Bunce Entering Rose Bowl Hall of Fame

Eighth former Stanford great inducted by the Tournament of Roses

PASADENA, Calif. — Stanford great Don Bunce is being inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in its 2026 Class, announced by the Tournament of Roses. Bunce is the eighth former Stanford great inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.

Sitting behind fellow Rose Bowl Hall of Famer Jim Plunkett, Bunce earned the starting quarterback role for Stanford in 1971 and helped lead his team back to the Rose Bowl Game with a 9-3 record and the Pac-8 title. Trailing undefeated Michigan 12-10 in the final minutes, Bunce led Stanford to a game-winning field goal by Rod Garcia, securing a 13-12 win. Bunce completed 24 of his 44 passes for 290 yards and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

He played one season of professional football before earning his medical degree at Stanford and becoming a successful orthopedic surgeon in Palo Alto. Bunce served as the Stanford football team doctor from 1982-1992. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 54.

Bunce will be inducted posthumously with USC receiver Bob Chandler, California linebacker Les Richter, and Georgia running back Frank Sinkwich.

The Class of 2026 will be honored during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game, presented by Prudential, on Jan. 1, 2027.