AMES – There were times last season where Iowa State football could've benefitted from having a consistent third target to complement Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
Still, there were many instances where the dynamic duo showed that no matter how much attention opposing defenses gave them, they found a way to make a highlight-reel catch or break loose for a big play.
Iowa State was the only FBS-level team to have two 1,000-yard receivers last season. Higgins and Noel had similar stat lines and combined for 167 receptions, 2,377 yards and 17 touchdowns, accounting for more than 60% of the Cyclones' production in each of those categories.
With those two chasing their NFL dreams as draft prospects, Iowa State is looking to retool its offense and develop new targets for quarterback Rocco Becht. The Cyclones added key transfers at wide receiver in Chase Sowell (East Carolina) and Xavier Townsend (UCF). But a boost from their tight ends would go a long way in 2025.
Iowa State had a large list of injuries last season. On the offensive side of the ball, the tight end group was one of the most injury-compromised, with Ben Brahmer, Tyler Moore and Cooper Alexander all sustaining major injuries.
As the Cyclones return to full-strength at that position, they are expecting big things from the experienced unit this fall.
"Thinking that room has the chance to be really, really special next year with the depth that we have," said offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, who was pleased to report that the Cyclones' tight ends are all healthy and participating in spring football. "... All those guys are probably as big and fast as they have been.
"The benefit or the silver lining with those guys being hurt is they were able to spend a lot of time with (strength and conditioning) coach (Reid) Kagy. Those guys are pros. They had the highest GPA on the team again, so no big deal there. Those guys do everything the right way and they're a blast to be around."
Tight end Gabe Burkle was one of the lucky few to avoid the injury bug last season. Known for his abilities as a run blocker and contributor on special teams, he stepped into a bigger role as a redshirt sophomore as the season unfolded. While Noel and Higgins garnered a vast majority of targets, he was the Cyclones' third-highest producer in the receiving game last year, ...
