Brief Introduction of Jayden Higgins
Jayden William Higgins, born on December 15, 2002, is a dynamic American professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the Houston Texans in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his impressive size, athleticism, and reliable hands, Higgins quickly rose through the college football ranks at Eastern Kentucky University and Iowa State University before being selected by the Texans in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His promising career has already seen him make history as the first second-round pick to receive a fully guaranteed rookie contract, highlighting the high expectations placed upon this young talent as he embarks on his professional journey.
Jayden Higgins Overview
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jayden William Higgins |
| Date of Birth | December 15, 2002 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 22 years old |
| Birthplace | Cobb County, Georgia, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Weight | 215 lbs (97 kg) |
| Profession | Professional American Football Player |
| Position | Wide Receiver (WR) |
| Current Team | Houston Texans |
| NFL Draft | 2025, Round 2, Pick 34 |
| College | Eastern Kentucky (2021–2022), Iowa State (2023–2024) |
| Parents | Moses Higgins, Holly Poole |
| Sisters | Jade, Angelina |
| Girlfriend | Kiersten Schmitt |
| Estimated Net Worth (as of 2025) | Approximately $11.7 million (based on rookie contract) |
Early Life and Education of Jayden Higgins
Jayden William Higgins was born on December 15, 2002, in Cobb County, Georgia, U.S.. He spent his formative years developing a passion for athletics, demonstrating early talent in multiple sports. Higgins attended Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay, Florida, where he excelled not only in football but also in basketball.
During his senior year of high school in 2020, Higgins showcased his burgeoning football skills, recording 23 receptions for 430 receiving yards and five touchdowns in just five games. As a junior, he earned all-county honors, tallying 27 receptions for 490 yards and four touchdowns. This multi-sport background contributed to his overall athletic development, laying a strong foundation for his future in football. He was a two-star recruit and the 459th-ranked wide receiver in the 2021 recruiting class. His parents are Moses Higgins and Holly Poole, and he has two sisters, Jade and Angelina, who have been part of his strong family support system throughout his journey.
Jayden Higgins’ Career
Jayden Higgins’ football career began to blossom during his collegiate years, where he made a significant impact across two different programs. He started his college career at Eastern Kentucky University, playing for the Eastern Kentucky Colonels for two seasons from 2021 to 2022. During his time there, Higgins recorded impressive statistics, accumulating 87 receptions for 1,151 yards and 13 touchdowns. His sophomore season was particularly notable, as he finished with 58 receptions for 757 yards and 10 touchdowns, tying for 15th nationally in receiving touchdowns. He also earned Second Team All-Atlantic Sun honors from Phil Steele.
Following the 2022 season, Higgins entered the transfer portal and committed to Iowa State University, a pivotal move that elevated his profile and exposed him to a higher level of competition in the Big 12 Conference. His transition to Iowa State was seamless, and he quickly became a key offensive weapon for the Iowa State Cyclones. In his first season with the Cyclones in 2023, he started 12 of 13 games, hauling in 53 receptions for 983 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 18.5 yards per catch, which was the seventh-best single-season average in Iowa State history. Higgins had five receptions of 40 or more yards and recorded three 100-yard receiving games. A highlight of his 2023 season was his performance in the Liberty Bowl, where he set a school bowl record with 214 receiving yards on nine catches, the second-most yards in a single game in Iowa State history and the most ever in a bowl game by a Cyclone. He became only the third player in the 65-year history of the Liberty Bowl to achieve over 200 receiving yards.
In his senior year at Iowa State in 2024, Higgins continued his stellar performance, recording 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns. This exceptional season earned him Associated Press Third Team All-American honors and Second Team All-Big 12 recognition. He and teammate Jaylin Noel formed one of the nation’s best receiving duos, becoming one of just two pairs in the nation to each record 1,000 receiving yards in 2024. Higgins also broke a school record with a touchdown reception in seven consecutive games, a streak that spanned the final two games of 2023 and the first five games of 2024. He caught a pass in all 26 games he played as a Cyclone, ranking as the seventh-longest streak in school history. Over his two seasons at Iowa State, Higgins amassed 140 receptions for 2,166 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. His collegiate career total includes 227 receptions for 3,317 yards and 25 touchdowns across both Eastern Kentucky and Iowa State.
Jayden Higgins declared for the 2025 NFL Draft via his personal Instagram account in December 2024. His impressive college career culminated in his selection by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, as the 34th overall pick. He joined the Texans as one of their highly anticipated rookie wide receivers, expected to compete for an immediate starting role opposite Nico Collins. Notably, Higgins made NFL history by signing a four-year, $11,700,824 fully guaranteed contract, becoming the first second-round draft pick to receive such a deal. This groundbreaking contract underscores the Texans’ belief in his potential and immediate impact on the team, particularly as he is seen as a sure-handed receiver who can become a trusted target for quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Jayden Higgins Personal Life & Family
Jayden Higgins maintains a relatively private personal life, though some details about his family and relationships are publicly known. He is the son of Moses Higgins and Holly Poole, and he has two sisters, Jade and Angelina. His family has been a consistent source of support throughout his athletic endeavors.
