The 1988 Stanford Cardinal football team represented Stanford University as a member of the Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) the 1988 NCAA Division I-A football season.
Led by Jack Elway in his fifth and final season as head coach, the Cardinal compiled an overall record of 3–6–2 with a mark of 1–5–2 in conference play, placing ninth in the Pac-10.
The team played home games at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California.
Elwaywas fired following the season and succeeded by Dennis Green.
Stanford's Tuan Van Le, a Vietnam War refugee, blocked Robbie Keen's 20-yard field goal in the final seconds to preserve the tie.