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Kenyan Police disrupt trafficking ring sending victims to fight for Russia in Ukraine

Simeon Bateren
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Kenyan Police disrupt trafficking ring sending victims to fight for Russia in Ukraine

NAIROBI, Kenya (BN24) — Kenyan authorities have dismantled a human trafficking syndicate that preyed on job seekers by offering false employment opportunities in Russia, only to send them to fight in Ukraine, police confirmed Wednesday.

More than 20 Kenyan nationals were rescued during an intelligence-driven operation that targeted a suspected trafficking network operating in the country. The operation followed a raid at a residential apartment on the outskirts of Nairobi, where police seized recruitment materials, travel documents, and letters for fake job offers in Moscow.

One suspect, identified as the individual believed to have coordinated the victims’ recruitment between September and October, was arrested during the operation. The suspect appeared in court, where a judge authorized a 10-day detention period for further investigation.

According to police, the victims were lured with promises of well-paying jobs in Russia, but once recruited, many were covertly sent to Ukraine to join the Russian military, which has been embroiled in the ongoing conflict there. Investigators found that the victims had been promised jobs in Moscow but were misled about the true nature of the work, which included joining Russian forces fighting in Ukraine.

Detectives revealed that the victims had signed contracts with an unnamed overseas employment agency, agreeing to pay substantial fees for visas, travel arrangements, accommodation, and other expenses. Some victims had committed to paying up to $18,000 for these services, while others had already made upfront payments ranging from $1,500 to $2,000.

The trafficking ring is believed to have exploited Kenyans desperate for employment opportunities abroad, with authorities noting that many of the victims were unaware of the risks involved. Police said the victims were found in an apartment in Athi River, a town near Nairobi, where they were being kept “awaiting processing” for their travel to Russia.

Authorities have raised alarm over the increasing number of Kenyans being trafficked abroad under false job promises. This incident follows reports of other Kenyans who have been recruited by trafficking syndicates with the intention of sending them to conflict zones. One such case involved a young Kenyan athlete who recently appeared in a video from Ukraine, stating that he was tricked into joining the Russian army.

Two individuals, who were recently returned from Ukraine, were reportedly injured and traumatized. One of them is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Nairobi. Police have warned that victims of trafficking are often left in dire conditions, and many do not survive the experience, either being injured, psychologically scarred, or, in some cases, never returning home.

The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that they are investigating multiple reports of Kenyans being trafficked to Russia and subsequently captured by Ukrainian forces. Several Kenyans are believed to be among the prisoners of war held by Ukraine. According to Petro Yatsenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s handling of prisoners of war, individuals from various African countries, including Somalia, Sierra Leone, Cuba, and Sri Lanka, are also being detained in Ukrainian camps. Yatsenko expressed concern that many African governments, including Kenya, have shown little interest in repatriating their citizens held in Ukraine.

While the Kenyan government has yet to confirm the exact number of nationals held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps, the foreign ministry is working closely with international agencies to trace missing Kenyans and ensure their safety.

Authorities emphasized that the operation was part of a wider effort to combat the rising trend of human trafficking, particularly targeting young Kenyans seeking overseas employment. The Kenyan police and foreign ministry continue to coordinate with other nations to track down the remaining members of the trafficking network, who are believed to be operating across several countries.

Atletico Madrid crush Real Madrid 5-2 in thrilling La Liga derby

Simeon Bateren
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Atletico Madrid crush Real Madrid 5-2 in thrilling La Liga derby

MADRID, Spain (BN24) — Atletico Madrid handed Real Madrid their first defeat of the season with a dramatic 5-2 victory in a gripping La Liga derby at the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday, putting an end to their rivals’ perfect start to the campaign.

Real Madrid, led by coach Xabi Alonso, had won all six of their opening matches before the encounter, but Atletico dominated the game from start to finish. The match featured a rollercoaster of goals, with Atletico coming from behind twice to secure a memorable win.

