A Whirlwind of Emotions on Draft Day

The 2025 NFL draft was a momentous occasion for wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Higgins, selected by the Houston Texans as the 34th pick, immediately felt a surge of joy and anticipation. As he watched the draft unfold from his couch, his thoughts turned to his Iowa State teammate, Jaylin Noel, wondering when he would hear his name called.

Reunited in Houston

Higgins' prediction came true when the Texans selected Noel with the 79th pick. The two friends celebrated their new chapter together, marking the continuation of a partnership that had already seen great success at Iowa State. In 2024, Higgins and Noel combined for 2,377 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns, showcasing their dynamic synergy on the field.

A Comforting Transition to the NFL

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans recognized the unique advantage of having Higgins and Noel on the same team. "It's very comforting for those guys," Ryans said. "Being able to be drafted to the same team is a unique situation. They have someone to lean on, which will speed up their transition to the NFL."

Friendly Competition and Accountability

From the first day of rookie minicamp, Higgins and Noel stood side by side, pushing each other to excel. Their friendly competition, rooted in their college days, continued as they aimed to emulate each other's successes. "We want to see the best come out of each other," Noel said. "It keeps us going every day."

Opportunities in the Texans' Wideout Room

With the departure of Stefon Diggs to the New England Patriots and Tank Dell's uncertain status due to a knee injury, Higgins and Noel have a prime opportunity to make their mark in the Texans' wideout room. Both are determined to earn starting minutes, but regardless of who shines, they know they'll have a brother rooting for them from the sidelines.

Beyond the Field: Jandjfishinn

Off the field, Higgins and Noel continue to bond through their shared interests, including their TikTok channel "Jandjfishinn," where they compete in activities like basketball and fishing. Their close friendship and mutual support are sure to be assets as they navigate their rookie year in the NFL.