The Texas traded back out of the first round and ultimately take ISU wide receiver Jayden Higgins with the 34th pick in the draft.
With the 34th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans selected Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins. The Texans traded back out of the first round, sending the No. 25 pick to the New York Giants in exchange for pick No. 34, pick No. 99 (third round), and a 2026 third-round pick.
Houston adds one of the best size-speed-athleticism combinations at wide receiver in the entire draft class. The 6’4, 215-pound Higgins was a standout in the Big 12 this past season, earning Pro Football Focus’ top overall grade for a wide receiver during the 2024 campaign.
Higgins was named a Third-Team All-American and Second-Team All-Big 12 selection after posting 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and a team-leading nine touchdowns in his final collegiate season. He had 983 receiving yards and six scores the year prior in his first season with the Cyclones.
Houston Selects Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins 34th Overall
90.5 PFF Grade in 2024 (1st Among WRs) pic.twitter.com/bu6vySRcJZ
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 25, 2025
At the NFL Combine, Higgins ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash to go with a 39-inch vertical and a 10-foot, eight-inch broad jump.
Higgins now joins a room that features standout Nico Collins, free-agent siging Christian Kirk, and fellow youngster Tank Dell.