He's a considerable reason as to why the Texans had the success that they did against a formidable 49ers squad–– and after the game, his head coach DeMeco Ryans made sure to give him his due credit, saying his performance vs. San Francisco was one of the best in his entire career.

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.

“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.

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.

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

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

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

The Texans’ latest drive went for 94 yards in 12 plays, with C.J. Stroud hitting Xavier Hutchinson for a 30-yard touchdown. Houston leads 23-7. It shouldn’t be that close, but the Texans are 1-for-4 in the red zone today.

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