Eli Cox’s journey with the University of Kentucky football team began as a dream fulfilled. A homegrown talent from West Jessamine High School, Cox wasn’t a highly touted recruit. He didn’t come from a powerhouse program or carry the weight of numerous college offers. But former UK offensive line coach John Schlarman saw potential in Cox—a raw talent that could be nurtured—and gave him the opportunity to play for his home state team.
Cox made the most of that chance. Over six seasons, he became a fixture on the offensive line, appearing in 56 games and starting the final 47 of his career. His tenure, however, ended on a sour note as the Wildcats fell to Louisville 41-14, capping a disappointing 4-8 season that snapped Kentucky’s eight-year bowl streak.
A Legacy of Hard Work and Commitment
Cox looks back on his career with pride, despite the challenges and recent struggles. He played a key role in some of Kentucky’s most successful seasons, including the 2021 campaign when the Wildcats won 10 games and triumphed in the Citrus Bowl.
“It meant the world to me to play here and represent the state,” Cox said. “I was blessed with the size and ability to play at this level, and luckily, they took a chance on me.”
Cox’s recruitment journey began humbly. He recalled his first interaction with Coach Schlarman during a spring practice in his sophomore year of high school.
“Coach Schlarman came to practice to record some drills. That was the first moment I realized I had a chance to play at Kentucky. It was the first time recruitment felt real to me,” Cox shared.
The Decline of Kentucky’s Offensive Line
As a seasoned veteran, Cox understands the frustration directed at Kentucky’s offensive line in recent years. Once a cornerstone of the team’s success, the offensive line has struggled, a trend Cox attributes to broader changes in college football.
“The transfer portal era has impacted offensive line play across the board,” Cox explained. “When players are constantly in and out of programs, it becomes harder to develop the kind of chemistry and skill that takes years to build. It’s tough to get ready to play physical SEC football without that development time.”
Cox fondly recalled the culture of continuity and camaraderie that defined Kentucky’s offensive line during his early years.
“Guys like Drake Jackson, Luke Fortner, Landon Young, Darian Kinnard, and so many others were here for four, five, or six years. They taught me the culture, the work ethic, and how to play the game the right way,” he said. “But lately, we’ve had to play guys before they were ready because of a mass exodus to the transfer portal. Playing catch-up is tough, especially when elite offensive linemen are rare in the portal.”
Since 2021, Kentucky has brought in 10 offensive linemen through the transfer portal, but only Marques Cox started more than one season.
Rebuilding the Big Blue Wall
Looking ahead, Cox believes Kentucky must return to its roots to reclaim its identity as a physically dominant team.
“I would love to see this program get back to where it was,” Cox said. “It’s going to take consistency, recruiting players who fit the culture, and moving away from relying too heavily on the transfer portal. We need guys who are fully bought into this program—guys who want to play physical, run the ball, and control the game.”
Cox emphasized that the Wildcats thrive when they embrace a blue-collar mindset.
“We need to get back to being a nasty, blue-collar program. That’s when Kentucky football is at its best—when we’re playing tough, cohesive football and dominating in the trenches,” he said.
A Call to Action
For Cox, Kentucky’s future hinges on cultivating a new generation of linemen who embody the program’s values. While the challenges of the transfer portal era are real, he believes in head coach Mark Stoops’ ability to steer the program back on course.
“If you want to be part of a program that works hard and values toughness, that’s what Coach Stoops is going to get back to. That’s what this program needs to thrive again,” Cox concluded.
As Cox leaves the program, his hope is that Kentucky football can recapture the spirit of grit and determination that once made it a formidable force in the SEC.