If you’ve even casually glanced at an NFL highlight reel lately, you already know the name. C.J. Stroud isn't just the guy taking snaps; he’s basically become the face of a city that was desperate for a football hero. Honestly, it’s rare to see a young player walk into a franchise and pivot the entire culture so fast.
As of early 2026, C.J. Stroud is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He’s coming off a regular season where he led the team to a 12-5 record and a third consecutive playoff appearance. That’s not a typo. Since he was drafted second overall in 2023 out of Ohio State, the Texans haven't missed the postseason.
The C.J. Stroud Era: By the Numbers
It’s easy to get lost in the hype, but the stats actually back it up. Stroud recently made history by passing Hall of Famer John Elway for the second-most wins by a quarterback selected first or second overall in their first three seasons. He’s sitting at 27 wins, trailing only Andrew Luck.
Think about that for a second.
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He’s doing this in a division that used to be a coin flip. In 2025, he threw for over 3,000 yards despite missing a three-game stretch due to a concussion. When he’s on the field, the game looks slow to him. It’s that "it" factor people talk about but can’t really define. He finished the 2025 regular season with 19 touchdowns against only 8 interceptions, showing a level of ball security that most veterans still struggle with.
The Guys Behind Him
Football is a brutal game, and as we saw this past season, the depth chart actually matters. Davis Mills is the primary backup. You might remember him as the starter before the Stroud era began. He’s actually been a huge asset, stepping in during Stroud's injury stint to keep the winning streak alive.
Then you’ve got the rookie, Graham Mertz. He was a sixth-round pick out of Florida in 2025. He’s mostly a developmental piece right now, but he beat out some veteran competition in training camp to secure that third-string spot. It’s a solid room.
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What Makes the Houston Quarterback Special?
If you ask DeMeco Ryans—the Texans' head coach who has basically worked miracles—he’ll tell you it’s the preparation. Stroud isn't just a "vibes" guy. He’s obsessive about the ordinary stuff. He famously said that people think you need "extraordinary stuff" for the playoffs, but really, it’s about doing the ordinary things better than the other team.
- Accuracy: His completion percentage usually hovers around 64-65%.
- Deep Ball: He loves to "take the top off" the defense, though he’s learned to check it down when necessary.
- Leadership: The locker room clearly follows his lead.
There was a moment in late 2025, specifically during the Week 18 win against the Indianapolis Colts, where you could see the growth. He wasn't forcing throws. He was just taking what the defense gave him, methodically moving the chains. That 38-30 victory was the clincher that sent them into the playoffs with a nine-game winning streak.
Who is the Quarterback for Houston Right Now?
Right now, the team is preparing for a massive divisional round matchup. The city is buzzing. If you walk through NRG Stadium, it’s a sea of number 7 jerseys. It’s funny because, just a few years ago, Houston was the team everyone forgot about. Now, because of the play of their quarterback, they are a Super Bowl contender.
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Current Depth Chart (2026 Season)
- C.J. Stroud (Starter)
- Davis Mills (Backup)
- Graham Mertz (Third-string/Developmental)
The offensive line has stepped up too. They only allowed 31 sacks all season, which is one of the lowest totals in the history of the franchise. It’s a lot easier to be a star quarterback when you aren't running for your life on every third down.
Looking Ahead
The big question isn't "who is the quarterback for Houston," but rather "how far can he take them?" Stroud is eligible for a massive contract extension soon. Given how he’s played, he’s probably looking at becoming one of the highest-paid players in NFL history.
For fans, the next step is watching the postseason unfold. Stroud has already checked off a lot of boxes—Rookie of the Year, Pro Bowls, division titles. The only thing left is a ring.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Injury Reports: Stroud’s concussion history is something to monitor. The Texans are a different team when Davis Mills has to start.
- Keep an Eye on the Targets: With Nico Collins and Christian Kirk as his primary weapons, Stroud’s efficiency stays high. Any injuries to the receiving corps will force him to play "hero ball," which leads to more turnovers.
- Fantasy Value: In dynasty leagues, Stroud is a "set it and forget it" asset. His age (only 24) and high floor make him a top-5 QB option for the next decade.
The Texans have finally found their guy. After years of turnover and uncertainty at the most important position in sports, the search is over.