Much was made last season about Houston Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley and his use of rookie receiving tandem Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. In some cases, it was the lack thereof. The former Iowa State Cyclones were both selected in the 2025 draft, and were picked because of their combination of length (Higgins) and explosiveness in the receiving and return game (Noel).
Team Rankings
While Higgins finished with a respectable year (finished near the top of the list in several statistical categories for the team), Noel was not as fortunate. As a reference, here are Noel’s 2025 receiving statistics and his ranks for the team:
- Targets: 35 (seventh)
- Receptions: 26 (sixth)
- Yards: 292 (fifth)
- Average: 11.2 (fifth)
- Longest reception: 44 yards (sixth)
- 20+ yard plays (big plays): 6 (third)
- Yards per game: 17.2 (seventh)
- Yards after catch: 99 (seventh)
- First downs: 13 (fifth)
- Games played: 17 (T-most)
In a pass-catching group that featured names like Higgins, Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, Woody Marks and Dalton Schultz, Noel found himself as the odd man out most days on the gridiron. The fact that he finished behind a running back in Marks for targets (36) is an indicator of the state of affairs for the rookie.
Vote of confidence?
Noel finished with 12 games of two targets or less, and nine games of less than 10 yards receiving. No matter the amount of questioning by local Texans media members, Caley and the coaching staff continued to maintain Noel’s importance to the team and how there were intentions to have him be a larger fixture for the offense down the stretch.
Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley said sometimes his wide receiver usage is a rotation and they try to keep players fresh.
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) November 6, 2025
“We love Jaylin Noel. We plan for him,” Caley said. He said it is not a faith issue in Noel.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio recently gave a vote of confidence for the soon-to-be second year player, stating, "J-Noel, you know, showed what he can do in return game, probably get some more opportunities here offensively [next year].But, I mean, 2 good football players... I think J-Noel kind of showed his kind of versatility, you know, punt returner, kickoff returner, and when he played offensively, he made a lot of plays. So, I'm sure we're going to see more J-Noel next year."
High hopes, harsh reality
No matter the positive spin, the reality is Noel will be facing an uphill climb for consistent relevance in the passing game in 2026 as well. The reason will theoretically be the return of fan-favorite wide receiver Tank Dell and his impact in the team snap % at the position.
If Noel struggled for target-shares without Dell, how much more will he possibly face neglect when they essentially function in the same capacity? They’re both compact, explosive, great with their hands and add a downfield threat for quarterback C.J. Stroud to exploit against opposing secondaries.
In a “perfect world” scenario, the Texans field a quadruple threat of Collins, Higgins, Dell and Noel and dominate defenses for the entirety of 2026. Unfortunately, reality sets in and someone will most likely have to adapt in order to stay on the field with the other three.
Noel already has experience in the special teams department, evidenced by him setting the franchise rookie record for most punt return yards in a season with 335.
Yet, fans and media have been clamoring for his presence as a legitimate receiving threat, not just a star special teamer.
It obviously remains to be seen what his immediate future will hold. But, if Caley can find a way to unlock his potential while integrating a name like Dell, it could prove lethal to the rest of the NFL.