivalry is one of the oldest football rivalries in college football, this rivalry is also known as the ‘The Big Game.’ They played their first game in the year 1892, and since then competed with each other annually. This game is one of the most difficult battles in the whole of the Pac-12 Conference. Although the California Golden Bears hold a lead in the series, Stanford Cardinal has experienced several periods of domination historically. The rivalry is deeply embedded in the culture of both schools, and the game often has significant implications for conference standings. The Big Game has brought together great moments, including dramatic comebacks, high-scoring affairs, and even controversies. One of the most famous incidents occurred in 1982, with California's ‘The Play,’ when time expired with a five-lateral touchdown securing victory and resulting in a legendary moment in college football history.

California vs Stanford Football Rivalry Head-to-Head Stats

Below is a table which states the all-time head-to-head record between California and Stanford until the 2024 season:

StatCaliforniaStanford
First Meeting (1892)1014
Total Meetings131
All-Time Wins5466
Largest victory38-063-12
Longest Win Streak5 (2002–2006)9 (2010–2018)
Illibuck Trophy3848

California vs Stanford Football Rivalry Winner Year-by-Year

This table summarizes the year-by-year winner of the California vs. Stanford football game from 2000 to 2024.

YearWinnerScore
2024California24-21
2023California27-15
2022California27-20
2021California41-11
2020Stanford24-23
2019California24-20
2018Stanford23-13
2017Stanford17-14
2016Stanford45-31
2015Stanford35-22
2014Stanford38-17
2013Stanford63-13
2012Stanford21-3
2011Stanford31-28
2010Stanford48-14
2009California34-28
2008California37-16
2007Stanford20-13
2006California26-17
2005California27-3
2004California41-6
2003California28-16
2002California30-7
2001Stanford35-28
2000Stanford36-30 (OT)

FAQs on California and Stanford

A. California and Stanford first played in 1892.

A. The California vs Stanford game is called 'The Big Game.'

A. Stanford leads the all-time series.

A. California and Stanford are in the Pac-12 Conference.

Related Stories

California vs. UNLV: Art of Sport LA Bowl box score, stats and game summary feat. Hajj-Malik Williams California vs. UNLV: Art of Sport LA Bowl box score, stats and game summary feat. Hajj-Malik Williams
California vs. UNLV: Art of Sport LA Bowl box score, stats and game summary feat. Hajj-Malik Williams 
"Deion Sanders is modern CEO of a coach": RJ Young reveals why Coach Prime deserves every penny of $54 million extension "Deion Sanders is modern CEO of a coach": RJ Young reveals why Coach Prime deserves every penny of $54 million extension
"Deion Sanders is modern CEO of a coach": RJ Young reveals why Coach Prime deserves every penny of $54 million extension
1d
WATCH: Travis Hunter marks his attendance to support Cam Newton and brother Trayvis at OT7 WATCH: Travis Hunter marks his attendance to support Cam Newton and brother Trayvis at OT7
WATCH: Travis Hunter marks his attendance to support Cam Newton and brother Trayvis at OT7
1d
Joel Klatt pulls out the facts to justify Coach Prime’s “steep” $54 million extension at Colorado Joel Klatt pulls out the facts to justify Coach Prime’s “steep” $54 million extension at Colorado
Joel Klatt pulls out the facts to justify Coach Prime’s “steep” $54 million extension at Colorado
1d
“Gonna be a problem too”: 10yr NFL-vet delivers clear verdict on Travis Hunter’s brother after his eye-catching performance “Gonna be a problem too”: 10yr NFL-vet delivers clear verdict on Travis Hunter’s brother after his eye-catching performance
“Gonna be a problem too”: 10yr NFL-vet delivers clear verdict on Travis Hunter’s brother after his eye-catching performance
1d
“Very much overstated”: CFB fans react as Shedeur Sanders’ viral clip brushes off weak arm narrative “Very much overstated”: CFB fans react as Shedeur Sanders’ viral clip brushes off weak arm narrative
“Very much overstated”: CFB fans react as Shedeur Sanders’ viral clip brushes off weak arm narrative
1d
"If I’m being honest, it sucks": Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola expresses frustration on the recent conversation about his weight "If I’m being honest, it sucks": Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola expresses frustration on the recent conversation about his weight
"If I’m being honest, it sucks": Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola expresses frustration on the recent conversation about his weight
1d
"I'm very comfortable in that space": Brent Venables gets 100% real about his philosophy to thrive in pressure "I'm very comfortable in that space": Brent Venables gets 100% real about his philosophy to thrive in pressure
"I'm very comfortable in that space": Brent Venables gets 100% real about his philosophy to thrive in pressure
1d
"USC kept the right receivers for this season": Fans hyped up with Ja'Kobi Lane's insane catch at spring practice "USC kept the right receivers for this season": Fans hyped up with Ja'Kobi Lane's insane catch at spring practice
"USC kept the right receivers for this season": Fans hyped up with Ja'Kobi Lane's insane catch at spring practice
1d
Former Jets scout drops interesting theory to shut down Shedeur Sanders & Jaxson Dart’s possible move to Saints Former Jets scout drops interesting theory to shut down Shedeur Sanders & Jaxson Dart’s possible move to Saints
Former Jets scout drops interesting theory to shut down Shedeur Sanders & Jaxson Dart’s possible move to Saints
1d
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications