The Houston Texans made a big move when they selected C.J. Stroud as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. And today, as one of the league’s most talented quarterbacks, Stroud’s path to NFL stardom is a testament to the resilience, talent, and development that he demonstrated while operating at Ohio State.
Where Did C.J. Stroud Go to College?
Stroud’s meteoric rise in football began at The Ohio State University, where he excelled as a starting quarterback for two seasons.
Stroud grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and attended Rancho Cucamonga High School. A standout athlete, he passed for 3,878 yards and 47 touchdowns in his senior season.
Nonetheless, despite his good statistics, Stroud was not easy to recruit. Rated a four-star recruit, he did not initially receive as much media attention as some of his contemporaries. That changed after a stellar performance in the Elite 11 quarterback competition, where he won MVP honors.
Ohio State made an offer late in the recruiting process, and Stroud signed to play with the Buckeyes in Dec. 2019, joining a highly competitive program with a track record of producing NFL players.
Stroud’s Early Years at Ohio State
Stroud took the redshirt year in 2020 and watched idly from behind the starter Justin Fields. Although he did not take a snap that year, Stroud’s work ethic and preparation were plain for all coaches and teammates to see.
He began the 2021 season as the incumbent starter, with a high profile on a program that routinely seeks national championships.
Record-Breaking Seasons in Columbus
Stroud’s first start coming off the bench was unbelievable. In 2021, in his first year as a starter, he threw for 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns with only six picks, earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and All-Big Ten First-Team recognition. His composure, accuracy, and speed with reading defenses also clearly distinguished him, which produced numerous Ohio State records in the process.
One of Stroud’s most memorable performances came in the 2022 Rose Bowl against Utah. Despite being without most of his top wide receivers, Stroud threw for an incredible 573 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Buckeyes to an exciting 48-45 victory. The game solidified his reputation as a clutch performer capable of delivering under pressure.
Stroud kept shining in his second year at the starter’s position in 2022, throwing for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns. His performances earned him a second consecutive trip to the Heisman Trophy ceremony, where he finished as a finalist both years.
Even though he did not take home the trophy, Stroud’s reliability and leadership ensured that he remained an elite quarterback in college football.
Stroud’s Path to the NFL
Elite accuracy, decisional processes, and the ability to perform well under duress. His performances in games against top competition, including, but not limited to, a courageous professional game against Georgia in the 2022 College Football Playoff, furthered his draft consideration.
At the end of his college career, Stroud left his mark in the Ohio State record books:
- 71.9% single-season completion percentage, 2021 (first in school history)
- 85 career passing touchdowns (second)
- 7,775 career passing yards (second)
- 182.39 career passer efficiency rating (first)
Given this success, Stroud culminated as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Buckeyes history, a locked-in Round 1 draft pick for the NFL.
How Ohio State Prepared Stroud for the Pros
The opportunity to play at Ohio State conferred on Stroud a truly unique platform with which to sharpen his abilities. He encountered some of the best defenses in the country, worked with top-notch coaches, and threw to NFL-caliber players, such as Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Buckeyes’ pro-style offense coached his pro-style reads and built his pro-style mechanics, preparing him for the pros down the road.
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Stroud’s examples of leadership and maturity made him admired by his teammates and coaches. His skill in remaining calm under pressure, alongside his unending desire to get better all around them, made him a stand-out individual in terms of being a true leader.
Stroud’s NFL Progress
As of Jan. 12, 2025, Stroud has completed his second NFL regular season as the starting quarterback for the Texans. In the 2024 season, Stroud played 17 games, achieving a passer rating of 87.0 with 3,727 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
He also contributed on the ground with 233 rushing yards. These performances highlight his development and adaptation to the professional level, building upon the strong foundation from his collegiate career at Ohio State, including back-to-back postseason appearances.
The Next Chapter
Stroud’s evolution from Rancho Cucamonga to Columbus, Ohio, to the NFL is a story of passion and ability. Having a solid base during his time at Ohio State, Stroud is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the professional game. The Texans, like the Buckeyes before them, are betting on Stroud’s ability to lead and excel on the biggest stage.
And along the way, his time in college at Ohio State will forever be remembered as the ignition point for a young quarterback that will blaze a trail to stardom.
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