As NC State heads west to face off against the Cardinal, here are several names to watch ahead of this week's late-night matchup.
No. 8 QB Davis Warren - Senior - 6-foot-2, 195 pounds
The Michigan transfer has taken over as Stanford's quarterback, bringing pocket-passer experience to an offense that has struggled to consistently move the ball and put points on the board this season.
Warren has completed 60.3% of his passes for 1,630 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions, averaging 7 yards per attempt. He has a passer rating of 127.2 and a Total QBR of 51.6, ranking 85th nationally. Despite the Cardinal's offensive struggles, Warren has been sacked just 12 times this season.
Stanford's offense has been limited, averaging 239.4 passing yards per game (97th nationally) and just 18.3 points per game (tied for 127th). The Cardinal ranks last in the ACC in both total offense and scoring offense.
Although Warren has generally taken care of the football, his completion percentage and Stanford's offensive struggles could present opportunities for NC State's defense.
How defensive coordinator DJ Eliot approaches Warren will be worth watching, particularly whether the Wolfpack can generate pressure through its blitz packages and force the veteran quarterback into uncomfortable situations.
No. 20 RB Micah Ford - Junior - 6-foot, 220 pounds
Ford is on pace for a productive third year at Stanford.
The junior running back has rushed for 529 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He has also demonstrated big-play ability, highlighted by an 81-yard run against Elon earlier this season.
Beyond his ground game, Ford has become increasingly involved in the passing game, catching 17 passes for 118 yards. His versatility gives Stanford another offensive weapon and provides Warren with an additional option out of the backfield.
At 6-foot, 220 pounds, Ford has the size to challenge opposing defenders physically while also breaking off explosive runs.
NC State's ability to maintain sound run fits and limit Ford's production on early downs will be important in forcing Stanford into predictable passing situations. Preventing him from creating explosive plays could be a major factor in slowing the Cardinal's offense.
No. 0 WR Caden High - Senior - 5-foot-10, 165 pounds
High has emerged as one of Stanford's most productive receiving threats after transferring from South Carolina State in 2025.
The Atlanta native leads the Cardinal with 337 receiving yards and three touchdowns while averaging 16 yards per reception. His production has made him a reliable target for Warren and one of Stanford's most important weapons in the passing game.
Despite his smaller frame, High has shown he can generate explosive plays, particularly out of the slot. His production and big-play ability make him a player NC State's secondary will need to account for all game.
Limiting his production will be key for an NC State defense trying to keep Stanford from establishing consistency through the air. If the Wolfpack can contain High and limit his opportunities for explosive plays, it could make an already struggling Cardinal offense even more one-dimensional.
No. 5 S Jay Green - Senior - 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
Green is one of the more intriguing players in Stanford's secondary, bringing size, experience, and production to the Cardinal's defense.
The former Washington transfer arrived at Stanford in 2024 and is putting together one of the most productive seasons of his collegiate career. Green has recorded 43 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two pass breakups this season.
Although he has yet to record an interception, Green's physical presence and tackling ability make him an important part of Stanford's defensive backfield. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he has the size to stop the run while challenging opposing receivers across the middle.
For quarterback CJ Bailey, identifying Green's pre-snap positioning and understanding his coverage responsibilities could be key to success against Stanford's secondary.
No. 4 CB Leroy Bryant - Junior - 6-foot, 185 pounds
Bryant has established himself as one of Stanford's most productive defensive backs and a key contributor in the Cardinal's secondary.
The junior cornerback leads Stanford with eight pass breakups this season, along with 23 tackles and a forced fumble. His ability to disrupt passes has made him an important part of the Cardinal's pass defense.
While Bryant's production hasn't translated into interceptions, his eight pass breakups show he can challenge opposing receivers and prevent completions.
That coverage ability could be especially important against an NC State offense looking to establish consistency through the air, especially with HB Duke Scott out with an injury. Bryant's matchup against the Wolfpack's receivers will be worth watching, especially if Bailey looks to attack the outside of Stanford's defense.
