After a commendable college career at Kentucky, Eli Cox is stepping into the NFL as the newest addition to the Houston Texans. Although he went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Texans quickly recognized his potential and signed him as a free agent. Cox's tenure at Kentucky is marked by resilience and versatility, starting 38 consecutive games across multiple positions on the offensive line and earning Third-Team All-SEC honors in 2024.

His performance included a remarkable season as a center, where he allowed only 14 total pressures in 13 games. The Texans, looking to enhance their offensive line depth, view Cox as a serious contender for a roster spot rather than just another camp body, as evidenced by the substantial $250,000 guaranteed in his contract. With training camp approaching, Cox will compete for a backup center position against Jerome Carvin, setting the stage for an intriguing battle as he aims to convert his college success into a promising NFL career.