C.J. Stroud’s Crossroads: After Playoff Collapse, Can the Texans’ QB Reclaim His Rising Star Status in 2026?
C.J. Stroud isn’t just entering his fourth NFL season-he’s walking into a defining chapter of his young career.
Once hailed as a can’t-miss prospect out of Ohio State, Stroud now finds himself under a microscope in Houston. The Texans have been winning, yes.
But the quarterback who once looked like the face of the franchise is now facing real questions about whether he can still be that guy.
From Buckeye Brilliance to NFL Spotlight
Let’s rewind for a second. Before he ever put on a Texans jersey, Stroud was lighting it up in Columbus.
Over two seasons as Ohio State’s starter, he posted a 21-4 record and threw for more than 8,100 yards with 85 touchdowns and just 12 picks. That’s not just good-it’s video game numbers.
He earned back-to-back Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors, came close to the Heisman (twice), and led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff in 2022, where they came heartbreakingly close to knocking off Georgia.
Stroud’s college résumé was loaded. Size?
Check. Arm talent?
Check. Poise in big moments?
Check. By the time the 2023 NFL Draft rolled around, he was a no-brainer pick at No. 2 overall.
The Texans didn’t hesitate.
Early Success, But Shadows Begin to Creep In
And at first, Houston looked like they hit the jackpot. Stroud came out of the gate firing in 2023, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and helping the Texans to a 10-win season and an AFC South title.
In fact, over his first three seasons, Houston went 32-19 with three straight playoff appearances and back-to-back division crowns. That’s not something you see every day from a team that had been rebuilding just a few years ago.
But here’s where the story takes a turn.
Despite the team’s success, Stroud’s individual play has taken a noticeable dip since his rookie campaign. The numbers tell a story of a quarterback who’s still good-but no longer great. His completion percentage has hovered in the low 60s, but his yards per attempt have dropped, his touchdown-to-interception ratio has slipped, and his overall quarterback rating has declined year over year:
- 2023: 63.9% completions, 4,108 yards, 23 TDs, 5 INTs, 100.8 rating
- 2024: 63.2% completions, 3,727 yards, 20 TDs, 12 INTs, 87.0 rating
- 2025: 64.5% completions, 3,041 yards, 19 TDs, 8 INTs, 92.9 rating
Those numbers don’t scream “bust,” but they do raise eyebrows-especially for a quarterback expected to be the centerpiece of a championship-caliber team.
Context Matters, But So Does Production
To be fair, Stroud hasn’t had the smoothest ride. He’s played under two different offensive coordinators in three seasons, and the Texans’ offensive line has been a revolving door of injuries and inconsistency. That’s a tough environment for any quarterback, let alone a young one still developing at the pro level.
But even with those challenges, there’s been a noticeable shift in how Stroud handles pressure. The calm, calculated decision-maker from 2023 has looked more rattled in recent seasons. He’s had moments of brilliance, but also stretches of indecision and forced throws-especially in big moments.
And then came the 2025 playoffs.
A Playoff Meltdown for the Ages
Stroud’s postseason performance this year wasn’t just bad-it was historically bad. Over two games, he coughed up five-plus interceptions and five-plus fumbles (two of which were lost).
That’s a first in NFL playoff history. The Texans managed to survive the first round thanks to a dominant defensive effort against Pittsburgh, but they couldn’t overcome Stroud’s miscues in a 28-16 loss to New England the following week.
That game wasn’t just a loss-it felt like a collapse. The Texans had real Super Bowl aspirations, and instead, they were sent home early, with their quarterback looking like a shadow of the player who once owned the pocket with such control.
What’s at Stake in 2026?
Now, Stroud enters 2026 with something to prove. The talent is still there-no one’s questioning that.
But the trust? That’s been shaken.
From fans. From analysts.
And maybe even from the organization itself.
This season isn’t just about wins and losses for Stroud. It’s about reestablishing his identity as a top-tier quarterback. It’s about showing he can be the guy who elevates his team, not the one who holds them back in January.
The good news? There’s reason to believe a bounce-back is possible. Stroud will have continuity with offensive coordinator Nick Caley for the first time in his career, and if the Texans can get healthier up front and add a few more weapons, the supporting cast could finally match the expectations placed on their quarterback.
But make no mistake-this is a pivotal year. Stroud isn’t just trying to earn a second contract. He’s trying to reclaim the narrative.
Houston’s watching. The league is watching.
And if C.J. Stroud wants to rewrite the story, 2026 is the time to do it.