CJ Stroud reveals close relationship with former Ohio State quarterback

Not many schools have produced NFL-caliber quarterbacks better over the past few seasons than the Ohio State Buckeyes. Current starter CJ Stroud looks the part as well, being invited to New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremony.

When speaking with the media on Friday, Stroud revealed he is still close with former Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields. He said the two have been keeping in touch and have talked for most of the season.

“Justin, I keep in touch with Justin a lot,” Stroud said. “I don’t really know if anybody else has. I know me and Justin have been in touch pretty much the whole season. He wishes me luck, I wish him luck, he offered me congratulations. Things like that.”

Stroud was a backup for Fields as a true freshman last season, going to the national championship game. He appeared in two games for the current Chicago Bears quarterback, but did not attempt a single pass.

Stroud is now a Heisman finalist himself after completing 70.9% of his throws and throwing for 3,862 yards, 38 touchdowns with just five interceptions.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, and Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett will be competing with Stroud for the award. Based on the relationship he has with Fields, it’s safe to say there will be some text messages exchanged between the two on Saturday night.

Contract details emerge for Ohio State and new DC Jim Knowles

The Ohio State Buckeyes were able to grab one of the hottest defensive coordinators on the market in Oklahoma State’s Jim Knowles. The Bryant Award finalist will be replacing Kerry Coombs after four seasons in Stillwater.

Knowles’ contract details with Ohio State have been released, securing a three-year contract the school released on Friday. The defensive coordinator will be making an average of $1.9 million a year or $5.7 million in total. The deal makes him the highest-paid assistant coach in program history.

Schools such as Penn State were also looking to hire Knowles, along with Oklahoma State attempting to give him a contract extension. However, Ohio State came out on top, getting a much-needed rebrand on the defensive end for head coach Ryan Day.

Additionally, Brett McMurphy of Stadium is reporting Knowles will not be coaching for Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame. He will take a break before heading to Colombus for the 2022 season.

Ohio State will have one more game to deal with before officially hiring Knowles as well, facing off against Utah in the Rose Bowl.