Atletico took an early lead in the 14th minute through Robin Le Normand, who headed in a cross from Giuliano Simeone, son of Atletico’s head coach Diego Simeone. However, Real Madrid quickly responded. Kylian Mbappe leveled the score with a precise finish after cutting in from the right, and moments later, Arda Guler put Real Madrid ahead with a brilliant cross from Vinicius Junior, who outfoxed his marker to set up the goal.

Despite falling behind, Atletico showed resilience. Alexander Sorloth equalized just before halftime, heading home a cross in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-2.

The second half was all Atletico, with Julian Alvarez taking center stage. The Argentine forward, fresh off a hat-trick in a midweek match against Rayo Vallecano, converted a penalty in the 56th minute after Guler’s high boot caught Nico Gonzalez in the head. Alvarez, who had a penalty disallowed in the teams’ previous meeting, made no mistake this time, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way.

Atletico’s dominance continued, and in the 69th minute, Alvarez struck again. His free-kick, despite Courtois getting a hand to it, found the back of the net to put Atletico ahead 4-2. Antoine Griezmann sealed the win with a late strike, rolling the ball past Courtois in the 84th minute to make it 5-2, much to the delight of the home fans.

Diego Simeone, visibly emotional on the sideline, praised his team for their performance after a difficult start to the season. “From the start of the game, we knew where we could hurt them… today was a very, very good performance,” Simeone said.

Real Madrid, who had come into the game with a perfect record, struggled to cope with Atletico’s high press and relentless attacking play. While Mbappe netted his eighth league goal of the season and showed his usual flashes of brilliance, the rest of the team, including Jude Bellingham, who started for the first time since shoulder surgery, couldn’t match Atletico’s intensity.

“This is a derby, and it’s a deserved defeat,” said Alonso, whose team conceded five goals for the first time in a derby since 1950. “We’re hurting.”

Atletico’s victory lifted them to fourth place in the standings, temporarily closing the gap on their rivals. “It’s a very special day, we knew how important this game was, being a derby, of course, but also because we needed the three points,” Alvarez said after the match.

With the win, Atletico brought an end to Real Madrid’s perfect run, and now Barcelona have the chance to move to the top of La Liga if they can defeat Real Sociedad on Sunday.

“Few words can console us, but tomorrow the sun will come out and we will work harder than ever,” said Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal, determined to put the defeat behind them.

Trump plans sending troops to Portland, Oregon, in latest deployment to U.S. cities

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Trump plans sending troops to Portland, Oregon, in latest deployment to U.S. cities

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump said Saturday he will deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, authorizing “full force, if necessary” to counter what he described as domestic terrorist threats, as his administration expands federal deployments to more American cities.

Trump made the announcement on social media, saying he directed the Department of Defense to send personnel to “protect war-ravaged Portland” and defend U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, which he claimed were “under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.”

The White House provided no immediate details about the type of troops or a timeline for their arrival. The Pentagon also offered few specifics, with spokesman Sean Parnell saying only that the department “stands ready to mobilize U.S. military personnel in support of DHS operations in Portland at the President’s direction.”

Oregon officials rejected the move. Gov. Tina Kotek said there is “no national security threat” in Portland, while Portland Mayor Keith Wilson warned that sending troops would “perpetrate” violence rather than prevent it. Members of Oregon’s Democratic congressional delegation, except Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz, sent a letter condemning Trump’s plan as an “abuse of executive authority” and an effort to “incite violence.”

On the ground Saturday, Portland showed no visible signs of unrest. Residents strolled along the Willamette River and downtown businesses were open. “Where’s the emergency?” asked Allen Schmertzler, 72, who called Trump’s decision “disgusting.” Another resident, John McNeur, described the city as “a beautiful place” and said Trump’s warning of lawlessness was “ridiculous.”

The city, home to 636,000 people, was the scene of extended racial justice protests in 2020, which sometimes turned violent. Federal agents were sent in then to protect the courthouse and ICE facilities. Recent demonstrations, however, have been smaller and largely confined to the ICE building, where boarded windows and graffiti reflect lingering tensions.

