Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell on defensive secondary
Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell on the Cyclones’ defensive secondary and players stepping up.
Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season is in the books, and several former Iowa State football players had huge hands in the performances of their teams.
The collection of ex-Cyclones in the NFL continues to grow, with several more added to rosters this season after having around a dozen consistently active last season. While star-studded names like Breece Hall, Brock Purdy and David Montgomery dominate the alumni list, several others who Iowa State fans will recognize are making significant impacts at the pro level, too.
With that, here are three ex-Cyclones who stood out in Week 13 of the NFL season.
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers QB
Another week back under center, another strong showing for the former Iowa State quarterback.
In guiding the San Francisco 49ers to a 26-8 road win over the Cleveland Browns, Purdy finished 16-for-29 for 168 yards and a touchdown. He also added two carries for four yards and a rushing score.
The ground TD was Purdy’s first of the year, while the air TD was Purdy’s fifth since returning from injury. The 49ers now have a bye week and will look to extend their three-game winning streak in Week 15 vs. Tennessee.
David Montgomery, Detroit Lions RB
It’s been a seesawing season for Montgomery and the Lions, who sit at just 7-5 after their Thanksgiving home loss to the Green Bay Packers.
In the 31-24 defeat, Montgomery had eight carries for 32 yards and a TD while also throwing one incomplete pass on a trick play. It was the first TD for the former Iowa State running back since Nov. 2 vs. Minnesota.
Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans WR
No doubt, everyone on the Texans was happy to see CJ Stroud back under center. That includes Higgins, who hauled in five catches for 65 yards in Houston’s 20-16 road win over the Indianapolis Colts.
The former Iowa State receiver has had a big hand in the Texans’ turnaround. On the year, Higgins has 50 receptions for 359 yards and four touchdowns.
Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.