The Houston Texans Have a Rising Star in Jayden Higgins Heading Into 2026
· Yahoo Sports
The Houston Texans have spent the offseason making changes designed to help their offense take another step forward in 2026, but one of the biggest improvements may come from a player already on the roster. Second-year wide receiver Jayden Higgins has all the ingredients to become one of Houston's biggest breakout stars, and The Athletic's Mike Jones believes he is the player most likely to make that leap this season.
Jones pointed to Higgins' impressive rookie campaign as the foundation for what could be a much larger role in Year 2, "As a rookie, the 6-4, 215-pound wide receiver impressed, contributing 41 catches, 525 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets. Look for his role to only expand as he and quarterback C.J. Stroud further refine their connection and Higgins’ understanding of coverages also improves. Increased production from Higgins will help ease pressure on Nico Collins, who led the team with 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns on 120 targets."
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Those numbers only tell part of Higgins' story. As a rookie, he showed flashes of becoming a reliable playmaker whenever his number was called. His size immediately stood out, giving Houston another big-bodied target capable of winning contested catches while also creating mismatches against smaller defensive backs. Six touchdown receptions demonstrated his ability to make an impact in scoring situations, something every offense values.
Heading into his second season, Higgins should benefit from greater familiarity with offensive coordinator Nick Caley's system and another full offseason working alongside Stroud. Timing and chemistry between quarterbacks and receivers often take time to develop, and the Texans have every reason to believe that connection will continue to improve throughout training camp and into the regular season.
Houston's receiving corps already features one of the NFL's best wide receivers in Nico Collins, but Higgins' continued development could make the group significantly more dangerous. Defenses already devote plenty of attention to slowing Collins, and a more productive Higgins would force opponents to spread those resources across multiple receiving threats. That could create more favorable matchups for everyone involved while making life easier for Stroud.
The Texans also added more young talent at receiver this offseason, creating healthy competition throughout the room. Higgins appears well-positioned to separate himself as a consistent complement to Collins thanks to the experience he gained as a rookie and the confidence he earned from the coaching staff.
Houston's offense has the potential to look much different in 2026 if several young players continue progressing, especially with the return of Tank Dell. Higgins sits near the top of that list. If he builds on the encouraging foundation he established during his rookie year, the Texans could have another difference-maker in the passing game and one more reason to believe their offense is ready to take another step forward.