As the Houston Texans gear up for a crucial playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers this Saturday, the focus for quarterback C.J. Stroud is not solely on his professional postseason prospects. With a football mind that’s always looking ahead, Stroud has his eyes set on another major matchup: the College Football Playoff showdown between Ohio State and Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Friday.
While Stroud now calls Texas home, his heart remains tied to his alma mater, Ohio State, where he played from 2020 to 2022. This year’s Cotton Bowl clash between the Buckeyes and the Longhorns has extra significance for Stroud, whose college roots run deep with Ohio State. The winner of this game advances to the national championship, making the stakes even higher for both teams. With a sense of loyalty to Ohio State, Stroud made it clear who he’s rooting for.
“I got the Bucks, man, all day,” Stroud declared with a smile when speaking to reporters this week. Despite being surrounded by numerous Texas fans within the Texans’ locker room, Stroud remains firm in his allegiance to Ohio State. In fact, he joked that he’s placed several bets with his teammates who support the Longhorns. “I’ve got a lot of UT guys here, so I’ve got a lot of bets going on. If you see some guys in scarlet on Saturday morning, you know where it came from,” he added, acknowledging that the competitive spirit runs strong between the two fanbases.
Stroud’s excitement for the game is palpable, as he described the matchup as “a heck of a game,” knowing that both teams bring elite talent and strong histories to the table. The Cotton Bowl is no ordinary bowl game, and for Stroud, who spent two highly successful years as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, it holds a personal connection. As he prepared for his own playoff game with the Texans, Stroud found himself reflecting on the significance of this college football postseason battle, as it will decide which team gets a shot at the ultimate prize: the national championship.
Ohio State’s program has always been one of the nation’s most storied, with a history of producing top-tier talent and consistently competing at the highest level. Stroud, who led the Buckeyes’ offense during a standout college career, is one of those players whose impact is still felt in Columbus, Ohio. His time at Ohio State was marked by impressive performances, big wins, and a Heisman-worthy career that elevated him to one of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. But while Stroud is now firmly entrenched in the NFL with the Texans, he hasn’t lost touch with his college roots and continues to support his former team from afar.
Stroud’s connection to Ohio State and the Buckeyes’ fanbase is something he takes great pride in. His time in Columbus not only helped him develop into the player he is today but also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie with his teammates and coaches. While Stroud is now focused on his professional career, he remains deeply invested in the success of Ohio State, especially when it comes to high-stakes matchups like the Cotton Bowl.
The fact that Ohio State is facing Texas, a team with strong ties to Stroud’s current home state of Texas, only adds to the intrigue. The Longhorns have built a powerful football program of their own, and their success this season has earned them a place in the College Football Playoff. Texas and Ohio State bring different styles and strengths to the field, making this Cotton Bowl clash one of the most highly anticipated games of the postseason. For Stroud, it represents a fascinating intersection of his past and present: the team that helped shape him into an NFL quarterback and the state he now represents as a professional.
As the game approaches, Stroud’s excitement grows. He’s been in the shoes of Ohio State’s players before, having experienced the intensity and pressure of college football’s biggest games. Now, he gets to watch as his former team looks to continue its journey toward the national title. While he’ll be focused on his own playoff matchup with the Texans, Stroud’s support for Ohio State is unwavering. It’s clear that no matter where his career takes him, he’ll always have a soft spot for the Buckeyes and their pursuit of greatness.
Stroud’s comments about his allegiance to Ohio State, despite being surrounded by Texas supporters in the Texans’ locker room, show just how deeply his connection to the Buckeyes runs. His loyalty to his alma mater is a testament to the lasting bonds that college football can create, even after players move on to the professional ranks. For Stroud, it’s not just about rooting for a team; it’s about honoring the foundation that helped launch his career. As he prepares for the Texans’ playoff game, Stroud is also looking forward to seeing his former team take on the Longhorns in a matchup that is sure to have major implications for the rest of the season.
As for the game itself, Ohio State and Texas are two powerhouse programs with rich histories and passionate fanbases. Both teams have proven themselves to be among the nation’s elite, and the winner of the Cotton Bowl will have a chance to compete for the coveted national championship. With Stroud cheering on the Buckeyes, and the eyes of college football fans everywhere focused on this highly anticipated matchup, it’s clear that the Cotton Bowl will be a game to remember.
Whether Stroud is watching the game from Houston or keeping tabs on the action while preparing for his own playoff challenge, one thing is for sure: his support for Ohio State is unwavering. Even in the midst of his professional success, Stroud’s heart is still with the Buckeyes, and this week’s Cotton Bowl matchup is the perfect opportunity for him to show his pride. As the game approaches, Stroud and countless other Ohio State fans will be eagerly watching, hoping that the Buckeyes can continue their journey toward another national championship.
