Despite being two playmakers at the same position, on the same roster, and with similar first names, there couldn’t be more of a difference between Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins’ skill sets for the Iowa State offense.
At 5-foot-10, Noel is the quintessential slot wideout. His game revolves around his quickness, agility, and ability to create separation in tight spaces. Throughout his college career, he has been a consistently reliable target in the short-to-intermediate passing game, excelling on slants, option routes, and designated touches. An athlete that has profiles similar to Tre Tucker, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, or Wan’Dale Robinson, Noel’s game has the potential to carve out a role at the next level. His ability to separate and create after the catch makes him a fit for creative offensive structures where he can thrive in quick-passing schemes.
Higgins is the polar opposite of Noel in terms of physicality and style. A true ‘X’ at 6-foot-4, Higgins wins with size, strength, and body control. With some similarities to former Cyclones standout Xavier Hutchinson from a few years back, Higgins runs well, has good hands, and has the stride and acceleration to threaten teams downfield.
Both have thrived together by offering Iowa State’s offense two vastly different, yet complementary styles. Noel’s ability to win underneath and after the catch draws downhill secondary attention, opening up space for Higgins to dominate on the outside at varying depths. Conversely, Higgins’ presence as a downfield and red-zone threat forces defenses to respect his size and strength, creating room for Noel to operate in the slot.
Moving forward, and deeper into the pre-draft process, both Noel and Higgins represent two ends of the receiver spectrum: one a quick, shifty playmaker, the other a physical, towering presence. Even further, getting a live look at both players at the Senior Bowl this winter will go a long way for personal evaluation, as well as league-wide as we work towards the spring. It’s an opportunity in a neutral environment to compete and produce, and good weeks in front of all 32 teams will hold weight toward when they ultimately hear their names called.
Both players enter Week 13 on pace to eclipse 1,000 yards in their final season as a Cyclone.