Trump also pointed to Chicago and Memphis as cities where deployments are under consideration. In Memphis, about 80 to 100 protesters gathered in front of City Hall to denounce the expected arrival of federal forces, carrying signs that read “Resources Not Task Forces” and chanting against what they called a federal “occupation.”

Portland officials, meanwhile, have tried to highlight progress since 2020. Violent crime in the city dropped 17% in the first half of 2025 compared with the previous year, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, and downtown has seen its busiest summer for pedestrians since before the pandemic. Homeless encampments have also declined, and businesses report steadier recovery.

Trump’s move comes amid his heightened rhetoric against what he calls the “radical left,” which he blames for unrest and political violence. Following the Sept. 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Trump has escalated calls for federal crackdowns.

“We’re going to get out there and we’re going to do a pretty big number on those people in Portland,” Trump said Thursday, referring to protesters as “professional agitators and anarchists.”

Thieves steal $1M worth of whiskey from Washington distillery

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Thieves steal $1M worth of whiskey from Washington distillery

BURLINGTON, Wash. (BN24) — Thieves who stole nearly 12,000 bottles of craft whiskey from a Washington state warehouse this summer not only made off with close to $1 million in liquor but also stripped away nearly half the stock of a rare release that distillers had spent more than a decade crafting.

The heist targeted Westland Distillery’s Burlington warehouse on July 31, when someone driving a freight truck arrived with paperwork that appeared to authorize the pickup of shipments bound for New Jersey. The cargo included Westland single malt, Watchpost blended whiskey, and the coveted 10-year Garryana edition. The shipment never reached its destination, and the scheme was exposed a week later.

Jason Moore, managing director of the Seattle-based distillery, called the theft a “sophisticated, fraudulent carrier scheme” and said the 10th anniversary Garryana bottles are irreplaceable. “This is an unfortunate and pretty extraordinary situation,” Moore said.

The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office has opened an investigation but has not commented publicly.

The stolen whiskey is considered so rare that it may prove difficult for thieves to resell. Mark Gillespie, host of the WhiskyCast podcast, said, “It’s going to be really hard for whoever took this to actually get this onto the market, because what they took was so rare that everybody knows about it.” He noted that while such thefts occasionally occur in Scotland, moving thousands of bottles across U.S. borders or through its regulated alcohol system would be particularly challenging.

The Garryana release holds special significance for Westland. Made from barley and aged in casks of Quercus garryana, an oak tree native to the Pacific Northwest, the single malt whiskey reflects the distillery’s emphasis on local terroir. The 2023 edition was named the third-best whiskey in the world by Whisky Advocate magazine, and its limited supply sells out annually.

Whiskey expert Gillespie said that of the 7,500 bottles produced this year, about 3,000 were stolen in the heist. That scarcity will likely drive up secondary-market prices, though reselling alcohol outside legal channels is illegal in the U.S. “If somebody tries to offer you a case of Westland whiskey right now, I’d call the cops,” he said.

Moore said the company has tightened its supply chain following the theft and remains focused on serving customers. “This is an extremely rare thing, and while it’s a setback, we’re confident that we’re going to get to share this whiskey,” he said.

While the financial loss is significant, Westland is expected to weather the blow in part because it has been owned since 2016 by the Paris-based Rémy Cointreau Group.

Trump says more adversaries could face charges after Comey indictment

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Trump says more adversaries could face charges after Comey indictment

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump on Friday said he expects additional criminal charges to be brought against his political adversaries following the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, signaling that his administration’s campaign of retribution may expand further.

“It’s not a list, but I think there’ll be others,” Trump told reporters as he departed the White House for the Ryder Cup golf tournament. “I mean, they’re corrupt. They were corrupt radical left Democrats.”

