Xavier Hutchinson isn’t hiding how he feels about C.J. Stroud heading into the Texans’ 2026 season. He’s betting on a big one.
The Houston wide receiver, entering his fourth year with the team, made it clear during a recent appearance on Good Morning Football that he believes Stroud is set up to answer after the way Houston’s playoff run ended in January.
“First and foremost, you win and you lose as a team. It's not all on C.J," Hutchinson said of the Texans' playoff loss.
"But also, 2026 is going to be his time, and I'm excited to see that happen. And I think we're going to get a good year out of him.”
He doubled down on that confidence by pointing to Stroud’s ability to handle adversity.
"It's football, not everything's going to bounce your way all the time. That's life.
With C.J., his back has been against the wall several times, and we've all seen him prevail through it. This is nothing new to him.
I'm excited for him, and I know that 2026 is going to be a good year."
That belief carries extra weight because Hutchinson and Stroud have been tied together since arriving in Houston as part of the 2023 NFL Draft. Their connection has grown steadily since then, and Hutchinson said the relationship has only gotten stronger as they’ve moved into their fourth season together.
"It's been huge," Hutchinson said of his connection with Stroud. "Honestly, just to see his growth from our first year to now entering our fourth, it's been amazing, man."
"A lot of people, we always want to talk about football. But the growth that he's taken as a man is incredible.
I'm super excited for him as well. He has a big year ahead of him.
But he's prepared himself for it, and I'm excited to see what he can do."
The optimism around Stroud also matters for Hutchinson’s own situation. He’s coming off his best season yet, finishing with career highs in yards (428), receptions (35), and touchdowns (3). Now he enters a contract year, with his rookie deal set to expire in 2027, and he’ll be looking to make the most of every chance he gets.
That won’t be simple in a wider receiver room that has gotten more crowded. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are both second-year players looking for touches, Tank Dell is back to full health after missing a full season with his 2024 knee injury, and Nico Collins is expected to be the top target again.
Still, Hutchinson’s comfort level with Stroud gives him a real foundation to build on. Their chemistry has been developing since day one, peaked in 2025, and Hutchinson clearly believes there’s more coming.
If he’s right, the Texans offense could be in line for a much better 2026. And as Hutchinson sees it, that starts with Stroud doing what he’s already shown he can do.
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