Top Ohio State Quarterback Recruit Shares the Buckeye Legend Who Inspires Him Most
One of the most highly-touted quarterback recruits in the country is already drawing comparisons to past Ohio State greats—and he’s not shying away from the legacy that comes with being a Buckeye. The elite prospect, recently committed to Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class, has opened up about the player who inspires him most: former Buckeyes star and current NFL standout C.J. Stroud.
The young quarterback praised Stroud for his poise, leadership, and growth during his time in Columbus. “Watching C.J. Stroud develop into one of the best quarterbacks in college football and transition so smoothly to the NFL really inspired me,” the recruit said. “He wasn’t just a great player—he carried himself with confidence and composure, even under pressure.”
Stroud, who led the Buckeyes to multiple College Football Playoff appearances and broke several school passing records, has become a role model for aspiring quarterbacks. His success story—one marked by hard work, resilience, and humility—is exactly the kind of blueprint this new recruit hopes to follow.
What makes this admiration even more significant is the recruit’s understanding of what it means to lead a program with the expectations and history of Ohio State. “Being a Buckeye quarterback comes with responsibility,” he added. “You’re representing a tradition, a fanbase, and a standard. C.J. embodied that, and that’s what I’m striving to live up to.”
With national attention already on his development, the recruit’s connection to Buckeye greats of the past may help motivate him as he prepares for his future in Columbus. If he can channel even a fraction of Stroud’s drive and success, Ohio State fans could be witnessing the rise of their next quarterb
ack star.