The comments came a day after the Justice Department charged Comey with making false statements and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors allege he misled Congress in 2020 when he insisted under oath that he had never authorized FBI officials to leak information to the press. The indictment claims Comey directed Columbia law professor Dan Richman, who briefly served as a special government employee at the FBI, to share details of an investigation into Hillary Clinton with reporters.

Legal experts and even some officials inside the Justice Department viewed the evidence as thin. A memo outlining the weaknesses in the case had previously led Erik Siebert, then the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, to decline charges. Trump ousted Siebert days later, replacing him with Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial background. Halligan pressed ahead, personally presenting the case to a grand jury in Alexandria.

Court filings show the grand jury narrowly approved the indictment, with 14 of 23 jurors voting to bring one of the charges — just over the threshold of 12 required. A third charge was rejected outright.

The unusual handling of Comey’s case has raised concerns about whether Trump’s appointees at the Justice Department and federal field offices could pursue similar charges against other political opponents. Trump has publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate New York Attorney General Letitia James, who brought a civil fraud case against him last year, and Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California, who led Trump’s first impeachment trial.

“Justice must be served, now!” Trump posted on Truth Social last weekend, grouping Comey, James, and Schiff together as targets.

The administration has already opened a criminal probe into former CIA Director John Brennan, who oversaw the intelligence community’s 2016 assessment of Russian election interference. In recent weeks, the FBI searched the home and office of John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, seizing documents with classification markings. Bolton’s lawyer said the materials had been declassified.

The Comey indictment marks one of the most significant moves in Trump’s broader effort to wield federal law enforcement against political rivals. Critics say it deepens concerns that prosecutorial power is being used for retribution rather than justice.

Slovakia amends constitution to recognize only two sexes, ban surrogacy and restrict adoption

Simeon Bateren
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Slovakia amends constitution to recognize only two sexes, ban surrogacy and restrict adoption

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (BN24) — Slovakia’s parliament has narrowly approved a controversial constitutional amendment that legally recognizes only two sexes—male and female—and restricts child adoption exclusively to married heterosexual couples. The sweeping legal change, passed Thursday, also effectively bans surrogacy, drawing immediate criticism from human rights groups and deepening concerns over the country’s political shift.

The amendment, described by lawmakers as affirming “sovereignty in cultural and ethical matters,” required 90 votes in the 150-member Slovak National Council. Prime Minister Robert Fico’s populist-nationalist coalition controls only 78 seats, but a last-minute alliance with 12 opposition lawmakers helped push the measure across the line. Among them were several members of the conservative Christian Democrats and defectors from former Prime Minister Igor Matovic’s Slovakia movement, an act Matovic later condemned as betrayal.

The constitutional change redefines key aspects of family and gender law in Slovakia, aligning it more closely with the legal frameworks of Hungary and Russia, both of which have imposed restrictions on LGBTQ rights in recent years. Amnesty International and other rights groups warned that the amendment risks marginalizing LGBTQ individuals and undermining democratic values.

Fico celebrated the vote with open defiance of progressive criticism. “This isn’t a little dam, or just a regular dam, this is a great dam against progressivism,” he said after the vote, adding that his party would toast the result with a shot of liquor. In past remarks, Fico likened liberal ideology to a “cancer” spreading through society.

President Peter Pellegrini confirmed he would sign the amendment, calling the strong majority in parliament “an important signal” of national unity on a divisive issue. “It must be respected,” he said.

Legal experts say the move may provoke clashes with the European Union, especially as Slovakia asserts the primacy of its national constitution over EU law. Analysts also speculate that the amendment is a political maneuver to distract from Fico’s falling approval ratings and unpopular economic measures.

“The Slovak constitution has fallen victim to Robert Fico’s plan to dismantle the opposition and divert attention from the real problems of society,” said Beata Balagova, editor-in-chief of the Slovak daily SME. She argued that Fico’s interest in gender and adoption issues is more strategic than ideological.

The vote has also fractured Slovakia’s political alliances. Progressive Slovakia, currently leading in national polls, denounced the amendment and announced an end to any future cooperation with Matovic’s party. Most opposition MPs boycotted the session.

