Newly drafted Houston Texan WR Jayden Higgins was just selected 34th overall with the second pick in the 2nd Round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
But off the field, there’s a beautiful chapter of his life that many might not know: his relationship with Kiersten Schmitt. So, who is this woman who’s captured the NFL rookie’s heart?
All You Need To Know About Texans Rookie Jayden Higgins and Kiersten Schmitt
For football fans, Higgins has become a name worth knowing. The two-star prospect out of Florida began his college career at Eastern Kentucky, where he recorded 13 touchdowns in two seasons.
He transferred to Iowa State in 2023 and continued to shine, recording 53 catches for 983 yards and six touchdowns. In 2024, he led the Cyclones in nearly every category. He had 87 receptions, nine touchdowns, and an impressive 1,183 yards, breaking the 1,000-yard barrier.
Now, on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, he was just selected by the Houston Texans to catch passes from C.J. Stroud in “H-Town.”
Who is Kiersten Schmitt?
On March 25, 2025, Higgins shared a photo on Instagram with Schmitt, and her comment, “two years together,” revealed the depth of their relationship. But who is Schmitt, the woman stealing the spotlight alongside the football star?
She is a volleyball player who recently committed to UC Santa Barbara from Iowa State. The 6’ outside hitter spent three years in Ames, accumulating 199 kills, 64 total blocks, and 242.5 points.
She distinguished herself academically and athletically, earning CSC Academic All-District recognition, being named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team twice, and securing spots on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll three times, along with the Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team.
Before Iowa State, Schmitt was a standout at Beckman Catholic High School. She led the Trailblazers to the 2019 IGHSAU 2A State Tournament Runner-Up finish and earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
IT’S DRAFT NIGHT: Top 300 Prospects — Get Your Free Printable 2025 NFL Draft Big Board
Her prep career included two-time All-State, All-District, and All-Conference honors. She was crowned the 2020 WaMaC Conference Player of the Year and ranked third in Iowa for kills with an incredible 593 during her senior year.
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