Ohio State’s 2028 Quarterback Target Neimann Lawrence Deeply Inspired by C.J. Stroud’s Underrated Journey to NFL Stardom

Neimann Lawrence is still four years away from graduating high school, but the rising quarterback prospect already speaks with the poise and maturity of someone well beyond his age. The 2028 recruit has yet to take a varsity snap in some regions, but he’s already generating buzz in recruiting circles thanks to a rare combination of polish, arm strength, and a cerebral approach to the game. At the heart of his development? A growing admiration for one of Ohio State’s most recent quarterback success stories: C.J. Stroud.

Lawrence, who is beginning to emerge on the radar of major college football powers, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes, says that Stroud’s story isn’t just motivational—it’s foundational. As Lawrence continues to build his own path, he draws deeply from Stroud’s example: once an underrated recruit, often overlooked, who transformed himself into an All-American at Ohio State and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. For Lawrence, that path resonates not only because of the similar position but also because of the shared sense of being undervalued early on.

“C.J. Stroud is the guy I look up to the most,” Lawrence told a local recruiting outlet last week. “It’s not just the throws or how he moves in the pocket—although that’s crazy good. It’s the way he handled being underrated and overlooked, and how he never let that stop him from becoming great. That part speaks to me big time.”

Lawrence, already standing over 6 feet tall and known for his high football IQ, is still relatively unknown on the national scene. He plays at a mid-sized program in the Midwest, where he’s earned a reputation for his work ethic, his quiet leadership, and his relentless film study. Though he’s still several years away from national rankings or official offers, the word among coaches is clear: this is a name that will be near the top of many boards sooner rather than later.

Ohio State quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis is believed to be one of the early evaluators who has already begun tracking Lawrence’s development, though NCAA rules prevent formal contact at this stage. Still, Lawrence’s admiration for the Buckeyes—and Stroud specifically—has caught the attention of the recruiting world. It’s not often that a freshman or sophomore quarterback cites pocket movement, pre-snap coverage diagnosis, and footwork timing as what stands out most when watching tape. But that’s who Neimann Lawrence is: a student of the game.

“I remember the Georgia game in the playoff,” Lawrence said. “Stroud made every throw. But the part that stuck with me was how calm he was, even after the sack or after pressure. That’s what I try to work on—calm under pressure. He trusted his training.”

What makes Stroud such a powerful role model for someone like Lawrence is the road less traveled. Coming out of Rancho Cucamonga High School in California, Stroud didn’t dominate the recruiting rankings early. In fact, he was a late riser who broke out at the Elite 11 Finals and flipped the narrative about his potential. Lawrence, too, is not a national name—yet. But he believes his time will come.

“I’ve always been someone who works quietly,” Lawrence said. “I’m not the loudest on social media. I just put in the reps, put in the time. When I read about how C.J. was a three-star and climbed to five-star with his work, that hit home. That’s the kind of mindset I want.”

Mindset is a big part of what makes Lawrence so intriguing. His coaches have described him as a “film room junkie,” someone who will often text his quarterbacks coach questions about defensive rotations and disguises at 10 p.m. His footwork and release have already drawn comparisons to advanced college players, and he’s a vocal leader in offseason 7-on-7 tournaments despite being younger than many of his peers.

“It’s rare to see someone that young so locked in,” one regional quarterbacks coach said. “He’s not trying to be Instagram-famous. He’s trying to be game-ready. That’s the difference. You see it in guys like Stroud, and now you see it in this kid.”

Lawrence has reportedly been to Columbus at least once with a youth travel team and spoke glowingly of the experience. While NCAA rules prohibit Ohio State from initiating recruiting contact, it’s no secret that the Buckeyes pride themselves on building relationships early. And if Lawrence continues on his current trajectory, there’s no doubt that Ohio State could become a major player in his recruitment.

“Ohio State is one of those schools that speaks for itself,” Lawrence said. “They develop quarterbacks. They don’t just send guys to the league—they prepare them mentally, emotionally, and physically. You look at guys like Stroud and you see what’s possible if you buy in.”

The 2028 recruiting class is still largely undefined, but in an age of early offers and freshmen highlight reels, players like Lawrence are starting to pop earlier than ever. His rise is gradual but gaining momentum. And if his connection to Stroud continues to fuel his growth, Ohio State may have another quarterback in their pipeline who understands the grind—and embraces the challenge of rising from overlooked to elite.

There’s a poetic sense of continuity in the idea that a future Buckeye quarterback prospect is being shaped in real-time by one of the program’s modern legends. C.J. Stroud’s legacy in Columbus is still being written through his NFL success, but its immediate impact is already echoing in quarterback rooms across the country—rooms like the one Neimann Lawrence is growing up in.

“I watch all kinds of quarterbacks,” Lawrence said. “But Stroud is the one I watch to learn how to carry myself, how to stay poised, how to lead without yelling. He’s the blueprint.”

That blueprint may just be guiding Ohio State toward its next great quarterback. While much remains to be determined, and Lawrence has a long way to go in his development, his focus, humility, and attention to detail suggest that he’s not just another name in the crowd. He’s a competitor. A technician. And perhaps, like Stroud before him, a future Buckeye who rose above early rankings to become something much more.

As for now, Lawrence isn’t concerned with stars, hype, or viral highlights. He’s concerned with reps. With reads. With accuracy. With command.

“I don’t need to be ranked high right now,” he said. “C.J. wasn’t either. But look where he is now. That’s enough motivation for me.”

And in that simple declaration, you see why Neimann Lawrence just might be the next name Ohio State fans should start paying attention to. Because in the mind of this young quarterback, greatness isn’t about where you start. It’s about how you respond. Just like his idol, C.J. Stroud.