Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud talks with the media after he threw for a season-high 318 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Texans to the 26-15 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at NRG Stadium.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/texans as Texans’ C.J. Stroud, DeMeco Ryans Reflect on Big Win vs. 49ers. When Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud really clicks, suddenly his head coach, DeMeco Ryans, starts to puff out his chest and walk a little taller.

“Played amazing, man,” said wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson, who caught five passes for 69 yards and one touchdown on a well-timed, 30-yard pass in the third quarter that boosted the Texans’ lead to 23-7. “That’s what 7 is like. You can say whatever you want about C.J., but when you need him the most, man, he’s gonna show up.

After the Texans beat the 49ers, DeMeco Ryans would shout out quarterback C.J. Stroud, citing one of his best games ever.

The Houston Texans quarterback put it together vs. the San Francisco 49ers for a much-needed third win on the season.

C.J. Stroud is having a day and he has the Iowa State trio to thank for it. The Houston Texans are up 23-7 after Stroud connected with wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson for a 19-yard score in the third quarter, capping off a 12-play, 94-yard drive while taking nearly six minutes off the clock.

In Houston’s second offensive drive, rookie running back Woody Marks made another highlight-reel play. On second & 5, immediately after getting a 5-yard rush, Stroud flicked the ball to an open Marks and he went rolling for a 50-yard gain! Woody Marks takes the pass 50 yards! SFvsHOU on FOX/FOX One https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/fgVqUTFCj9

Houston allowed their lowest pressure rate of the season against San Francisco at 21.4%, according to Next Gen Stats, The 49ers also blitzed on a season-high 33.3% of dropbacks, recording 7 pressures on 14 blitzes.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is congratulated by teammates Aireontae Ersery (79) and Tytus Howard (71) after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Houston. Credit: AP/Eric Christian Smith

Jaylin Noel, the Texans' third-round pick and primary punt returner, hauled in a 44-yard pass to set up Houston deep into San Francisco territory. He's been the most explosive receiver this season outside of Collins through the last three games.

C.J. Stroud delivered in a big way for the Houston Texans against the San Francisco 49ers and spoke candidly afterward.