The Play (American football)

The rivalry is most famously defined by "The Play" in the 1982 game. This was a last-second, game-winning kickoff return by California that involved multiple laterals and a memorable run through the Stanford band, which had prematurely taken the field. Due to its chaotic and dramatic nature, "The Play" is widely regarded as one of the most memorable and unusual moments in the history of college football.

Recently, the California vs Stanford game has been in the news as part of the current NCAA football season. Various sports media outlets have published headlines focusing on how to watch the upcoming 2025 matchup, providing live stream details, television channels, and predictions for the game. This media coverage highlights the continued relevance and interest in this historic rivalry during the modern football season.