C.J. Stroud from Rancho Cucamonga High School was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 4-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, Stroud was heavily recruited but ultimately chose to join Ohio State.

After playing little In 2020 as a freshman Stroud saw action in 12 games in 2021 for the Buckeyes as he threw for 4424 yards on 443 attempts with a completion percent of 71.6 for an average of 10.0 yards per pass, with a huge 44 TDs, while taking 12 sacks, and a QB rating of 130.8.

After leading the statistically best offense in the nation in 2021 at Ohio State (No. 1 nationally in total offense (561.2 yards per game) and scoring offense (45.7 ppg), and No. 3 in passing offense (380.9 ypg) season Stroud was awarded the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year, Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year, the Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year, and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

In 2022 as a junior he played in 12 games as he passed for an outstanding 3336 yards on 356 attempts with a completion percent of 65.7 for an average of 9.4 yards per pass, with 37 TDs, while also taking 10 sacks, and putting up an outstanding QB rating of 123.5.