CJ Stroud discusses connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The chemistry between Ohio State Buckeyes stars C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba was evident in 2021. It’s the result of many hours spent together on the field and many hours off of it. The duo have gone on vacation together and even visited each other in their hometowns.

“Still, to this day, (he’s) one of my brothers, one of my best friends,” Stroud said. “I mean, we kind of match well together, we get each other. And I definitely think the stuff that we do off the field does play into what we do on the field. And that’s what our chemistry comes from.”

Head coach Ryan Day didn’t know how special the duo’s relationship would be when he landed the two as prospects in the 2020 recruiting class. After coaching them through the 2021 season, he definitely knows now.

“They have a high level of chemistry,” Day attested. “I think C.J. may tell you sometimes he looks for Jaxon maybe a little too much. But no, they do. And I think that was built maybe even when they knew each other in high school, but certainly on the scout team their first year early on, and their friendship has become stronger.”

Smith-Njigba caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He put up those numbers with former Buckeyes Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave also ranking in the Big Ten’s top-5 for receptions.

Stroud’s favorite target is now spitting distance from the top of the Las Vegas odds. Depending on how things shake out in 2022, Smith-Njigba could pull a DeVonta Smith and win the Heisman over his quarterback this winter.

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CJ Stroud on Heisman hopes

At Big 10 Media days, CJ Stroud discussed what it means to be a front runner this year for college football’s most coveted individual honor.

“Being a finalist was definitely just a blessing,” Stroud said. “I’ve been dreaming of that moment for my whole life ever since I dedicated my life to football. And for God to bless me like that – as quick as it came – it was amazing. And I know that I went through everything that I went through just to get to that moment.

“I definitely think that I’m not really focusing too much on just the Heisman. I just wanna win, just wanna go 1-0 every week. 1-0 every game. 1-0 a film session, 1-0 in practice. I feel if you do that, you stack days, and good things like that could come. I’m just hoping for the best with that,” Stroud said.

On3’s Wade Peery contributed to this report.