Since being drafted second overall in 2023, C.J. Stroud has led the Houston Texans to three straight NFL Playoff appearances. The former Ohio State quarterback was the Offensive Rookie of the Year, but has since struggled mightily. The question is whether he can rebound in 2026.
Stroud had a stellar rookie season, throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He averaged a league-leading 273.9 yards per game as well. Houston went 10-7 and blew out the Cleveland Browns 45-14 in the Wild Card round under first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans.
The sophomore slump came for Stroud in a big way in 2024. He threw for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. He was sacked 52 times and had a QB rating of 46.4%. Despite his struggles, the Texans went 10-7 and won in the Wild Card round once again.
2025 saw the entire Texans’ team elevate thanks to a dominant defense. They ranked first in the NFL in total yards allowed per game (277.2) and led the team to a 12-5 record. Stroud played a career-low 14 games, throwing for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Stroud’s struggles were on full display in the playoffs. Through two games, he threw for 462 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions, with four INTs coming in the Divisional round. It’s hard to blame the offensive line this time, with him only being sacked 23 times in the regular season.
The Texans struck gold when they drafted Stroud. They have arguably the best defense in the NFL and a top 10 receiver in Nico Collins. So, why does it seem that the QB is regressing?
In 2025, Houston’s rushing offense ranked 22nd in yards per game (108.9) and 30th in red zone TD rate (46.3%). After being mauled in his second season, Stroud seems to have lost all confidence.
Another problem for the Texans is a lack of consistency. Joe Mixon was their lead running back in 2024. He suffered an injury before the 2025 season, and they turned to the duo of Nick Chubb and Woody Marks.
Houston’s wide receiver room has drastically changed over the last three years. Collins, Tank Dell, and tight end Dalton Schultz led the offense in 2023. They carried over to 2024, but the offensive line didn’t give Stroud much time to utilize them the same way.
Dell missed the entirety of the 2025 season after a disastrous knee injury in December of 2024. Collins and Schultz still led the charge, but they were followed by up-and-comers. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel were rookies, and Xavier Hutchinson had only started in three games prior to his third season.
To make matters worse, Stroud’s offensive system has changed as well. Former offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was underwhelming in 2024, his second year. He was fired and replaced by Nick Caley.
Consistency is everything in the NFL, and the Texans’ offense has lacked that.
The Texans quietly made some important moves this offseason. They signed offensive tackle Braden Smith, along with offensive guards Wyatt Teller and Evan Brown.
The addition of David Montgomery to the running back room will also pay dividends. The former Detroit Lions rusher has a world of potential as a starter and is finally getting his shot.
Houston followed up free agency by drafting offensive guard Keylan Rutledge 26th overall. They patched up their biggest defensive hole with Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and signed safety Reed Blankenship in free agency.
The most underrated addition for the Texans comes in the return of Dell. The receiver is finally back to practicing, and he’s one of Stroud’s favorite targets. The second-year experience of Higgins and Noel, along with tight end additions of Foster Moreau and Marlin Klein, gives the QB more firepower as well.
I still believe Stroud can be a great quarterback. His confidence was rattled, and the offense around him didn’t exactly grant any favors. Now, there’s arguably more to work with than ever.
Every position around Stroud has been revamped, and he has familiarity all around. Caley’s system, the 2025 rookie receivers, and Dell returning all may bring some confidence back to the QB.
It’s also worth noting that Stroud is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract. Houston picked up his fifth-year option, but he’ll be looking for a long-term deal in 2027.
If Stroud wants to change doubters’ minds and earn a big payday in Houston, he’ll need to elevate his game.
The Texans have a Super Bowl-caliber defense, but the offense has been dragging them down. Stroud was in top-10 conversations just two years ago, and at 24 years old, his best days are still ahead. It looks like 2026 could be a “prove-it” year for the Ohio State product.
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