JT Barrett shares why Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud shares similar career path with him

Former Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett sees a lot of similarities between him and current Buckeyes starter CJ Stroud. Barrett, who started at Ohio State from 2014-2017, recently sat down with Lettermen Row’s Austin Ward, where he heaped some serious praise on what he’s seen from Stroud thus far in his career.

“It’s interesting, I haven’t had conversations with CJ before,” Barrett said. “But watching from afar, I think our situations were a little similar, but not crazy. He had like a full spring being able to prepare and compete as far as being a starter and stuff like that. I say that just because people were coming after them the first couple games, man. Especially losing to Oregon and things like that. And I remember losing to Virginia Tech my second game and what that felt like. It didn’t feel like – it was a little rough coming in.

“But I think the way he’s handled it and going about the season, he’s calm, poised, he throws the ball at an extremely high level. So I mean I think he’s going up from here as far as the things he’s been able to do. And I know coach Day is going to do his best to make sure he’s gonna be successful. So I think it’s gonna be good.”

Barrett recently signed a contract with the Edmonton Elks of the CFL. He has not played professional football since 2020, but that will soon be changing.

Stroud’s freshman season at Ohio State instilled optimism in Barrett

Over the course of his collegiate career at Ohio State, Barrett was named the Big Ten quarterback of the year three times. He was also a three time All-Big Ten first team selection. Barrett believes that Stroud is capable of having a lot of similar success during his time at Ohio State.

Ultimately, Barrett threw for 9,434 yards with 104 touchdowns and 30 interceptions during his time as Ohio State’s quarterback. He also rushed 656 times for 3,263 yards and 43 touchdowns.

In his first year as Ohio State’s starter this past season, Stroud threw for 4,435 yards with 44 touchdowns and six interceptions. He was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Stroud led the Buckeyes to an appearance in the Rose Bowl, where he threw for 573 yards and six touchdowns in a high-scoring victory.

Entering the 2022 season, Stroud is among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. The Buckeyes are looking to get back at the top of the Big Ten, and Barrett believes that Stroud is capable of leading Ohio State to that success.