Stanford Football Program Gets $50 Million From Former Player

A private equity investor who played football at Stanford University in the 1960s is donating $50 million to the program at a time when college athletics is undergoing sweeping change.

The gift from Bradford Freeman will help the California school recruit top football talent and compete at the highest level, President Jonathan Levin said in a statement Wednesday.

“This is a game-changing gift for Stanford,” Levin said. “Brad’s generosity and commitment to football will benefit our entire athletics department, as excellence in football will support success across all 36 varsity sports.”

Under a landmark federal settlement, colleges are now allowed ...