Ohio State football: C.J. Stroud loves Ohio State

Former Ohio State football quarterback C.J. Stroud was back in Columbus, Ohio over the weekend, attending the Penn State game. Wearing a black Ohio State jacket and flashing that million-dollar smile, the starting Houston Texans quarterback was welcomed back with welcome arms.

Stroud’s day began by embracing his former teammates and coaches as they stretched and warmed up before their big showdown against #7 Penn State. Wide Receiver and Offensive Coordinator Brian Hartline seemed to garner the best response from Stroud. Eleven Warriors captured the moment and shared it on their X page.

Before the game began, on the set of ESPN’s College GameDay, Stroud was selected as the guest picker for the program. Of course, Stroud picked the Ohio State football team to defeat the Nittany Lions, along with fellow former Buckeye quarterback Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, former Michigan Wolverine Desmond Howard, and the legendary Lee Corso, who stated it was 27 years ago when he first put on the Brutus Buckeye head as he did so once again.

https://twitter.com/CollegeGameDay/status/1715757454011539711

Stroud was honored during the game as his name was announced by the P.A. announcer. Most former Ohio State football players stand on the sideline for a little bit, wave to the crowd when they are announced, and then make their way back to a suite or leave for other events. But Stroud stayed on the sideline for the entire game rooting on his former team and alma mater.

One time after the Buckeyes’ offense stalled, the FOX cameras caught Stroud giving current starting quarterback Kyle McCord a confident tap on his shoulder pads and a quick word of encouragement. This type of behavior from a former Buckeye who is currently starring in the NFL is atypical.

The best moment of all on Saturday was after the game was finished. The Buckeyes traditionally gather after every game to sing Carmen Ohio win or lose. Right in the middle of the team was none other than Stroud who was videoed by WBNS 10tv

It is apparent that Stroud loved being a Buckeye and still holds a special place in his heart for Columbus, Ohio, and the time he spent being the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. During his time in Columbus, Stroud was 21-4 as a starter and threw for 8,123 yards for 85 touchdowns.

Stroud had the single greatest statistical game by a quarterback in Ohio State history when he threw for 573 yards and six touchdowns against Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl.

Stroud is currently the early favorite to be the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year this season. He has led the Texans to a 3-3 record, passing for 1,990 yards, nine touchdowns, and only one interception. Stroud and the Texans return to action next week when they go on the road to face the Carolina Panthers.