Cole was born on October 7, 1881 in Washington County, Ohio. He attended high school at Charlottesville, Virginia before enrolling at Marietta College in Ohio. He played three years of college football for Marietta before graduating in 1902. In the fall of 1902, Cole enrolled in the law school at the University of Michigan. While attending law school, Cole played football for Fielding H. Yost's "Point-a-Minute" football team in 1902. He was one of the stars of the 1902 Michigan Wolverines football team that finished the season 11–0, outscored opponents 644 to 12, and was recognized as a national champion. Cole started three games at left tackle and four games at right end for the 1902 Wolverines.