The Iowa State Cyclones are coming off their best season in program history as they won 11 games, which is now the most in school history for a single season. However, they are going to be without their two best wide receivers moving forward.
Jake Waters on the Losses of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel
The Cyclones’ two leading wide receivers from a season ago in Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, are both heading to the NFL after strong senior seasons.
Iowa State offensive coordinator Jake Waters recently spoke about life around the program without its best pass-catchers, per 247Sports.
“Yeah, it’s different…You’re never going to replace a Jayden Higgins and a Jaylin Noel, but now find ways to get guys in similar positions.”
Higgins, the All-Big 12 performer, caught 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns a season ago.
On the other side, Jaylin Noel caught 80 passes for 1,194 yards and eight scores in the same season.
It will be tough for the Cyclones to replace these two guys.
How Iowa State Will Replace Their Top 2 WRs From 2024
Starting quarterback Rocco Becht is going to have to show up and show out this season to help the team make up for the losses of the two great receivers.
If he can match his 3,500+ passing yards and 25+ passing touchdowns from a season ago, the team should be in good shape.
Wide receiver Xavier Townsend, one of Becht’s old high school friends, Chase Sowell, Isaiah Alston, and Eli Green will be the wide receivers tasked with making magic happen this year.
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While none of these players have had experience eclipsing close to 1,000 yards in their college football careers, this year is going to be a great opportunity to do so.
A College Football Playoff berth could be on the line, as it was last year.
If this team wants to push for a national title while they still have a veteran quarterback under center, they will need substantial contributions in the slot and out wide.
Time will tell whether or not they can make important strides this offseason and this Fall.
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