Houston Texans' general manager Nick Caserio recently reached out to Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell for insights on two of his standout wide receivers, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.

Both players, highly regarded in the 2025 NFL Draft, were selected by the Texans, marking an unusual scenario where two college teammates from the same position were drafted by the same team in the same year.

Caserio's interest was piqued during the draft, and Campbell jokingly suggested the Browns should draft both players, showcasing his confidence in their abilities. The Texans ended up taking Higgins at No. 34 and were thrilled when Noel was still available at No. 79.

Higgins and Noel's on-field synergy, derived from a strong friendship and competitive spirit, played a pivotal role in Iowa State's successful season. Their combined talent helped propel the Cyclones to an 11-3 record and a top-15 national ranking.

The Detroit Lions are experiencing a historic season, boasting a 12-1 record and a potent offense. However, their recent 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills highlighted a growing injury crisis, particularly on defense, as multiple key players were carted off the field.

Coach Dan Campbell remains optimistic, emphasizing accountability and resilience despite the injuries. He acknowledges the team's struggles but insists they must focus on finding ways to win. The Lions' Super Bowl aspirations are still alive, but the impact of their defensive woes raises concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.

Roje Stona, the reigning Olympic men's discus champion, is making a bold transition to American football by trying out for the NFL through the International Player Pathway program. At 25, he aims to follow in the footsteps of Jordan Mailata, who successfully navigated the same path to join the Philadelphia Eagles.

Stona, who recently won Olympic gold in Paris, was approached by the IPP shortly after his victory. He has a background in football, having participated in a pro day at the University of Arkansas and attending minicamps with the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers.

With the IPP program having successfully signed numerous international players, Stona is determined to make a mark. His immediate focus is on the upcoming 10-week camp in Florida, while keeping the option of returning to discus in mind.