CJ Stroud has emerged as Ohio State's starting quarterback after creating clear separation in recent team scrimmages. The former Elite 11 MVP, who beat out current Alabama starter Bryce Young for that honor, graded as a champion in both of Ohio State's preseason scrimmages.

Despite being a first-year starter, Stroud holds the fourth-best odds (+1000) to win the Heisman Trophy, behind only Spencer Rattler (+550), D.J. Uiagalelei (+660), and Bryce Young (+800).

Stroud's path to Ohio State began as a late-rising recruit from Rancho Cucamonga High School. After impressing at the Elite 11 camp alongside several Ohio State recruits, he committed to the Buckeyes over programs like Michigan and Georgia.

The quarterback depth chart behind Stroud includes:

• Kyle McCord: Five-star freshman likely to serve as primary backup
• Jack Miller: Former top-100 recruit providing experienced depth
• Quinn Ewers: Highly-talented reclassified freshman still learning the system

With four potential Power 5 quarterbacks on the roster (all with four years of eligibility), Ohio State appears well-positioned at the position despite having no prior collegiate game experience among the group. The depth may allow the Buckeyes to utilize more quarterback runs than they did with Justin Fields, even though the current QBs don't match Fields' athleticism.

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