Stanford University’s football team is focusing on the inside linebacker position during the second week of its 2025 fall camp. The group returns several players but only one with a starting appearance for the Cardinal.
Andy Thompson joins as the new inside linebackers coach for 2025, bringing experience from his previous defensive coaching roles. He emphasized that consistency is key for the unit this season. “Consistency with your techniques, consistency in what you’re asked to do, play in and play out,” Thompson said. “I know the effort is going to be there. They’ve worked extremely hard, but we must be consistent.”
While most defensive positions at Stanford have returning starters from 2024, inside linebackers lost two veteran leaders: Tristan Sinclair and Gaethan Bernadel. Over the past two years, Sinclair and Bernadel started 23 of 24 games together and led the team in tackles since 2023. They also served as defensive signal callers following the introduction of coach-to-player communication technology in college football.
To fill this gap, Stanford looks to Matt Rose and Jahsiah Galvan. Rose has spent four years at Stanford and made his first start last year against Louisville. Galvan joined Stanford in 2024 after transferring from Northern Iowa, where he started 11 games as a redshirt freshman.
Rose spoke about stepping into a leadership role: “I took some notes over the years, and it was something that was new to me at first, but I feel like as I’ve gone on, I’ve been getting more comfortable as a leader.”
Galvan aims to increase his impact this season after serving mainly as a third-down linebacker last year. “I’m trying to get more consistent coming off blocks, being more physical, knowing where I’m at, and then using that to help talk to everyone else,” Galvan said. “Hopefully, that makes everyone else’s job a little easier.”
Galvan noted an increased emphasis on player instincts within the defense: “Guys are leaning into their instincts and letting that take over. That is going to lead to more plays on the ball.”
He added: “You can have the greatest scheme, but if you’re not doing those fundamental things, it doesn’t matter. We’re really emphasizing our fundamental growth in each position.”
Stanford’s defense improved significantly in 2024 by playing aggressively and focusing on turnovers—forcing 17 turnovers (six more than in 2023), ranking 38th nationally in fumble recoveries, and scoring three defensive touchdowns for the first time since 2016. The team also limited opponents to an average of just over 133 rushing yards per game—the best mark since 2014.
Despite these improvements, Rose believes there is still room for growth: “You can always take a step forward. From communication to effort, there’s always room for improvement, and we’re going to do it this year.” He praised his teammates’ efforts early in camp: “Everyone is running their tail off getting to the ball.”
Coach Thompson stressed fundamentals as crucial for further progress: “It’s the fundamentals. Can you cover? Can you rush the passer? Can you tackle? Can you get off blocks? Those are always going to be the key when you’re playing during the year,” he said.“You can have the greatest scheme, but if you’re not doing those fundamental things, it doesn’t matter. We’re really emphasizing our fundamental growth in each position.”
Thompson expressed appreciation for his players’ commitment both academically and athletically.“These players have been unbelievable to coach,” he said.“The dedication these guys have to school and football is second to none.They are genuinely some of the hardest-working players I’ve ever coached.”
With experienced players taking on larger roles under new guidance,the inside linebackers aimto maintain high standardsfor Stanford’s defensein2025.
