Neimann Lawrence wants to emulate C.J. Stroud and may eventually follow in his Buckeye footsteps.
Neimann Lawrence doesn’t just admire C.J. Stroud—he studies him, patterns his approach after him, and sees in the former Ohio State quarterback a blueprint for what his own football journey could become. While Lawrence is still carving out his own identity as a high school star, he openly admits that Stroud’s path from promising California prospect to NFL standout has inspired his goals on and off the field. For Lawrence, emulating Stroud isn’t just about touchdowns or passing yards—it’s about embodying poise, leadership, and the competitive drive that carried Stroud from the Big Ten to the Houston Texans.
In football circles, it’s no longer surprising to hear young quarterbacks mention Stroud in the same breath as their personal idols. But what makes Neimann Lawrence stand out isn’t simply his admiration—it’s the way he’s already begun to model the specifics of Stroud’s game. Lawrence studies Stroud’s film relentlessly, dissecting everything from footwork in the pocket to how Stroud manipulates safeties with his eyes. He sees the way Stroud made complex decisions look routine at Ohio State, and he wants to bring that same mastery to his own game. For Lawrence, who has been garnering attention from top programs across the country, Stroud represents both a ceiling and a road map.
Stroud’s success has made Ohio State one of the most attractive destinations in the nation for elite quarterbacks, and Lawrence is no exception. Though he hasn’t officially committed to any school yet, it’s no secret that Ohio State sits high atop his list. The Buckeyes’ ability to develop quarterbacks and send them to the NFL has become a calling card, and Lawrence is paying close attention. With coaches in Columbus actively monitoring his progress and staying in consistent communication, it’s entirely possible that Lawrence could one day follow in Stroud’s exact footsteps, donning the scarlet and gray and leading the Buckeyes onto the field in front of 100,000 fans in Ohio Stadium.
But the story of Neimann Lawrence doesn’t begin and end with his admiration for Stroud. The rising star has built an impressive resume of his own. With a calm presence in the pocket, a strong arm, and a high football IQ, he’s already being labeled one of the top quarterback prospects in his class. Coaches rave about his mechanics, his accuracy on the move, and his ability to process information quickly. These are all traits that reflect his careful study of quarterbacks like Stroud, but also reveal his own dedication to improvement.
Lawrence has also embraced leadership in a way that’s rare for someone his age. Teammates describe him as unshakable—someone who never gets too high or too low, and who commands respect not through volume, but through confidence and consistency. That demeanor has been forged through years of hard work, film study, and preparation, but also from watching how Stroud carried himself through challenges and triumphs alike.
One particular moment that stuck with Lawrence was how Stroud handled Ohio State’s heartbreaking loss to Georgia in the 2022 College Football Playoff. Despite the crushing defeat, Stroud’s performance that night was arguably the best of his college career. He threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns, evading pressure with mobility and making jaw-dropping throws against one of the nation’s best defenses. Even in the loss, Stroud’s composure and competitiveness never wavered. For Lawrence, that game was proof that greatness isn’t just about winning—it’s about how you perform when everything is on the line.
That mindset has guided Lawrence in his own development. He understands that the road to greatness isn’t linear. There will be setbacks, off nights, and unexpected challenges. But like Stroud, he wants to be known as a quarterback who rises when it matters most, who never points fingers, and who shoulders responsibility with maturity. That mentality has made Lawrence a coach’s dream and a respected figure among his peers. Whether it’s leading offseason workouts, breaking down game tape with receivers, or quietly encouraging younger players, Lawrence already operates with the gravity of someone who understands what leadership entails.
Physically, the comparisons between Stroud and Lawrence are hard to ignore. Both possess ideal quarterback frames—tall, athletic, and fluid in their movements. Lawrence, like Stroud, isn’t a run-first quarterback, but he’s mobile enough to escape pressure and extend plays. What really separates him, however, is his touch and timing. Scouts have noted that Lawrence throws with anticipation well beyond his years, hitting receivers in stride and knowing when to dial up velocity versus when to feather in a pass over the top.
In many ways, Lawrence is a quarterback who blends modern traits with old-school fundamentals. That balance is part of why he’s so coveted. And it’s also part of why he’s drawn to Ohio State. The Buckeyes have made a habit of developing quarterbacks who can excel in both structure and improvisation. Ryan Day’s system has produced polished, NFL-ready talents, and Lawrence sees the program as a perfect environment to sharpen every aspect of his game. If he does eventually commit to Ohio State, it will be because he believes he can be molded into something special there—just like Stroud.
Stroud’s influence on Lawrence also extends off the field. The way Stroud has carried himself publicly—articulate, humble, and principled—has left a lasting impression. Whether it was speaking honestly at press conferences or using his platform to uplift others, Stroud set an example of how to represent a program with class. Lawrence wants that, too. He’s already thinking about the ways he can be a role model for kids who look up to him, just as he looks up to Stroud. That sense of responsibility has become part of his identity, and it’s part of what makes him more than just a top recruit.
Recruiting analysts and insiders continue to buzz about Lawrence’s potential. Some believe he could eventually be a five-star quarterback, depending on how he performs during national showcase events and his upcoming senior season. Offers continue to roll in, and with each big game, his stock rises. Yet through all the attention, Lawrence has remained grounded. He credits his family, coaches, and teammates for keeping him focused. And, of course, he points to the example of players like Stroud, who stayed true to their goals and never let the hype distract them from the work.
Lawrence’s journey is still unfolding, and no one—not even he—knows exactly where it will lead. But what’s clear is that he has a vision, and that vision is guided by someone who has already walked the road he hopes to follow. Whether he ends up in Columbus or elsewhere, the lessons he’s learned from watching Stroud will continue to shape his path. In every practice rep, in every pre-snap read, in every leadership moment, there’s a little bit of C.J. Stroud in how Neimann Lawrence approaches the game.
And if things do align—if Lawrence puts on that Buckeye helmet, steps onto the field at the Horseshoe, and begins writing his own chapter in scarlet and gray—he won’t be trying to be the next C.J. Stroud. He’ll be aiming to take what he’s learned, elevate it, and become the first Neimann Lawrence. Inspired, but not imitating. Guided, but not defined. The echoes of Stroud’s legacy may be present, but Lawrence’s story will be his own. And judging by his talent, focus, and ambition, that story may be just as unforgettable.