As of April 2025, Jayden Higgins’ girlfriend is Kiersten Schmitt. Schmitt is an NCAA volleyball student-athlete who previously played for Iowa State University and is now at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Their relationship became public through their Instagram accounts, with their dating anniversary noted as March 25, 2023. Higgins majored in finance during his time at Iowa State University.
Awards and Achievements of Jayden Higgins
Jayden Higgins has garnered numerous accolades throughout his collegiate and early professional career, underscoring his talent and dedication to American football.
- Associated Press Third Team All-American (2024)
- Second Team All-Big 12 Wide Receiver – Coaches and Associated Press (2024)
- Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Wide Receiver & Offensive Newcomer of the Year (2023)
- Second Team All-Atlantic Sun (Phil Steele, at Eastern Kentucky)
- Liberty Bowl Record for Receiving Yards (214 yards, 2023)
- School record for a touchdown reception in seven-straight games (spanning 2023-2024)
- First second-round pick in NFL history to receive a fully guaranteed rookie contract (2025)
Jayden Higgins Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Jayden Higgins’ net worth is significantly influenced by his groundbreaking rookie contract with the Houston Texans. Upon being selected as the 34th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Higgins signed a four-year contract valued at $11,700,824. This contract is notable for being fully guaranteed, a historic first for a second-round NFL draft pick.
His annual average salary from this contract is $2,925,206. In 2025, Higgins is set to earn a base salary of $840,000, along with a substantial signing bonus of $5,149,688. This guaranteed income forms the primary component of his current net worth. As a rookie in the NFL, his income sources primarily derive from his player contract, endorsement opportunities, and potential performance-based bonuses as his career progresses. His estimated net worth for 2025 can be approximated around the value of his fully guaranteed rookie contract, showcasing a strong financial start to his professional career.
Legacy and Influence
Jayden Higgins, despite being at the nascent stage of his professional career, has already begun to carve out a legacy that extends beyond his on-field performance. His transition from Eastern Kentucky to Iowa State demonstrated adaptability and a commitment to challenging himself at higher levels of competition, inspiring aspiring athletes. His record-breaking receiving yards in the Liberty Bowl and consistent production at Iowa State solidified his reputation as a formidable wide receiver with exceptional hands and route-running ability.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Higgins has influenced the NFL’s contract landscape. His fully guaranteed rookie contract as a second-round pick set a new precedent, challenging traditional norms where such guarantees were typically reserved for first-round selections. This achievement could potentially pave the way for future non-first-round draft picks to negotiate more favorable contract terms. His public image is that of a dedicated and hardworking athlete focused on his craft, and he is seen as a key component of the Houston Texans’ offensive future alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Interesting Facts about Jayden Higgins
- Jayden Higgins played both football and basketball during his high school years at Westminster Christian School.
- He set an Iowa State school record for receiving yards in a bowl game with 214 yards in the 2023 Liberty Bowl, also marking the second-most receiving yards in any single game in school history.
- Higgins made NFL history by becoming the first second-round draft pick to sign a fully guaranteed rookie contract.
- He majored in finance while attending Iowa State University.
- Higgins was noted for his exceptional catch rate, securing 55.6% of his contested catches in college, including 58.3% in 2024.
- He caught a pass in all 26 games he played for Iowa State, representing the seventh-longest streak in school history.
Controversies
As of the current date, August 25, 2025, there are no significant public controversies or challenges associated with Jayden Higgins reported in credible media sources.
Social Media Presence
Jayden Higgins maintains an active presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing updates on his career. His official Instagram account is @chill.j5. While specific, up-to-the-minute follower counts for all platforms are not consistently reported across verified sources, he uses these channels to engage with his audience and showcase aspects of his professional journey.
Final Words about Jayden Higgins
Jayden Higgins stands as one of the most promising young talents in the National Football League, poised to make a significant impact with the Houston Texans. Having completed a stellar collegiate career at Eastern Kentucky and Iowa State, marked by numerous statistical achievements and awards, he entered the NFL in 2025 with high expectations. His historic fully guaranteed rookie contract not only underscores his perceived value to the Texans but also signals a potential shift in how second-round draft picks are compensated across the league.
As a rookie wide receiver for the Houston Texans, Higgins is expected to be a crucial component of their offense, bringing his combination of size, reliable hands, and impressive athleticism to quarterback C.J. Stroud. His consistent performance and dedication throughout his football journey suggest a bright future, and fans eagerly anticipate his contributions to the Texans’ pursuit of success. Jayden Higgins is undoubtedly a name to watch as he continues to build upon his already impressive legacy in professional football.
