The buzz surrounding the Houston Texans and wide receiver Jayden Higgins is getting louder, and it’s not hard to understand why. The second-year wide receiver out of Iowa State is entering 2026 with a chip on his shoulder, a stronger frame, and the full confidence of head coach DeMeco Ryans behind him. This combination should have Texans fans genuinely excited about what’s coming next.
Higgins had a solid rookie campaign after being selected 34th overall in the 2025 draft, but the best part of his first season came in the second half. He was somewhat eased into the offense early on, but from Week 10 onward he found his groove in a big way, finishing tied for the team lead with six receiving touchdowns and racking up 525 yards. For a player who was still learning the nuances of the NFL game, that kind of production down the stretch was a real statement. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound wideout used his length, smooth route running, and chemistry with C.J. Stroud to establish himself as a legitimate weapon opposite Nico Collins.
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Now heading into Year 2, the expectation is that the flashes become the norm. Higgins only played on about 58% of offensive snaps in 2025, which leaves a lot of room for a bigger role in the offense as the staff grows more comfortable leaning on him. With a full offseason of work under his belt and a clearer understanding of what the Texans need from him, the groundwork is already being laid for a breakout.
Ryans made that point crystal clear during OTAs. Speaking to reporters, he praised Higgins for the work he put in this offseason, noting that the young receiver came back looking bigger, stronger, and faster. Which is exactly what you want to see from a player entering his second year. That kind of firsthand endorsement from your head coach matters, and it lines up with what a lot of observers noticed about Higgins as he closed out his rookie year: this is a player still scratching the surface of what he can do.
The Texans’ offense has plenty of pieces, especially with Tank Dell returning and Jaylin Noel developing, and an upgraded tight end room. However, Higgins has a real chance to step into the role of clear-cut second option in the passing game. Everything is trending in the right direction. The talent has always been there. In 2026, the opportunity could be there too.