Cade Stover Bio
Cade Stover (born June 12, 2000) 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. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 251 pounds, he has developed into a reliable pass-catching target at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Cade Stover was born on June 12, 2000, in Mansfield, Ohio, and grew up in the nearby town of Lexington. He attended Lexington High School, where he emerged as one of the most decorated multi-sport athletes in the state of Ohio. As a senior, he was named Ohio’s Mr. Football and the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year after a dominant two-way season on the gridiron.
During his senior year, Stover rushed for 1,477 yards and 17 touchdowns on offense while also recording 163 tackles and four interceptions on defense. He was a standout in basketball as well, setting Lexington’s all-time scoring and rebounding records in the sport. His athletic versatility made him a four-star recruit and one of the most sought-after prospects in his class.
Path to Professional Football
Stover committed to play college football at Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over scholarship offers from Michigan, Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas, and Wisconsin. He was originally recruited to play linebacker but was moved to defensive end before his freshman season. After appearing in four games as a freshman, he redshirted the year to preserve a season of eligibility.
During spring practice in 2020, the Ohio State coaching staff moved Stover to tight end, though he later returned to linebacker during that same season. He was moved to tight end again for his redshirt junior season and caught five passes for 76 yards, giving the coaching staff a glimpse of his potential as a pass-catcher. Stover also played linebacker in the 2022 Rose Bowl due to a shortage of players at the position, demonstrating his willingness to help the team wherever needed.
Cade Stover Career
Early Career at Ohio State (2019–2022)
Stover’s first three seasons at Ohio State were marked by positional transitions between linebacker, defensive end, and tight end. Despite the frequent changes, he appeared in games early in his career and continued to develop his physical tools. By his third season, he had settled into the tight end role, even though his statistical production was still modest.
His work ethic and team-first attitude earned him recognition from the coaching staff, and he contributed on special teams and as a depth piece on both offense and defense. He earned Third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2022, validating his growing role in the Buckeyes’ defense and special teams units.
Ohio State Breakthrough (2023)
During his redshirt senior season, Stover emerged as one of the top tight ends in college football. He became a reliable target in the passing game and an effective blocker in the run game, helping anchor one of the Big Ten’s most balanced offenses. His breakout campaign earned him the Big Ten Tight End of the Year award and First-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023.
That same season, Stover was named one of three finalists for the Mackey Award, given annually to the nation’s best tight end. His combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence made him a matchup problem for opposing defenses. His performance solidified his status as an NFL prospect heading into the 2024 draft cycle.
Houston Texans Era (2024–Present)
Stover was selected with the 123rd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. He made an immediate impact during his rookie season, appearing in 15 games with nine starts. He recorded 15 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown, showcasing his potential as a pass-catching tight end.
Through his first extended professional action, Stover has continued to refine his route running and blocking technique. As of the 2025 season, his career NFL totals include 27 receptions for 209 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, and three rushing yards. He wears jersey number 8 for the Texans.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 4 inches and 251 pounds, Stover possesses the ideal frame for an NFL tight end, combining the size to block defensive ends with the athleticism to separate from linebackers in coverage. His background as a two-way high school player and college linebacker gives him a defender’s perspective that informs his route running and awareness on the field. He is known for his physicality at the catch point and his willingness to contribute as a blocker in the run game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stover’s selection in the 2024 NFL Draft marked a major milestone, as he became one of only a handful of tight ends from Ohio State to be drafted in recent years. His performance in his rookie season, including his first career touchdown, signaled his potential as a long-term contributor for the Texans. In the 2025 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Stover recorded four receptions for 22 yards before suffering a broken foot that placed him on injured reserve.
Cade Stover Career Wins
As a tight end, individual wins are measured in statistical achievements, awards, and team success rather than traditional head-to-head victories. Cade Stover has accumulated notable accolades at both the college and professional levels, including conference honors and a top-three finish for a national award. His career trajectory reflects steady growth and continued development as a pass-catching tight end.
Ohio State and Big Ten Highlights
During his final college season in 2023, Stover was named Big Ten Tight End of the Year and earned First-team All-Big Ten honors. He was also one of three finalists for the Mackey Award, which recognizes the best tight end in college football. Earlier in his college career, he was recognized with Third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2022.
Other Wins and Performances
In high school, Stover was named Ohio’s Mr. Football and the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year, two of the most prestigious individual awards in the state. He set Lexington’s all-time scoring and rebounding records in basketball, underscoring his all-around athletic ability. These accomplishments helped establish him as a four-star recruit and one of the top players in Ohio.
Cade Stover Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Cade Stover’s parents and family background is limited, and detailed records about his immediate family are not widely available. He grew up in the Mansfield and Lexington area of Ohio, where he developed into a multi-sport standout at Lexington High School. His upbringing in a small Ohio town played a significant role in shaping his work ethic and athletic foundation.
Personal Life
Cade Stover’s personal life, including details about a spouse or children, is not publicly documented in available sources. He has primarily focused on his football career, transitioning from a highly recruited high school athlete to a starting tight end in the NFL. His journey from a small Ohio town to the professional ranks reflects years of dedication and perseverance.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with promise for Cade Stover and the Houston Texans. In the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Stover recorded four receptions for 22 yards, contributing to the team’s offensive effort. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken foot during the contest and was placed on injured reserve on September 10, 2025, forcing him to miss significant time.
Stover was activated on November 15, 2025, ahead of the team’s Week 11 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, marking his return to the active roster. His activation provided a boost to the Texans’ offense as they continued their push through the second half of the season. With his recovery progressing, Stover is expected to contribute as both a blocker and a receiving threat for the remainder of the year.
Looking ahead, Stover’s development remains a key storyline for the Texans’ organization. His combination of size, athleticism, and route-running ability positions him as a potential long-term starter at the tight end position. As he continues to gain experience and chemistry with the Houston offense, he is poised to take on an expanded role in the seasons to come.