The consequences of the vote may extend to Slovakia’s place within the broader European political landscape. Fico’s Smer-Social Democracy party, already suspended from the Party of European Socialists (PES) for its far-right alliances, is reportedly facing permanent expulsion at the upcoming PES conference. The Slovak leader has faced mounting criticism from EU partners, particularly after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin four times within the past year.

As Slovakia moves forward with the newly ratified constitutional changes, tensions between Bratislava and Brussels appear set to escalate, with human rights and democratic governance at the center of the storm.

Police launch manhunt after woman lynched over false child theft allegation in Delta State, Nigeria

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Police launch manhunt after woman lynched over false child theft allegation in Delta State, Nigeria

AGBARHO, Nigeria (BN24) — Police in Delta State have launched a full-scale manhunt for suspects involved in the brutal lynching of a woman falsely accused of child abduction in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area. The killing, which took place in broad daylight on Wednesday, has sparked outrage and calls for justice.

The victim, identified as Mrs. Afornughe, was attacked by a mob after being accused of hiding a young boy in a sack, a claim now under scrutiny. Eyewitnesses said she was beaten and set on fire in front of horrified residents who, despite recognizing her, were too afraid to intervene.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Agbarho community, where rising fear over child abduction cases has led to an increase in mob-driven violence.

Speaking on Thursday, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident and denounced the extrajudicial killing.

“No suspect has been arrested yet. We are on the trail of those who carried out the dastardly act. Nobody has the monopoly on violence, and no one should take the law into their own hands,” Edafe said.

He assured the public that the Command would spare no effort in apprehending those responsible, adding that full investigations were underway.

Police have also called for calm in Agbarho and urged residents to allow due process rather than resorting to mob action.

Despite the widespread claim that she was attempting to kidnap a child, those who knew Mrs. Afornughe says the accusation was not only false, but tragically misguided.

Local youth leader and cleric, Ambrose Germany, condemned the lynching in a Facebook post, describing the deceased as a familiar face in the community, a church member, and a vendor who sold watermelon at the local market.

“We know her. We know she sells watermelon. We know the church she was wedded in. We know she is a little mentally imbalanced. We know she is innocent. We know God is a righteous judge,” Germany wrote.

He also revealed that her husband, an offshore oil worker, had recently departed for duty just days before the tragedy occurred.

Germany added that while some residents recognized her during the assault, they were too frightened to intervene as the crowd spiraled out of control.

Agbarho, like many parts of southern Nigeria, has in recent months witnessed a spike in rumors and fear-driven actions related to alleged child abductions. Parents have increasingly resorted to keeping children indoors, and school attendance has dropped since the beginning of the new academic term.

Locals blame a growing sense of insecurity and a perceived failure of law enforcement to address real or perceived threats of kidnapping. In this climate, some residents have begun to take matters into their own hands, often with tragic consequences.

Wednesday’s killing has drawn harsh criticism from civil society advocates who warn that Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with mob justice continues to erode public trust and endanger vulnerable members of society, especially those with mental health challenges.

Rights groups and mental health advocates are urging the Delta State government to address both the immediate case and the broader societal issues that allowed such violence to occur unchecked.

“This is not just about one woman,” said a Lagos-based human rights lawyer who requested anonymity. “It’s about a culture of fear, misinformation, and impunity that has led to too many innocent people being murdered in the name of vigilante justice.”

As police continue their investigation, many in Agbarho and beyond are asking: How many more must die before the cycle of mob violence ends?

For verified updates on this case and similar stories, follow [Delta State Police Command] or visit credible news sources.

If you have information that could aid the investigation, contact Delta Police through their official emergency lines or report anonymously.

Wayne Rooney credits wife Coleen for saving his life amid alcohol struggles

Simeon Bateren
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Wayne Rooney credits wife Coleen for saving his life amid alcohol struggles

LONDON (BN24) — Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has revealed he believes he would be dead today if not for the support of his wife, Coleen Rooney, crediting her with helping him manage a secret struggle with alcohol during his playing career.

