CJ Stroud has spent the last 3 years in the limelight as Ohio State’s QB, and in that time he’s had to deal with plenty of naysayers and haters.

After the Buckeyes’ recent loss to Michigan, the critical voices grew louder. The Wolverines walked away with their first win in Columbus in 22 years, beating down the Buckeyes 45-23 to end the regular season in Week 13. It was Michigan’s 2nd consecutive win against the Buckeyes and knocked Ohio State out of the B1G Championship.

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Despite an otherwise remarkable season, the critics have continued to take aim at the QB, something Stroud says he’s getting used to.

“Honestly, it’s sad that I am used to it,” said Stroud. “Like, I’m used to getting things on my phone that honestly aren’t — people wouldn’t be proud if everybody in the world were able to see it. But it’s fine. Like it comes with the territory. You have to accept the good with the bad. I don’t feel bad for myself, I never will. I don’t want other people to feel bad for me.”

Stroud also talked about what keeps him motivated, despite the pundits.

“Like, I’m so blessed in my life to have so many people I’ve inspired. Like that’s the thing that keeps me going, is the kids that I see, man. I think that’s why I’m really on this earth, and that’s why I have a God-given talent is to inspire kids.”

Stroud and the Buckeyes will take on Georgia in the College Football Playoff on Dec. 31. We’ll see if Stroud and the Buckeyes can silence their critics with a shot at redemption.