Houston Texans HC DeMeco Ryans officially names C.J. Stroud starting QB

The Houston Texans officially have their Week 1 starter. On Sunday, head coach DeMeco Ryans named rookie C.J. Stroud the starter to open the 2023 regular season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted out the news Sunday night.

Houston opens the 2023 season against the Baltimore Ravens. Stroud will have his work cut out for him, taking on former league MVP Lamar Jackson to start his career in the NFL.

Stroud was the No. 2 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was taken behind former Alabama standout Bryce Young.

Texans’ HC DeMeco Ryan said No. 4 overall pick C.J. Stroud officially will be Houston’s opening-day starting QB vs. the Baltimore Ravens.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 28, 2023

Stroud was a two-year starter at Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff berth last season. There are high expectations for the rookie to become the next face of the Texans franchise.

News of Stroud’s starting status comes after the Texans defeated the New Orleans Saints to round out the preseason schedule, 17-13. Stroud threw just four passes, completing two for 16 yards and a touchdown strike.

Stroud saw action in all three of Houston’s preseason games, though his reps were limited. He completed 2-of-4 passes in the opener against New England, totaling 13 yards and throwing an interception.

Things looked a little better for the rookie out of Ohio State in his second game, completing 7-of-12 passes for 60 yards in a loss to the Miami Dolphins. It wasn’t until his final game of the preseason when he threw a touchdown pass.

It will be interesting to see how the rookie handles the pressure of leading an NFL franchise in Week 1. But, hey, he has to learn at some point.

C.J. Stroud put together impressive career at Ohio State

Because of his success at Ohio State, many thought Stroud might edge out Young as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Although it didn’t happen, there’s still a lot of hype surrounding the ex-Buckeye.

During his time in Columbus, Stroud threw for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns in two years as the starter. He also maintained a 69.3% completion rate.

Stroud was twice named the Big Ten Quarterback of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. He also earned All-American honors twice and was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. He finished fourth in the voting in 2021 and third in 2022.

As the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, Stroud owned a 21-4 record.

Houston’s season opener against Baltimore is set for Sunday, Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. ET. The game airs on CBS.