Former Texas star Vince Young a believer in Texans' C.J. Stroud's potential

Can C.J. Stroud be the quarterback that the Houston Texans need in 2026?

Can the former No. 2 overall pick live up to the billing of a can’t-miss quarterback and guide the AFC South franchise to the promised land of championships?

At least one former national title quarterback believes the best is still to come with Stroud in 2026.

Former Texas and Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young recently spoke with KPRC 2 Sports and provided his line of confidence in Stroud for the upcoming season, stating that while last season ended rough, the growing pains will help the young passer improve in the long run.

“C.J. is one of those guys that he does everything right,” Young told Aaron Wilson of Stroud. “I think overall what he went through is something that’s going to make him a tougher player. When the odds are up against you, when you go through that now, when you have that situation happen again, you know what you need to do with the ball and take care of the ball.

“He knows what to do when he has the opportunity to do it again this year. So, I’m proud of him and I have a lot of respect for him.”

The Texans‘ passer is entering a season at a crossroads as the franchise prepares for the upcoming year. On paper, Houston is good enough to win the Super Bowl, especially with a revamped offensive line and No. 1 returning defense.

Everything comes down to Stroud, whose costly seven interceptions led to the divisional round loss in the playoffs. Young, who guided the Longhorns to their last national title, knows that the only thing that matters is building a rapport with the crew in the clubhouse and not those writing about his struggles.

“You just got to work, don’t worry about what people say, just worry about what you guys say in that locker room,” Young said.