If we’re being honest, it was probably a bit overdue. Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud has been shredding opposing defenses and continues to climb up the Heisman odds and on the shortlist of best players in college football of many national outlets. He leads the nation in quarterback rating and is only getting better.
And now, for all of his work and production, Stroud has finally been added to the Maxwell Award’s watch list. He was left off of it in the preseason mainly because he was an unknown commodity, but now that he’s been throwing lasers around a football field with precision, he’s one of four Buckeyes appearing on the watch list for the award that goes to college football’s best all-around player. Stroud joins receivers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave who were on the preseason watch list, and TreVeyon Henderson who was also added during the season.
Stroud was a former four-star prospect from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., He has completed 125-of-185 (64.8%) passes for 22 touchdowns and three interceptions so far this season. That includes 14 touchdowns and no interceptions in his last three starts. He leads the nation in quarterback rating (91.7) and is second in passing efficiency (192.8) and passing yards per attempt (10.6).
We’ll keep an eye on how things progress, but it’ll be quick. Semifinalists for the award will be announced this coming Monday, with the finalists will being named on Nov. 22. It’ll all culminate with the winner being announced during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 9.
One of the nation's top quarterback's, @OhioStateFB's C.J. Stroud, has been added to the watch list for the 85th Maxwell Award, presented to the Outstanding Player in college football.
— Jerry Emig (@BuckeyeNotes) October 27, 2021
Ohio State has had four winners of the Maxwell. Running back Howard “Hopalong” Cassady (1955), fullback Bob Ferguson (1961), running back Archie Griffin (1975), and running back Eddie George (1995) all took home the award.
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