Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud on Thursday was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year following a standout freshman campaign with the Houston Texans.
Stroud helped lead Houston to a 10-7 record and a playoff appearance in his rookie season, throwing for 4,108 yards – the third-most ever by a rookie quarterback – with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions, also setting the record for most passing attempts without an interception to start an NFL career with 191 attempts. He also set the rookie record for single-game passing yards (470) and touchdowns (five) in a 39-37 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
At Ohio State, Stroud – in two seasons as the starter – threw for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns, and was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist while winning a bevy of other conference awards.
“I want to thank Ohio State, Coach (Ryan) Day, Todd Fitch and a ton of Buckeyes out here that have gave me nothing but support and shown a young kid some love all the way 2,000 miles away from home,” Stroud said during his acceptance speech.
Stroud, who received all but two first-place votes, is the fourth former Buckeye to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, joining wide receiver Garrett Wilson (2022), running back Eddie Georgie (1996) and fullback John Brockington (1971). The Buckeyes have also seen extensive success when it comes to Rookie of the Year, as it has seen Chase Young (2020), Nick Bosa (2019), Marshon Lattimore (2017) and Joey Bosa (2016) win the award in recent years on their side of there ball.
