Iowa State WR Makes NFL History Before Playing a Snap

It isn't very often that you can etch your name in the record books of the NFL without playing a single snap. But former Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins has done just that!

Who is Jayden Higgins?

Higgins was one of the top receivers in the nation by his senior year at Iowa State. He spent his first two seasons of college football at Eastern Kentucky before transferring to Ames to play for Matt Campbell and the Cyclones. The Des Moines Register reports that last season, Higgins hauled in 87 passes for 1,183 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Who Selected Jayden Higgins in the NFL Draft?

The Register reports that the Houston Texans selected Higgins with the 34th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Higgins was the second pick of the second round. The Texans also selected his college teammate at Iowa State, Jaylin Noel, in the third round of the draft. The two ISU stars will join former Cyclone wideout Xavier Hutchinson on the Houston roster.

How Did Jayden Higgins Make NFL History?

Houston must really feel fortunate to have landed Higgins in the draft. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Texans have agreed with Higgins on a four-year, $11,700,824 contract that is fully guaranteed. Higgins becomes the first second-round draft pick to sign a fully guaranteed contract in NFL history.

The Register reports that Higgins is expected to compete for a starting job in Houston, opposite receiver Nico Collins. He'll be catching passes from former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud.

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