AMES – Iowa State wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel were both named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, given annually to the best pass catcher in college football.

Iowa State was one of six schools nationwide with multiple players on the list.

The experienced pair is one of the best returning duos in the country in terms of combined receptions (119), receiving yards (1,803) and receiving touchdowns (13).

Noel finished the 2023 season with 66 pass catches for 820 yards and seven touchdowns. He has caught a pass in 32 consecutive games, which is the fourth-longest streak in both school history and the nation’s active players.

Higgins joined the Cyclones last season and was an immediate threat, catching 53 passes for 983 yards and six touchdowns. His 18.5 yards per catch average ranked in the top 20 in the nation. Higgins finished his season with a 214-yard performance against Memphis in the Liberty Bowl, the second-most receiving yards in a single game in school history.

Both players received honors from the Big 12 coaches in 2023. Noel was selected to the All-Big 12 second team and Higgins received honorable mention.