Upper Arlington’s Kyle Cox Ready for the Next Challenge at Tennessee Tech

Upper Arlington — Kyle Cox’s senior season at Upper Arlington will always hold a special place in his heart. While the team will be remembered for capturing an OCC championship, Cox will cherish the bond they built along the way. “Our coaches preached all the time about brotherhood,” Cox said. “This group embraced it, and we were all really close to each other.”

Cox reflected on one of his most memorable moments with the Golden Bears—their comeback win over Olentangy Liberty this season. With Upper Arlington trailing late, Cox stepped up to lead the charge. “We were down two scores with five minutes left,” he recalled. “We were able to pull off the comeback, and it meant a lot to us and the people of UA.”

Now, Cox is preparing for his next chapter: college football at Tennessee Tech. The Golden Eagles, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, are coming off a successful season in which they claimed a share of their 11th OVC title this fall.

Choosing Tennessee Tech came down to the strong connection Cox felt with the coaching staff and the school’s commitment to building its football program. The investment in its future gave him confidence that he could continue to develop as a quarterback there.

“In the first conversation I had with the offensive coordinator, we clicked,” he recalled. “I asked questions and he had the answers that showed that he knew what he was talking about.”

Cox shared insight into Tennessee Tech’s commitment to growing its football program. “They are redoing the stadium and locker rooms, and the future looks bright,” he said. “I obviously want to go somewhere where I can be developed as a player.”

For Cox, this is a moment that looked uncertain just a couple of years ago. As a freshman, Cox broke his ankle and as a sophomore had to have knee surgery. Bouncing back from that was challenging for Cox, “It was hard to get back to where I was before the injuries,” he said. “There is a point where you have two bad injuries and never know if you will come back.”

Instead, Cox persevered, finishing his career as a two-year starter for Upper Arlington and capping it off with an OCC championship. He credits his coaches, teammates, family, and trainers for helping him overcome adversity and get back to full strength.

“My coaches, friends, and family would boost me up and make me feel like I could get back to where I was,” he said. “They helped me keep my body right and get back in the weight room. I also had amazing trainers that helped me get back too.”

Cox knows his journey is far from over and sees Tennessee Tech as key in his growth. “I’m not at my potential yet—I just have to put my head down and work,” he said. “I have to study the playbook, hit the weight room, and keep throwing.”

From battling injuries to leading Upper Arlington to an OCC title, Kyle Cox embodies toughness and perseverance. His ability to embrace adversity and push forward will serve him well at Tennessee Tech—and wherever his life journey takes him after.