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:
| Stat | California | Stanford |
| First Meeting (1892) | 10 | 14 |
| Total Meetings | 131 | |
| All-Time Wins | 54 | 66 |
| Largest victory | 38-0 | 63-12 |
| Longest Win Streak | 5 (2002–2006) | 9 (2010–2018) |
| Illibuck Trophy | 38 | 48 |
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.
| Year | Winner | Score |
| 2024 | California | 24-21 |
| 2023 | California | 27-15 |
| 2022 | California | 27-20 |
| 2021 | California | 41-11 |
| 2020 | Stanford | 24-23 |
| 2019 | California | 24-20 |
| 2018 | Stanford | 23-13 |
| 2017 | Stanford | 17-14 |
| 2016 | Stanford | 45-31 |
| 2015 | Stanford | 35-22 |
| 2014 | Stanford | 38-17 |
| 2013 | Stanford | 63-13 |
| 2012 | Stanford | 21-3 |
| 2011 | Stanford | 31-28 |
| 2010 | Stanford | 48-14 |
| 2009 | California | 34-28 |
| 2008 | California | 37-16 |
| 2007 | Stanford | 20-13 |
| 2006 | California | 26-17 |
| 2005 | California | 27-3 |
| 2004 | California | 41-6 |
| 2003 | California | 28-16 |
| 2002 | California | 30-7 |
| 2001 | Stanford | 35-28 |
| 2000 | Stanford | 36-30 (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.
