Former Stanford star Andrew Luck is returning to become football general manager of the Cardinal’s program, he told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
“I’m excited,” Luck said. “Stanford is taking an assertive and innovative step. We’re undoubtedly the best athletic department in college sports. We have to reprove it in football, and we’re excited to be part of that challenge.”
Stanford recently created a GM role in which Luck will be responsible for the program’s football-related decisions, including managing the coaching and personnel staff, recruiting, and roster management. The retired quarterback will also be involved in business decisions, such as fundraising, sponsorships, and in-stadium experience. The move could be the precursor to structural changes in college football front offices, notes Thamel.
“Stanford is at its best when there’s alignment from the top of university about football,” Luck added. “President (Jonathan) Levin is committed to doing that. We wouldn’t do this without that kind of commitment from the president – he’s committed to being innovative and creative to find ways for us to compete.”
Luck played at Stanford from 2009-2011 before being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in 2012 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He holds various Cardinal’s all-time records including touchdowns (82), and ranks seconds in school history with 9,430 passing yards.
Stanford posted a 3-9 season in 2024, the school’s fourth straight losing campaign. The Cardinal – who’ve had Troy Taylor as head coach over the last two years – went 31-7 with Luck as their starting QB.
