Top underdogs to watch at Houston Texans Training Camp

Root, root, root for the underdog… if they don’t make the team it’s a shame!

We are just weeks away from Houston Texans training camp kicking off and the buzz around the team is a quiet murmur. This preseason lacks the oomph, fireworks, and attention as last year, but the expectations are equally as high.

Nothing is more fun during training camp than rooting for an underdog. That’s what makes training camp and preseason palatable.

As I mentioned in the first edition of the 2025 Rosterology, around ”62 (players) who could legitimately make the team” for a 53-man roster. Many of the below players do not fit that description.

This group includes players whose path to the roster is murky and highly competitive. Several of these players are early in their career and have little-to-no claim to a roster spot. Rather than simply listing rookies, I selected players based on their situation, level of competition, and potential impact on the Texans if they make the team.

Eli Cox, Center

The undrafted rookies offer ideal candidates. Eli Cox went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft and was instantly snapped up by the Texans in the impending free agency.

At 6’4, 305 pounds, Cox has the frame and movement skills to make it at the NFL. NFL.com projected him as a sixth round pick. Cox lacks the consistency expected out of a sixth-year senior in college football, but if he can provide a backup option at either center or guard he can help

Dylan Horton, Defensive End

Outshined by the preeminent talents Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, Horton slid into a comfortable and reliably rotational role alongside Derek Barnett. While Horton doesn’t have a single career sack, he is a great run stopping edge.

Entering his third season, Horton will face added pressure to make the roster after Houston signed free agent Darrell Taylor to the roster. Taylor is a four-year veteran who joins his third team in as many years, but is a proven pass rush option, unlike Horton.

Horton’s cancer diagnosis and recovery has not derailed his career. He’s been defiant against undeniable odds thus far in his career. Now, he must fend off another offseason rife with challengers.

Dare Ogumbowale, Running Back

While some may be rooting for USC’s Woody Marks fight for a roster spot in the crowded RB room, Dare Ogumbowale has held down the final RB spot for two seasons. His blocking and third down catching ability have made him indispensable. He has beaten out Dameon Pierce two seasons in a row too.

This training camp, however, he faces unparrallel competition. Houston added Nick Chubb, the aforementioned Marks, and bring back a host of young RBs from the practice squad. Can the 31 year old veteran stave off the hounds for another season?

Alijah Huzzie, Cornerback

A personal favorite. Undrafted out of North Carolina, the small-but-mighty corner must find a role in a secondary brimming with talent. The 5’10, 193-pound corner is woefully undersized but possesses a savviness and fervor perfect for Houston’s defense. Preseason will be his chance to make plays and stand out.

While the retirement of Ronald Darby creates a path, Huzzie faces two issues: separating himself from the two drafted rookie defensive backs (Jaylin Smith and Jaylen Reed) and providing a distinct value to a deep secondary room.. If Huzzie can lock down the nickel corner role, he may edge his way onto the roster for scheme-specific plays.

LaDarius Henderson, Right Guard

Henderson has been an offseason darling for the bored and idealess offseason pundit. Former national champion at Michigan, Henderson was drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft before suffering an off-season injury that ended his rookie season before it began.

He plans to officially switch to right guard and to compete for not only a roster spot, but potentially a starting role. Henderson could go from underdog to top dog over the next several weeks. Currently, Tytus Howard and free agent Ed Ingram are slated for the role. If Henderson can hold down the position, it would open Howard up to playing his more natural role at either tackle spot.

Luke Lachey, Tight End

It’s hard to not throw in another rookie, particularly one who was drafted in the seventh round, but this one has true diamond in the rough potential. A once-perennial tight end recruit, Lachey in his sophomore season outplayed former first round pick Sam LaPorta. Unfortunately his ascension was stalled his junior year due to a devastating ankle injury his junior year, then horrific QB play his senior year. Lachey’s film review is full of impressive catches and willing blocking, both needed in the new offensive system.

Now in Houston, Lachey has a path to the roster; both Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover ended the season on injured reserve. All Lachey needs is one of them to not be ready Week One and he has a shot at starting the season on the 53.

Honorable mentions:

• John Metchie III, WR
• Jake Hansen, LB (for a fourth consecutive year)
• J.J. Taylor, RB