C.J. Stroud not pressuring wide receivers into Rose Bowl decision
COLUMBUS — C.J. Stroud understands there are business decisions that have to be made for two of the top Ohio State receivers.
But the freshman quarterback is at least going to apply a little light-hearted pressure on Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave if it means he might get to throw to them both one more time.
Both of those talented targets have first-round NFL Draft potential, and they are at the top of the list of possible opt-out candidates ahead of the Rose Bowl as they weigh the pros and cons of risking that status to put on an Ohio State uniform for the final time.
“I told Garrett yesterday, I was kind of messing with him, but told him: I don’t want to play with anybody but you,” Stroud said. “But I tell him do what’s best for him. I really don’t have the say-so in that. That’s up to him and his family and what he wants to do.
“I told them both to just do whatever is best for you. I mean, at the end of the day, whatever they decide to do, I’m behind them. Because in this sport, in this life, in this college football world, a lot of people do what’s best for them. So you kind of have to do what’s best for you, even if it might look as a selfish situation. Because those guys gave everything to Ohio State. I’ve never seen them make a selfish decision.”
The choice to sit out the Rose Bowl could instead be a self-preservation decision for any draft-eligible Buckeyes, a list that starts with those pro-ready receivers.
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Wilson still hasn’t publicly tipped his hand about forgoing his remaining eligibility, though it’s widely expected he will inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. So, his status for the matchup with Utah could come at the same time as he makes his future plans clear for the program — and neither he nor Olave can be blamed if they don’t take the risk.
The lack of championship stakes outside of the College Football Playoff has made opt-outs both more common and understandable in locker rooms around the country. And while the draw of a massive audience in a tradition-rich game on New Year’s Day with a shot to go out with a win will be an enticement, that’s just part of the equation for the Buckeyes.
“If they don’t play, then it’s probably a benefit to them — and I fully respect it,” Stroud said. “Then it’s just time for guys to step up for next year. … We’ve just got to go win the game, and it’s not going to be easy. Utah is a hell of a team. They do a lot of good things, and we’re definitely not taking it lightly at all. I feel like whoever has to step up will if that if that needs to be the case.
“But of course I want to play with my brothers again and end it the right way.”
C.J. Stroud already has the sales pitch down for Ohio State.
Now he just has to wait to find out if he can throw something else at those Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.
