CJ Stroud: A Heisman Favorite?

At the beginning of the 2021 season, CJ Stroud did not look like a Heisman candidate. He struggled at times and would overthrow or miss open receivers. As the season went on, he improved tremendously and lead Ohio State to a Rose Bowl win. He finished the 2021-22 season with 4,435 passing yards and 44 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions. Stroud also set multiple single season records including: completion percentage (71.9), passer rating (186.6), and passing yards per game (369.5).

With Stroud’s track record, a loaded 2022 schedule and the returning offensive weapons, Stroud is the clear leader in the pre-season Heisman race. Some of Ohio State’s returning offensive weapons might also be in the running for the award as well. One player in particular is receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

                 Ohio State’s Offensive Weapons for 2022

Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. will be the two main targets for Stroud

Smith-Njigba finished the 2021 season with 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. He was Stroud’s favorite target throughout the season and had his best game in the Rose Bowl. Smith-Njigba finished the game with 347 yards and 3 touchdowns. He too will be a Heisman favorite as the season starts.

Stroud will also have offensive weapons such as TreVeon Henderson and Marvin Harrison Jr. to throw the ball to. Henderson finished last season with 1,248 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 312 yards and four touchdowns. Harrison had 11 receptions for 139 yards with a breakout performance in the Rose Bowl. In the game, Harrison had six catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns while tying the Rose Bowl record. Both of them will be great secondary options outside of Smith-Njigba to throw the ball to.

In Conclusion:

CJ Stroud finished fourth in Heisman voting for 2021 and will have something to prove in the 2022 season. The Buckeyes will   open their season on Sep. 3 against Notre Dame.