C.J. Stroud powers Texans past Titans, 26-3

Stroud drives Houston's offense

C.J. Stroud ran for a touchdown and threw for another as the visiting Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 26-3 on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at Nissan Stadium. The result left Houston 1-4 and Tennessee 0-5.

Stroud completed 26 of 34 passes for 261 yards and one touchdown. His 2-yard touchdown run came in the third period, and he later connected with Jaylin Noel on a 9-yard touchdown pass in the fourth. Ka'imi Fairbairn made the extra point after each touchdown.

Field goals build Texans' lead

Tennessee opened the scoring in the first period when Joey Slye made a 30-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead. Fairbairn answered with a 45-yard field goal, leaving the score tied at 3-3 after the opening period.

Fairbairn added field goals from 35, 26 and 53 yards in the second period. Those kicks put Houston ahead 12-3 at halftime. The Texans then added seven points in the third period on Stroud's run and seven more in the fourth on Noel's reception from Stroud, producing the final score.

Houston's quarter-by-quarter totals were 3, 9, 7 and 7. Tennessee scored 3, 0, 0 and 0.

Leading performers

Woody Marks led the Texans in rushing with 15 carries for 62 yards. Xavier Hutchinson had four receptions for 65 yards.

For Tennessee, Cam Ward completed 23 of 36 passes for 170 yards and had one interception. Tony Pollard carried 14 times for 52 yards, while Wan'Dale Robinson made six receptions for 53 yards.

The game was played at Nissan Stadium, where the attendance was 52,097.

Sources

ESPN