Stanford’s Jahsiah Galvan builds on abuelo’s sacrifices

For Stanford linebacker Jahsiah Galvan, a bond with his family has been inseparable. His mother Anaisa Galvan and his maternal grandparents provided the roadmap for his success at an early age. 

“My mom and grandparents have shaped the way I am today,” Jahsiah says. “First and foremost, by always emphasizing how important education is and always reminding me to keep that as the number one priority.

“They’ve also always been extremely supportive in anything that I’ve wanted to pursue, specifically in football, driving all over the country for camps and 7-on-7 tournaments.”

Driven by hard work and his family’s guidance, the redshirt junior hasn’t just competed at a Power 4 program. He has earned his place at Stanford, one of the most academically prestigious universities in the country, which was paved by the sacrifices of his grandparents.

Jahsiah Galvan credits grandfather

Jahsiah’s roots trace back to Mexico. His grandfather Juan Galvan is from Mexicali in the state of Baja California. His grandmother, Arcelia Galvan, is from the state of Chihuahua. Juan and Arcelia first migrated to Texas before eventually settling in West Liberty, Iowa. 

Jahsiah holds his heritage close to his heart.

“Growing up in a Latino household, with all of the culture, the food, the language, just everything that encompasses Mexican culture, it’s just a huge part of me,” Jahsiah said. “Being able to represent that is an honor.”

Welcome back Jahsiah Galvan. First play back from the injury at Hawaii. Arguably Stanford‘s best player on the first and second level of their defense. He’s a Baller. Only problem is availability. pic.twitter.com/TSIK4m88zO

— Dave Borghi (@scarneck70) October 14, 2025

Jahsiah credits his grandparents with being present in every part of his life. They were always at his athletic events. When he got out of school, he could count on his grandparents to pick him up.

He’s grateful that his grandparents always supported and nurtured his dream of playing football at this level.”

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While Jahsiah stayed active in various sports throughout his youth, he was most drawn to football. After being introduced to flag football in the third grade, he transitioned to tackle football. That’s when his passion for the sport took off. 

“Growing up, it was really the only sport where you can be violent, per se—be physical and really hit someone,” Jahsiah says. “That’s the part that I fell in love with early on.”

After graduating from West Liberty High School in 2021 as a five-sport letterman, Jahsiah pursued football at the University of Northern Iowa. In two seasons as a Panther, he recorded 81 tackles while appearing in 13 games as an inside linebacker.

Changing course

He entered the transfer portal after he earned Phil Steele Freshman All-American First Team honors in 2023 as a redshirt freshman. Just 13 days after entering the portal, Jahsiah committed to the University of Wisconsin. However, a heavy push from Stanford and a visit to the campus led him to flip his commitment. 

He was on an official visit at Stanford the day he was supposed to move into Wisconsin. 

“The coach here at Stanford was recruiting me pretty heavily,” he says. “It just made more sense here with academics and everything.”

In addition to Stanford’s academic appeal and the coaching staff’s persistence, a personal connection stood out to Jahsiah. While on his visit, he met Albert Garcia, who was Stanford’s Director of Football Player Personnel at the time.

Garcia and Jahsiah’s family hit it off, creating a strong bond.

“When I came on my visit here, he was one of the guys that showed me around,” Galvan said of Garcia. “He’s Latino too. So for him and my parents to be able to connect and be able to chop it up … that was definitely an advantage.”

Garcia was recently promoted to director of recruiting strategy and high school personnel. He credits Beca Perez, Stanford’s assistant director of recruiting operations, with making Galvan’s family feel at ease.

Hoping to avoid injuries

“His family was incredibly humble,” Garcia says of Galvans mom and grandparents. “You could tell his mother worked hard to help Jahsiah get to where he is today and wanted to ensure she was leaving him in the right place with the right people. 

“His grandfather was a respectful man who seemed at ease when he encountered Beca Perez and I. We, along with his mother, were able to assist with him understanding everything Stanford has to offer for his grandchild.”

Since committing to Stanford in January 2024, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker has battled hamstring injuries that have limited his time on the field in his first two seasons. In his debut season for the Cardinal, he appeared in nine games. He had 16 tackles and earned the team’s fourth-highest defensive grade (72.5), according to Pro Football Focus. 

As a redshirt junior in 2025, he started seven games. Galvan racked up 50 tackles and forced two fumbles.

He looks to lead Stanford’s defense. Moreover, Galvan anticipates a breakout year as a senior in 2026.

“I just hope to be a good leader on the team, especially on the defense.” Jahsiah Galvan says. “You know, being one of the guys that everyone can count on and being a voice of encouragement and positivity.

“I feel like I’m due to have a big season. The last few seasons I have been fighting injuries and have been limited in how much I can play. Hopefully this is the year I can stay healthy and be consistent throughout the year.”