Ohio State fans get their hopes up with late C.J. Stroud NFL Draft decision

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud has yet to declare for the NFL Draft. The projected top-5 pick is getting fans hopes up for a potential return.

Would C.J. Stroud really return to Ohio State for a final season?

Stroud has at least one more year left of eligibility, and ended his junior campaign on a sour note by losing to eventual National Champion Georgia by just a single point. Few would question Stroud if he returned to school with a chip on his shoulder, but he’d be betting on himself, rather than taking the millions that await him in the NFL if he declares by Monday.

Why hasn’t C.J. Stroud declared for the NFL Draft?

C.J. Stroud has until Monday, Jan. 16 to declare for the NFL Draft. Ohio State fans are hoping he shocks the college football world and stays in school another year. Stroud can certainly afford to do so thanks to a number of NIL deals. Before the NIL era, financial flexibility often forced pro prospects to the NFL level, even before some were ready to do so. Now, we could potentially see the opposite effect.

Ohio State: When will C.J. Stroud declare for the NFL Draft?

C.J. Stroud must declare for the NFL Draft by Monday, Jan. 16. That is the deadline for players opting to enter the NFL Draft as underclassmen. Of the top 32 projected NFL Draft picks, all but three of them have declared already, with Stroud being one of the holdouts.

C.J. Stroud NIL deals

Stroud has a number of NIL deals that could theoretically keep him financially intact at the collegiate level, should he wish. Cleveland.com outlined Stroud’s NIL deals below:

"“Besides driving a Mercedes G Wagon for free, Stroud earned actual income from endorsements with various brands that are believed to have crossed into seven figures.”"

It would be a surprise if Stroud chooses not to leave, especially considering he could be in a similar battle for the No. 1 overall pick next year with USC’s Caleb Williams.

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