C.J. Stroud almost returned to the Ohio State Football program

Today is when things really start to ramp up for the Ohio State football players that are at the Combine. Zach Harrison was supposed to do stuff yesterday but ended up deciding not to because he was nursing a hamstring injury. Today is when other Buckeyes start doing workouts.

C.J. Stroud is one of those players. He took questions from the media today for the first time. As we know, he is fighting to be the number one overall pick in this year’s class now that the Bears look like they will trade that pick to someone who needs a quarterback.

Stroud mentioned that he thinks he’s been the best player in college football for the last two years. I love the confidence from him even if I don’t necessarily think he’s right. He did say one thing that I found extremely interesting though.

C.J. Stroud said he wanted to return to the Ohio State football program

Talking to reporters, Stroud mentioned that he actually wanted to come back to Ohio State this year. You can see the full quote below.

If you recall, there were rumors that Stroud was going to return. He waited until the 11th hour to declare for the Draft. It seems that he really was interested in coming back to Columbus to try and win a national championship, but his future potential earnings outweighed the potential risk.

I certainly don’t blame him for leaving. I actually think it’s in his best interest to do what he did. Stroud had to leave for the Draft when he could be a number one overall pick. At worst, he’s still going in the top five. He has to strike while the iron is hot.

It would have been great for the Buckeyes if he would have returned though. Ohio State would’ve had a great case to be ranked preseason number one heading into next season.