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Big Ten Roundup (Aug. 29): Rutgers Lands 3-Star Basketball Recruit, C.J. Stroud Named Texans' Starter

Dylan Grant, a three-star basketball prospect in the class of 2024, committed to the Rutgers men's basketball team and coach Steve Pikiell on Monday. Elsewhere, former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud was named the starter for the Houston Texans.

Daniel Olinger

Big Ten Roundup (Aug. 29): Rutgers Lands 3-Star Basketball Recruit, C.J. Stroud Named Texans' Starter
Big Ten Roundup (Aug. 29): Rutgers Lands 3-Star Basketball Recruit, C.J. Stroud Named Texans' Starter /
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Even if Rutgers basketball fans were hoping it was Dylan Harper who committed on Monday, they'll take Dylan Grant.

The three-star forward from Michigan in the class of 2024 committed to coach Steve Pikiell and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Monday. He is Pikiell's fourth commit in the class. 

In the NFL, Ohio State's own C.J. Stroud was finally named the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. Stroud started for the Buckeyes in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, and was drafted by Houston with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Here's everything you need to know in today's Big Ten Roundup:

Dylan Grant Commits to Rutgers

The 2024 recruiting class that the Rutgers men's basketball program is building is really something. 

Five-star and No. 3 overall ranked player Ace Bailey. Two three-star forwards in Lathan Sommerville and Bryce Dortch. Maybe, just maybe, No. 2 overall ranked player Dylan Harper. 

And now, three-star forward Dylan Grant. 

“I loved the vibe! Playing in the Big Ten has always been a dream of mine," Grant told Joe Tipton of On3, explaining his decision. "I feel blessed to have the opportunity to learn from the experienced coaching staff at Rutgers. Coach Pikiell brings a wealth of knowledge in the game of basketball. I see their vision and I believe in it.”

During 22 games he played for The Family AAU team on the 2023 Nike EYBL circuit, Grant averaged 13.0 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting just under 47% from the field, according to sources with access to the Draft Express database. 

With Grant's commitment, Rutgers now has the No. 2 overall ranked 2024 recruiting class, trailing only that of North Carolina's, according to 247 Sports. If Pikiell and Co. are able to eventually land the hometown hero in Harper, there's a good chance the No. 1 overall recruiting class will be coming to Piscataway in 2024. 

C.J. Stroud Named Texans' Starting Quarterback

While it was the result every football fan expected in due time, word was finally made official on Sunday — C.J. Stroud is going to be the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. 

Stroud had a storied career at Ohio State, throwing for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns in just two seasons as the starter in Columbus. He never beat Michigan, though, which will forever live in the minds of many a Buckeye fan. However, he ended his collegiate career with a spectacular performance against the eventual national champion Georgia, throwing for 348 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions against the Bulldogs. 

The Texans begin their season on Sunday, Sept. 10 against the Baltimore Ravens. 

For more on the announcement of Stroud as the starter in Houston, check out the full story on our sister site Buckeyes Now. 

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Daniel Olinger
DANIEL OLINGER

Daniel Olinger is a Sports Illustrated/FanNation reporter for HoosiersNow.com. He graduated from Northwestern University with degrees in both journalism and economics. 

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