Ex-Ohio State Buckeye C.J. Stroud Making Case For Rookie of the Year

Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud had another standout day for the Houston Texans, strengthening his Rookie of the Year case.

Since being drafted by the Houston Texans second overall in April's NFL Draft earlier this year, former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud hasn't missed a beat. The ex-Buckeye has thrown for multiple touchdowns in all but one contest this year, the most for any rookie field general so far. 

In fact, Stroud's got more yards, more touchdowns, and fewer interceptions than any other rookie quarterback as well. Sunday he did nothing but add to those totals. Coming off Rookie of the Month honors, he reeled off 306 yards and two passing touchdowns in a 30-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

That's the second straight win for the Texans, who've evened up their record at 2-2 behind the strong play of Stroud. They're far from Super Bowl contenders, but drafting the former OSU gunslinger seems to be working out well for all parties. If Stroud keeps this up, he'll be in serious contention for the Rookie of the Year award at the end of this season.

As it stands, there aren't many other first-year guys that can match up with Ohio State's ex-field general. Stoud's crossed the 1000-yard mark as of Sunday and has six passing touchdowns, putting him above the majority of even veteran QBs in those categories. 

Before Sunday's 306-yard outing, the 2022 Heisman Finalist was ranked seventh in the league for total passing yards, just behind LA Rams Matthew Stafford. With fellow early draft picks Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson, both quarterbacks as well, lagging behind him statistically, at this point, the race may be Stroud's to lose.

It's likely that his numbers will continue to climb as gets even more comfortable in this offense, but the real question is if the Texans can keep clocking out wins. Stroud's used to putting up W's from his days his Columbus and that attitude is something he's brought with him to the pros. 

When this season wraps up, don't be surprised to see Stroud picking up some hardware and stepping forward into the upper echelon of the league's huddle callers.