Texans name CJ Stroud Week 1 starter: Houston’s first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans opts for rookie second-overall pick after the former Ohio State star tosses preseason TD vs. Saints

CJ Stroud is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans.

The No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft was awarded the job by first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans on Sunday night following an impressive – albeit brief – performance in the preseason finale against the Saints in New Orleans.

‘It’s been over the course of the entire process of OTAs, training camp preseason games, just seeing the complete product and knowing CJ’s desire to continue to better,’ Ryans said following the 17-13 win.

Stroud joins fellow first rounders such as the Carolina Panthers’ Bryce Young and Indianapolis Colts’ Anthony Richardson as the only rookie starting quarterbacks entering Week 1.

Over eight preseason series, Stroud completed 11 of 18 passes for 89 yards, a touchdown and one interception.

The No. 2 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft was awarded the job by head coach DeMeco Ryans

That touchdown came in the first half on Sunday when the former Ohio State star executed a flawless play-action fake before finding Nico Collins in the end zone for a three-yard score.

Stroud signed a four-year, $36 million deal with the Texans last month before entering a training-camp battle with Davis Mills for the starting job in Houston.

Mills was 6 of 11 on Sunday for 53 yards.

Houston has struggled to find a quarterback since embattled Deshaun Watson was benched in 2021 amid accusations of sexual misconduct. He was traded to Cleveland before the 2022 season.

During that time, the Texans ranked 31st in the NFL in QBR, according to ESPN, while posting a record of 7-26-1.

Stroud will make his Week 1 debut against the Ravens in Baltimore on September 10.