The 39-year-old, United’s all-time top scorer and one of England’s most famous footballers, made the confession on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, where he discussed his personal battles off the pitch.

“I honestly believe if she weren’t there, I’d be dead,” Rooney said. “I’ve made mistakes in the past, which are well documented and whatever, but I’m a little bit different at times, and she keeps me on that path, and she’s done it for 20-odd years.”

Rooney, who scored 253 goals for Manchester United and 53 for England, admitted he often went on two-day drinking binges during his playing days, even as he delivered match-winning performances at the weekend.

“I wanted to go out and enjoy my time with my friends and have a night out. It got to a point where I went too far, that was a moment in my life where I was struggling massively with alcohol,” he said. “I didn’t think I could turn to anyone. I didn’t really want to because I didn’t want to put that burden on anyone.”

Despite the heavy drinking, Rooney says he would regularly score goals on match days, only to return to binge drinking immediately after.

Rooney described his wife, Coleen, as the anchor who helped him manage his behavior and ultimately control his drinking.

“She’s helped me control that massively. She’s managed me because I needed managing,” he admitted.

The couple, who began dating as teenagers and married in 2008, have four children together. Coleen has stood by Rooney through multiple controversies, including infidelity allegations and drink-driving incidents.

Rooney also told Ferdinand how he tried to disguise his condition at training sessions after drinking sprees.

“I’d use eye drops, chewing gum, and aftershave to hide the state I was in,” he recalled.

The candid revelations paint a stark picture of the pressures faced by top-level footballers and how those pressures can spiral into destructive habits when left unchecked.

Rooney, now a football manager and pundit, says he has since gained control over his life and habits but still credits Coleen with helping him survive one of the darkest periods of his career.

His openness comes amid growing calls for more mental health and addiction support for players at the highest level of the sport, highlighting a side of professional football rarely seen by fans.

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FIFA suspends 7 Malaysian national team players for forged documents in Asia Cup qualifier

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FIFA suspends 7 Malaysian national team players for forged documents in Asia Cup qualifier

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (BN24) — FIFA has handed down year-long bans to seven Malaysian national team players and fined the country’s football governing body after uncovering the use of forged documents in an Asia Cup qualifier, the global football body announced Friday.

The disciplinary committee of world football’s governing body revealed that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) manipulated player documentation to field ineligible players during Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam in a June qualifier match. Following a formal complaint about player eligibility, FIFA launched an investigation that led to the discovery of falsified documents.

As a result, Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano have each been fined 2,000 Swiss francs and banned from all football-related activities for 12 months. In addition to the individual player sanctions, the FAM has been fined 350,000 Swiss francs ($440,000) for its role in the misconduct.

The FAM responded swiftly, stating it will appeal FIFA’s ruling. In a statement issued from Kuala Lumpur, the association emphasized that both the players and the federation acted “in good faith and with full transparency” throughout the process. FAM added that it would “use all available legal channels and procedures to ensure that the interests of the players and the Malaysian national team are always protected.”

The FAM further asserted that the players’ eligibility had previously been reviewed and confirmed by FIFA. It reiterated that all documentation and procedural handling had followed the appropriate guidelines set forth by the sport’s governing body.

Malaysia currently leads its 2027 Asia Cup qualifying group with six points from two matches. The status of that standing may be affected by any further disciplinary decisions by FIFA in the wake of this ongoing controversy.

Stanford, San Jose State renew rivalry in Bill Walsh legacy game with emotions running high

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Stanford, San Jose State renew rivalry in Bill Walsh legacy game with emotions running high

STANFORD, Calif. (BN24) — Though there’s no trophy like the Axe at stake, Saturday’s clash between Stanford and San Jose State carries a different kind of weight, a renewed local rivalry with deep ties, simmering animosity, and shared history, all colliding once again in the Bill Walsh Legacy Game.

