CJ Stroud explains how time at Ohio State prepared him for 'target on our back' with Texans

In 2021, CJ Stroud took over as Ohio State quarterback as a newcomer on the college football stage after sitting behind Justin Fields. He found immediate success, heading to the Heisman Trophy ceremony with at least one year remaining before heading to the NFL Draft.

That redshirt freshman season meant Stroud dealt with high expectations for his second year as the starter in 2022. It’s easy to see the parallels to his NFL career after going No. 2 overall to the Houston Texans.

Stroud entered the league with questions about how he’d translate to the next level and proceeded to silence the doubters en route to an Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Houston then went and added more weapons around him, adding to the hype about Year 2. But that time at Ohio State was important in preparing Stroud for the moment, and he’s ready to take another leap this fall.

“It’s not going to be easy,” Stroud said Thursday. “It’s going to be harder. We have a target on our back this year. That’s how you should want it and that’s what I’m used to, playing at Ohio State. I’m really honored and blessed to have the teammates that I do to want that challenge and for guys to want to come and play here.

“This Texans team isn’t for everybody. It’s hard here and we’re blessed enough to play a game that we’ve been playing since we were kids. I definitely do think that all the expectations, we just work, everything will take care of itself. The story is already written.”

CJ Stroud: Texans have ‘five-headed monster’ in 2024

In Stroud’s first year as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, he shined, throwing for 4,435 yards and 44 yards to finish fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting as Bryce Young won the award. He followed that up with another big year with 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns to return to New York, finishing third in the voting behind Caleb Williams and Max Duggan.

That set the table for Stroud’s rookie season with the Texans, and he exceeded expectations in a big way. He threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns – including a record-setting performance with 470 yards and five touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – to win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

As if that wasn’t enough, the Texans then brought in Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon to a group that already includes Tank Dell, Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz. Those additions will add another level to the Houston offense. Suffice to say, Stroud’s ready to go.

“It’s a five-headed monster,” Stroud said as training camp started. “It’s definitely super dope to have just a bunch of options.”