Stanford University, founded in 1885, is a prestigious private research university. Its athletic programs, known as the Cardinal, are independently funded.

Stanford’s football program, established in 1892, competes in the Pac-12 Conference. The team claims two national championships (1926, 1940) and has appeared in 30 bowl games, winning 15. Legendary coach Pop Warner once led the program.

The Tree, an unofficial mascot, is part of Stanford’s marching band and represents the university’s location in Palo Alto, meaning “tall tree.”