Throughout the storied history of Big Game, Stanford and Cal have produced countless program standouts, NFL-level talents and athletes whose names still echo around the Bay Area. This year’s rosters perpetuate that tradition, featuring dynamic playmakers on both teams.

As the 128th Big Game approaches, here is a ranking of the 15 best players who will take the field in this season’s matchup. This list represents a balance of explosive offensive threats, defensive stalwarts and impact specialists poised to shape this year’s rivalry showdown at Stanford Stadium on Saturday.

Honorable mentions: Bryce Farrell, Mason Mini, Elijah Brown, Luke Ferrelli, Cole Tabb and Jay Green

15. Emmet Kenney (Stanford Kicker)

When Joshua Karty graduated from Stanford last year and got picked up by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Draft, Emmet Kenney had large shoes to fill. Last season, Kenney had a stellar year that included clutch game winners to upset both Syracuse and Louisville. Kenney, now a fifth-year senior, has been extremely reliable for the Cardinal this season. He has converted 13 out of his 16 total field goal attempts (81.3%) and all of his extra point attempts, and he may be called upon to make a crucial kick in crunch time during Big Game.

14. Trond Grizzell (Cal WR)

Trond Grizzell, a senior out of Park City, Utah, has established himself as an integral part of Cal’s aerial attack. He has used his 6-foot-4-inch frame, physicality and ball skills to rack up 36 receptions for 565 yards and one touchdown this year. While he isn’t the flashiest playmaker in Big Game, his consistency on intermediate routes and ability to haul in contested catches make him a reliable target for Cal’s offense. Grizzell’s experience and steady production give the Bears a dependable option who can take advantage of mismatches and keep drives alive.

13. Clay Patterson (Stanford DL)

Clay Patterson has become a key disruptor for the Cardinal’s defensive front this season. The senior transfer from Yale University leads Stanford with 3.5 sacks. He has also forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and logged 26 total tackles. Patterson is a nightmare to deal with for opposing quarterbacks because of his ability to collapse the pocket and beat guards or centers one-on-one. Stanford will need Patterson’s experience and non-stop motor while trying to contain Cal’s offense.

12. Scotty Edwards (Stanford Safety)

Redshirt junior Scotty Edwards has quietly become one of the most impactful defenders on Stanford’s roster. He has compiled 50 total tackles and 2.5 sacks, which is the second-most on the entire team despite playing in the secondary. Edwards has proven himself as an elite blitzer who times his pressures perfectly and finishes with force. At just over six feet tall and 200 pounds, he’s also one of Stanford’s most reliable open-field tacklers, providing physicality and poise on the back end. Edwards has stabilized a young defense, bringing leadership, range and toughness that will be critical in this year’s Big Game.

11. TJ Bush Jr. (Cal OLB)

TJ Bush Jr., a junior from Woodbridge, Va., has rapidly emerged as a dominant edge-rusher for the Golden Bears defense after transferring from Liberty University. So far in 2025, he has recorded a team-leading five sacks and has continued to pressure quarterbacks at a high rate. Bush Jr.’s size and burst off the edge has allowed him to develop into a critical defensive weapon for Cal — one that Stanford’s offense must game-plan specifically to stop.

10. Micah Ford (Stanford RB)

Ford is a sophomore running back for Stanford who has put his game-changing speed, power and versatility on display this season. He has 116 carries for 493 yards and three touchdowns so far. Ford exploded for 157 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries in the home opener against Boston College, propelling the Cardinal to a 30-20 win. Unfortunately, Ford’s momentum was derailed when he suffered a leg injury against Florida State, which kept him sidelined for matchups against Miami and Pitt. However, his burst in between the tackles and downhill vision make him a potential impact player in this year’s Big Game.

9. Kendrick Raphael (Cal RB)

Raphael, a junior transfer from NC State, has been an absolute workhorse and the anchor of Cal’s ground attack. He has 167 rushing attempts this season, accruing 695 yards and a whopping 11 touchdowns, which leads the Golden Bears by a wide margin. Raphael is a dangerous player who has an ability to make defenders miss in space, and explode for big runs by putting his foot in the ground and getting north-south in a hurry. Stanford will need to contain Raphael in the red-zone in order to limit Cal to field goals instead of giving up touchdowns.

8. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (Cal QB)

How could Cal’s freshman phenom not be included on this list? Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele became just the second true freshman quarterback in Cal history to ever start a season-opener (with the only other player being Jared Goff in 2013). Sagapolutele has showcased his strong arm, remarkable command of the offense and a winning mentality so far this season. He is completing passes at a 61.5% clip, and has thrown for 2,518 total passing yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Sagapolutele leads all freshmen nationally in total passing yards and ranks third in the ACC in this category. Stanford’s defense will have their hands full trying to limit JKS’s production.

7. Cade Uluave (Cal LB)

Entering the 2025 season, Cade Uluave, a junior inside linebacker, had already amassed an impressive résumé for the Golden Bears. He was the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023, and he was an All-ACC honorable mention in 2024. Uluave has taken his game to the next level this season, racking up 81 total tackles (third in the ACC) and three sacks. He has a unique blend of instincts and sideline-to-sideline speed, which make him a strong NFL Draft prospect and a key contributor for Cal’s defensive unit.

6. Matt Rose (Stanford LB)

Matt Rose, a senior linebacker out of Brecksville, Ohio, has had a breakout season for the Cardinal and has been an integral part of their defense. This season, he has accumulated a total of 83 tackles (which ranks second in the ACC), two sacks, a forced fumble and three pass breakups. Rose’s sharp instincts, disciplined pursuit angles, and sure-tackling ability make him extremely well-rounded, which allows him to defend the pass and stop the run very effectively. 

5. Collin Wright (Stanford DB)

Collin Wright, a senior cornerback from Missouri City, Texas, has been a bedrock of Stanford’s secondary despite battling injuries this season. He has recorded 28 tackles, two pass breakups and one interception (a huge pick-six against Boston College). Wright excels in man coverage and has the quick footwork and ball skills necessary to defend elite receivers one-on-one. As a season-long captain, his leadership and ability to lock down Cal’s receiving corps will be a critical component of Big Game.

4. Sam Roush (Stanford TE)

Sam Roush, a senior tight end serving as a season-long captain alongside Wright, has become one of Stanford’s most reliable and versatile offensive weapons in 2025. He has caught 43 passes for 458 yards and two house calls. Roush is a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators — big enough to exploit smaller safeties and athletic enough to separate from linebackers. Roush has emerged as a security blanket for Stanford’s quarterbacks, consistently moving the chains with his precise route-running. He’s also one of the Cardinal’s best blockers, anchoring the edge in the run game and providing stability for a young offense.

3. Jacob De Jesus (Cal WR)

Jacob De Jesus, a senior wide receiver and return specialist from Manteca, Calif., has made his presence felt since transferring in from UNLV. This season, he leads Cal with 73 receptions for 699 yards (fifth in the ACC) and four touchdowns, showcasing his speed and explosiveness. De Jesus brings dynamic versatility to the field, as he also handles punt and kick return duties for the Golden Bears. Stanford’s defense must find a way to limit De Jesus’ production during Big Game or they could be in for a long night.

2. CJ Williams (Stanford WR)

CJ Williams has been Stanford’s best and most consistent player all season. A transfer out of Wisconsin — and a former Mater Dei standout who shared the field with redshirt freshman quarterback Elijah Brown — Williams has stepped into the Cardinal offense as a true number one receiver. He leads Stanford with 53 receptions, 659 yards and five touchdowns. Williams’ polished route-running, strong hands and ability to separate in tight coverage has made him the focal point of Stanford’s passing game. In Big Game, he’s the player Cal’s defense must account for on every single snap.

1. Hezekiah Masses (Cal DB)

Masses, a transfer from FIU, has been Cal’s most dominant defender this season — and holds the number one spot in this Big Game preview. The senior defensive back has put up elite production, recording five interceptions (tied for the ACC lead), along with 37 tackles and 10 pass breakups, making him one of the most disruptive defensive backs in the country. His instincts and fluid coverage technique allow him to erase top receivers, while his aggression at the catch point allows him to create momentum-swinging plays at an extremely high volume. Elijah Brown will have to be extremely vigilant of where Masses is positioned on the field during Big Game.