Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud signs NIL beverage deal

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud has a new favorite beverage. The Buckeyes star took to Instagram to announce he’s signed an NIL deal with the beverage company Athletic Brewing.

Athletic Brewing is attempting to change the game, creating great-tasing, non-alcoholic beers. Perhaps the brand is perfect for NIL deals, as many of the stars in college football aren’t yet at legal drinking age.

The 20-year old Stroud has been on fire recently, and the Buckeyes are one of the hottest teams in college football. Evidently, Stroud is winning off the field as well.

The Ohio State quarterback has passed for ten touchdowns in his last two games. Additionally, he’s gaining praise from his head coach, who mentioned a change in philosophy helping Stroud’s play.

Day on Stroud: ‘He’s making good decisions.’

The Buckeyes head coach is a believer in Stroud — he thinks his quarterback can take them as far as they want to go.

In his press conference after dominating Maryland, Day spoke highly of Stroud and his play.

“I think his preparation has been excellent,” Day started. “I think he sees the field well. He’s got some good players around him, but he’s also making some really good throws.

“His timing has been right. He’s seeing the field. He’s making good decisions. That’s allowing us to run the offense and be very efficient.”

The stats back up Day’s words — Stroud was phenomenal against the Terrapins. In a 66-17 victory, Stroud passed for 406 yards and five touchdowns on the day.

It’s a far cry from the play the Buckeyes were receiving from their quarterback earlier this season. According to Day, the change in Stroud’s performance is simply due to him seeing the field more often.

“I think the more he’s playing, the more he’s understanding that he can’t ride the rollercoaster,” said Day. “You gotta keep putting one play in front of the other. He’s gotta continue to do that.”

The improvement in Stroud’s play is coming at a perfect time for the Buckeyes. As Ohio State still has teams like Penn State, Michigan and Michigan State on their schedule, an appearance in the College Football Playoff is well within their reach.

‘I just take what the defense gives me.’

Following his awesome performance against Maryland, Stroud wasn’t getting high on his own supply. The Buckeyes quarterback explained he was simply learning to take what the defense was giving him.

“I just take what the defense gives me,” Stroud said. “If it’s there, I’ll rip it. If it’s not then I have to be smart with the football.”

As Day looks for Stroud to be more consistent, his quarterback’s new philosophy is music to his ears. Moreover, Stroud mentions that he always knew he could play this way — he just needed to get more comfortable.

“I’m just feeling more comfortable,” Stroud said. “On top of that, God’s blessed me with this supernatural healing of my shoulder. My shoulder’s feeling a whole lot better. Every day I’m rehabbing it just to make sure nothing else goes wrong. That’s kind of been the big thing for me. Then I’m just feeling more comfortable. I think the coaches are trusting me more with the football.

“I don’t think my game has ever changed, it’s just got a little bit more comfortable.”

Ryan Day and C.J. Stroud are finding their groove — and the Ohio State Buckeyes are back.