HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 15: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after being defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the game at NRG Stadium on September 15, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

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Anne Erickson

By Anne Erickson

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What happened to C.J. Stroud? The Houston Texans quarterback was all the talk of the NFL his rookie season. Stroud had a historically fantastic rookie season in 2023, after being drafted second overall, and it really seemed as if the sky was the limit.

However, his second year saw a fairly alarming decline in statistics, and the team's record also reflected that. It was a disappointment after Stroud's strong rookie season, but that's all in the past, and now, it's time to look ahead.

So, will Stroud bounce back in 2026? In a new feature, Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports points out the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Texans. The best-case, of course, is that Stroud "looks more like the quarterback he was during his rookie season. With his confidence restored, better protection along the offensive line and a stable running game with David Montgomery in the backfield, the offense erupts with Stroud at the helm."

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 15: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after being defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the game at NRG Stadium on September 15, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

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My Take: Will C.J. Stroud Bounce Back in 2026?

So, will Stroud return to greatness in 2026? It's certainly looking good for that possibility. Even though his numbers declined in his second year, the Texans have made some changes that should really help take the team, and Stroud, to the next level.

Offensive coordinator Nick Caley is entering his second season with the team. That means the growing pains of his first year with Stroud are gone. These two should have better chemistry together.

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It also helps that the Texans added Lions running back David Montgomery. They, in general, invested in the interior offensive line. These changes should help Stroud return to the kind of numbers he had during his rookie season.

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