Separated by just 20 miles, the two South Bay programs square off at Stanford Stadium in a meeting filled with regional pride and competitive fire. The matchup dates back to 1900, and between 1948 and 2013, the Cardinal and Spartans faced off almost annually before a decade-long break. That hiatus ended last year when San Jose State stunned Stanford 34-31 in a dramatic finale at CEFCU Stadium. Now, the Cardinals are seeking payback.

“We recognize the history of the rivalry, the significance of it,” said Spartans head coach Ken Niumatalolo. “It means something for our players and our program.”

Stanford wide receiver CJ Williams echoed that sentiment with added urgency. “There’s a sense of animosity and urgency for us to win this game,” Williams said. “Hopefully dominate them this weekend, which I know we can do.”

Stanford (1-3) enters the game trying to recover from a lopsided 48-20 loss at Virginia, where the defense gave up 590 total yards. San Jose State (1-2) is also looking to build momentum after narrowly escaping Idaho with a 31-28 win in which the Vandals controlled possession for over 39 minutes.

Quarterbacks Ben Gulbranson and Walker Eget each turned in improved performances last weekend, offering hope for sharper offensive execution on both sides. Gulbranson, who transferred from Oregon State, passed for 286 yards and two touchdowns against Virginia, showing off a high-arcing deep ball that resulted in a pair of long completions to standout receiver Bryce Farrell.

Farrell, emerging as Stanford’s top receiving threat, posted 135 yards on just four catches last week. “He’s really developing into a complete receiver,” head coach Frank Reich said.

Meanwhile, Eget showed command of the Spartans’ offense, throwing for 222 yards and leading five second-half scoring drives. “He had a different look in his eye,” said SJSU offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann. “The first two games, he was kind of searching… but last week, he found it.”

San Jose State receiver Danny Scudero has quickly become one of the nation’s most dangerous threats. The Sacramento State transfer ranks second nationally in receiving yards per game (126.3) and is eighth in receptions (7.3 per game). The Spartans have also occasionally deployed freshman backup QB Tama Amisone in short-yardage packages, using his speed as a change-of-pace weapon.

Stanford’s defense, solid through the early part of the season, faltered in Charlottesville. Defensive lineman Zach Buckey admitted the unit took the performance personally. “We have a chip on our shoulder,” Buckey said. “We did a lot of introspection.”

For Buckey, Saturday’s game is also personal. His father, Jeff Buckey, played offensive line at Stanford during Bill Walsh’s second stint as head coach in the early 1990s. Walsh, who also coached at San Jose State and led the San Francisco 49ers to three Super Bowl titles, is honored through this annual matchup.

“Growing up, Coach Walsh was always the coaching legend in my house,” Buckey said. “To win this Bill Walsh Legacy Game and bring the trophy back would be a full-circle moment for our family.”

Stanford holds a commanding 52-15-1 lead in the all-time series. Still, the recent trend favors San Jose State, which has won the last two meetings, including a 2022 upset over Oregon State with Gulbranson under center, a game that featured a crucial pick-six by DJ Harvey.

The rivalry, while overshadowed by other matchups like Stanford-Cal and San Jose State-Fresno State, still stirs passions. Saturday marks just the second meeting in over a decade, but the schools are set to face off four more times over the next 10 seasons — including a game at CEFCU Stadium in 2026.

And for players like CJ Williams, who transferred in with no historical baggage, the stakes are quickly becoming clear.

“There’s fuel in that fire,” Williams said. “We take a lot of pride in pushing guys around, especially ones we think we’re better than. Physically, mentally, athletically. So yeah, we want to go show them who the better team is.”

Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT at Stanford Stadium, with broadcast coverage on the ACC Network. For Stanford, it’s a chance at redemption. For San Jose State, it’s an opportunity to solidify its standing in a rivalry long dominated by its more prominent neighbor. Either way, this South Bay showdown promises to deliver more than just a game.

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