Stanford Beats NC State 31-28 as Warren Throws Four Touchdown Passes

Stanford beat NC State 31-28 on Friday night, October 23, 2026, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California. Quarterback Davis Warren threw four touchdown passes for the Cardinal, who led 14-0 in the first quarter, gave the lead back once, and held on through a late NC State rally.

Warren finished 22-for-37 passing for 303 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. NC State quarterback CJ Bailey finished 17-for-30 passing for 256 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, and he rushed nine times for 59 yards. Stanford improved to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the ACC. NC State fell to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the ACC.

Warren strikes twice in the first quarter

Stanford opened the scoring on its first drive when Warren connected with Nico Brown for an 8-yard touchdown pass. The On3 live report noted that it was the first time this season an opposing offense had not punted on its opening drive against NC State. Warren struck again later in the first quarter, hitting Sedrick Irvin for a 17-yard touchdown pass, and Stanford led 14-0.

NC State answered before the quarter ended. Bailey threw to running back Deandre Desinor, who caught the ball in double coverage and ran in for a 58-yard touchdown that cut the lead to 14-7.

A tie, then a late answer before halftime

NC State tied the game 14-14 in the second quarter on a 2-yard touchdown run by quarterback Will Wilson, at the end of a seven-play, 74-yard drive. Stanford retook the lead with 25 seconds left in the half. Warren threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Caden High, completing a seven-play, 90-yard drive that took 1:29, and the Cardinal led 21-14 at halftime. Quarter scores were Stanford 14, 7, 7 and 3, and NC State 7, 7, 0 and 14.

Ford carries the third quarter

Stanford extended the lead to 28-14 in the third quarter when Warren hit Micah Ford for a 5-yard touchdown pass, his fourth scoring throw of the night. Ford did the heavy work for the Stanford offense all game. He rushed 22 times for 150 yards and added three receptions for 58 yards, including the touchdown catch.

NC State rallies, Stanford closes it out

NC State cut the lead to 28-21 early in the fourth quarter on Wilson's second 2-yard touchdown run. The score ended an 18-play, 86-yard drive that took 9:25 off the clock. Wilson finished with two touchdowns on six carries for eight yards, and the second score tied the program record for career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback at 18, held by Scott Smith.

Stanford answered with a 31-yard field goal by Emmet Kenney with 8:27 left in the fourth quarter, which made it 31-21. NC State closed to 31-28 with 1:23 left when Bailey connected with Keenan Jackson for a 16-yard touchdown. Stanford took the ball back and ran out the clock with three Warren kneel downs, and the Sportradar play by play closed the game with End Of Game.

Conditions at Stanford Stadium were clear and 64 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity at 60 percent and wind from the west-northwest at 8 mph. It was NC State's first football game at Stanford Stadium and only the second meeting between the schools. NC State won the first meeting 59-28 on November 2, 2024. Before this game Stanford was 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the ACC, and NC State was 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the ACC.