An Explosive Reunion: Higgins and Noel Join the Texans
Joy invaded wide receiver Jayden Higgins after being selected by the Houston Texans in the NFL Draft.
Higgins, Houston’s first pick at the 34th position, shared his happiness with the organization and local media. While enjoying the moment, he followed the draft’s development and wondered when his Iowa State teammate, Jaylin Noel, would be selected.
With the arrival of the Texans’ second third-round pick, Higgins predicted: “Houston is going to take him.”
Higgins’ prediction came true, and Houston selected Noel with pick 79. Minutes later, Noel received a call from Higgins to celebrate.
It was surreal, honestly. The pick was made, my name was called, and I immediately thought of Jayden. That’s my guy; we’ve been playing together for the last two years. He called me, and we were excited to be able to work together again and get going.
Jaylin Noel
In 2024, Higgins and Noel accumulated 2,377 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. Now they join the Texans offense led by the Pro Bowl trio: quarterback C.J. Stroud, running back Joe Mixon, and wide receiver Nico Collins.
Coach DeMeco Ryans recognizes the value of this meeting for the team.
It’s very comforting for those guys. To be able to be recruited by the same team. It’s a unique situation for them, but I think they’ll both benefit a lot from it. They have someone to lean on. Many times you get recruited and go to a new city, in a situation where you’re trying to learn a lot of new things, learn new environments and you’re also trying to meet new people.
DeMeco Ryans
From the first day of rookie minicamp, they were together in most practices. The friendly competition, a college routine, has traveled with them to the next stage.
Being on the same team also allows them to maintain their TikTok channel “Jandjfishinn”, where they compete in basketball and fishing.
We are very close. We always go out, go fishing together, do things like that. We were roommates when we traveled and things like that. Jaylin is a great guy. I hang out with him all the time.
Jayden Higgins
They will boost each other and “hold each other accountable”.
We want to see the best in each one, and that keeps us going every day. I’m excited to see [us] compete with each other every day.
Jaylin Noel
With Stefon Diggs’ departure to the New England Patriots and Tank Dell’s situation (knee), the duo will have opportunities in the Texans’ receiving corps.
There is also the possibility of earning minutes as starters. Regardless of who shines, Noel and Higgins know they will have a brother cheering them on from the sidelines.
