Stanford football hit by wave of departures following Troy Taylor’s firing
Stanford football is seeing significant off-season roster movement in the wake of Troy Taylor’s termination as head coach last week. A handful of players have entered the transfer portal, and a defensive player has decommitted from Stanford, following the coaching change.
Headlining the trio of seniors entering the transfer portal is offensive lineman Jake Maikkula. Maikkula, who stepped up for a Cardinal squad in dire need of a center following an injury to fifth-year starting center Levi Rogers, was a key piece to Stanford’s passing game. The Colorado native finished the year as the team’s highest-graded linemen in pass blocking.
Another offensive player, wide receiver Mudia Reuben, is also entering the transfer portal. The senior from Kansas City had a limited role with the Cardinal as he only recorded one touchdown reception last season to go with 21 total yards. Reuben was last season’s recipient of the Billy Anderson Commitment to Community Outreach Award, which is given to “the offensive player who demonstrates a special commitment to community outreach,” according to the team’s official website.
On the defensive side, outside linebacker David Bailey will be looking to play elsewhere next season. Bailey had several multi-sack games last season en route to recording a season total of seven sacks. Bailey was named ACC Linebacker of the Week following a performance against Syracuse where he tallied five pressures, two sacks and a forced fumble.
Along with the transfer portal departures, Stanford signee Nusi Taumoepeau announced his decommitment from Stanford football.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Stanford University, the coaching staff, and everyone who has supported me throughout the journey,” Taumoepeau stated in a post on X last Friday. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity they gave me to be part of such a prestigious program. However, with the recent news of Coach Troy Taylor being let go, I have officially been released from the commitment to Stanford.”
It is fair to say Stanford football is now experiencing the aftermath of Taylor’s sudden departure. General Manager Andrew Luck will look to navigate the program through this uncertain time.
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