Cade Stover

Cade Stover Bio

Cade Stover is an American professional football tight end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the Texans in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Stover is known for his versatility, having transitioned from linebacker to tight end during his college career, and for his exceptional high school career in Ohio where he earned statewide recognition as the top football player in the state.

Early Life and Background

Cade Stover was born on June 12, 2000, in Mansfield, Ohio. He attended Lexington High School in Lexington, Ohio, where he established himself as one of the most accomplished multi-sport athletes in the state’s history. As a senior, Stover was named Ohio’s Mr. Football and the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year after an outstanding season on both sides of the ball.

On offense, Stover rushed for 1,477 yards and 17 touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 163 tackles and four interceptions. His athletic prowess extended beyond football, as he set Lexington High School’s all-time scoring and rebounding records in basketball. Stover was rated a four-star recruit and chose to continue his football career at Ohio State, selecting the Buckeyes over offers from Michigan, Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Path to American Football

Upon arriving at Ohio State University, Stover was initially recruited to play linebacker. He appeared in four games during his freshman season before redshirting. Prior to his sophomore year, he was moved to defensive end. However, the coaching staff made another position change during spring practice in 2020, shifting him to tight end.

The position changes continued throughout his college career. Stover returned to linebacker during the 2020 season. He was again moved to tight end for his redshirt junior season, when he caught five passes for 76 yards. Notably, he played linebacker in the 2022 Rose Bowl due to a shortage of players at that position, demonstrating his willingness to contribute wherever needed. His versatility and adaptability became defining characteristics of his collegiate journey.

Cade Stover Career

Ohio State Breakthrough (2019–2023)

Stover’s breakthrough came during his redshirt junior season in 2023. As the starting tight end, he emerged as one of the top players at his position in the nation. He was named the Big Ten Tight End of the Year and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. That season, he was also one of three finalists for the Mackey Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s best college tight end.

In his final collegiate season, Stover showcased his ability to contribute as both a receiver and a blocker. His performance helped the Ohio State offense remain one of the most potent in college football. His journey from defensive player to offensive weapon exemplified his football intelligence and adaptability, traits that would serve him well in his professional career.

Houston Texans Era (2024–Present)

Stover’s professional journey began when the Houston Texans selected him with the 123rd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He joined a Texans organization that was building momentum after recent improvements in their roster and overall performance. The selection reflected the team’s confidence in Stover’s potential to contribute at the professional level.

During his rookie season, Stover appeared in 15 games with nine starts for Houston. He recorded 15 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown. His debut season provided valuable experience as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of NFL competition while learning under the Texans’ coaching staff and veteran players.

Driving Style and Strengths

While Stover is a tight end rather than a driver, his positional play shares characteristics with skilled position players. His versatility stands as his greatest strength, having successfully played multiple positions throughout his football journey. His experience as both a defensive player and an offensive weapon gives him a unique understanding of the game from multiple perspectives. Stover’s background in multiple sports at the high school level also contributed to his overall athleticism and body control.

Notable Events and Milestones

Stover’s 2025 season began with promise as he recorded four receptions for 22 yards in Houston’s season-opening game against the Los Angeles Rams. However, he suffered a broken foot during that contest and was placed on injured reserve on September 10, 2025. He was activated on November 15 ahead of the team’s Week 11 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, marking his return to the field after a significant recovery period.

Cade Stover Career Wins

Through his first two professional seasons, Stover has accumulated modest but promising statistics in the NFL. His career totals reflect his role as a contributing player in the Texans’ offense rather than a primary target, though his rookie season demonstrated his ability to make an impact when called upon.

NFL Highlights

In his rookie campaign during the 2024 season, Stover established himself as a reliable option at tight end with 15 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown across 15 appearances. His collegiate career featured significant achievements, including being named the Big Ten Tight End of the Year and earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023. He also received third-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2022. His status as a Mackey Award finalist in 2023 highlighted his standing among the nation’s elite tight ends.

Other Achievements

At the high school level, Stover achieved the highest recognition available in Ohio high school football, being named Ohio’s Mr. Football. He also earned Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year honors, solidifying his status as one of the top prospects in the country coming out of high school. His multi-sport excellence, particularly his basketball achievements at Lexington High School, demonstrated the athletic foundation that would support his football career.

Cade Stover Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Public information regarding Cade Stover’s family background, including his parents and any family lineage in athletics or other fields, is not extensively documented in available sources. His athletic achievements at Lexington High School suggest a strong support system that nurtured his multi-sport talents, though specific family details remain private.

Personal Life

Stover maintains a presence on social media under the handle @cstov8 on Instagram. As a young professional athlete entering his second NFL season, he continues to focus on his career development with the Houston Texans. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly available.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season began with Stover playing a role in Houston’s offensive plans. In the season-opening game against the Los Angeles Rams, he recorded four receptions for 22 yards, showing he was active in the Texans’ passing game. However, the season took an unexpected turn when he suffered a broken foot during that contest.

Stover was placed on injured reserve on September 10, 2025, which required an extended recovery period away from game action. This injury represented a setback in his development as he worked to establish himself as a consistent contributor in the NFL. The Texans’ medical and coaching staff managed his rehabilitation throughout his time on injured reserve.

After several weeks of recovery, Stover was activated from injured reserve on November 15, ahead of the team’s Week 11 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. His return to the active roster marked a positive development for both him personally and for the Texans’ tight end depth. The 2025 season thus served as a test of his resilience and determination as he worked to overcome adversity and return to the field at the professional level.