Tag: Iowa State

Dolphins’ top 2025 draft prospects: Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins

Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins has impressed at the 2025 Senior Bowl and could make for an interesting addition in Miami.

Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins is a name to know for the Miami Dolphins. Higgins performed well at Senior Bowl practices and the 6’4 pass catcher is a natural “X” receiver on the outside who could be a huge problem in the slot for defenses.

“Although I do have a bigger body than most receivers, I’d say I’m still shifty and versatile,” Higgins told The Draft Network. “I’m 6’4, 215, but I can still play in the slot. I can play anywhere on the field. My versatility is exceptional. It helps me a lot.

“I could play wherever the team needs me to play. I just want to help the offense.”

Higgins had a superb 2024 season, one of the best in Iowa State history. He finished with 87 receptions, 1,183 yards, and nine touchdowns to earn Third Team All-American honors.

Position: WR
Projected round: Round 3
Height: 6’4
Weight: 215

Fit for Miami

Higgins uses his big-bodied frame and his basketball experience to get position, which makes him a formidable target anywhere on the field, especially in the red zone. The Miami-native could fit very well in a receiving room that would benefit from adding size.

The Dolphins have several free agents at the position and ambiguity on the future of star receiver Tyreek Hill, so adding another running-mate for Jaylen Waddle would be a wise move.

Even if Hill remains in Miami, Waddle and 2024 rookie Malik Washington are the only other viable receivers under contract for the Dolphins heading into the 2025 offseason. Miami can’t afford to dish out much money to a very top-heavy free agent class, headlined by names like Tee Higgins and Stefon Diggs.

The 2025 NFL draft that features several Day 2 or early Day 3 options that would be better investments at receiver, including Jayden Higgins.

Bottom Line

The Dolphins could use more red-zone receiving threats beyond tight end Jonnu Smith and the overall scoring ability of running back De’Von Achane. With or without Hill, adding Higgins would be worthwhile investment even if he needs a year of development with only timely usage as a rookie.

Higgins has all the tools and the intelligence to pick up the playbook and be a starter eventually. A potential trio of Higgins, Waddle, and Washington in the near future could work wonders for Miami. Thanks to his Senior Bowl reps, Higgins could creep into Day 2 territory come April.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

How Wisconsin transfer A.J. Storr performed in No. 7 Kansas’ loss to No. 2 Iowa State

How Wisconsin transfer A.J. Storr performed in No. 7 Kansas’ loss to No. 2 Iowa State

Wisconsin transfer guard A.J. Storr saw increased playing time in No. 7 Kansas’ 74-57 loss to No. 2 Iowa State on Wednesday.

The former Badger saw 10 minutes of action and totaled five points, two rebounds, two assists and a block on 2-of-6 shooting and 0-of-2 from 3.

Related: Takeaways from Wisconsin basketball’s narrow win over Ohio State

The performance is a step forward for Storr, whose role had dwindled significantly over the last several weeks. Coach Bill Self called him out publicly after a Dec. 31 loss to West Virginia, which preceded the star transfer playing just four minutes in the Jayhawks’ 19-point win over Arizona State on Jan. 8.

Those minute totals are back in double digits, first in a Jan. 11 win over Cincinnati and now against the Cyclones. He played well in the 10 minutes of action, even igniting a mini-run that cut Kansas’ deficit from 11 to five late in the second half. In succession, Storr blocked a layup attempt, grabbed the defensive rebound and collected the assist on a layup on the other end. One minute later, he missed a 3-pointer that would have brought Kansas within three points.

Storr stayed on the court for the last seven minutes of the game as Kansas dealt with foul trouble to its big men. In the end, his contributions weren’t enough to keep pace with an Iowa State team that seems poised for a deep run in March.

The former Badger’s performance, while a step in the right direction, did not help his season averages: 17.7 minutes, 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists on 39.8% shooting and 29.7% from 3. They are all lower than his production as a freshman at St. John’s, let alone his outputs from a stellar 2023-24 campaign with the Badgers.

Storr and the Jayhawks are back on the court on Jan. 18 against Kansas State. He’ll look to carry momentum from this performance, continuing to battle for a consistent role in Kansas’ deep lineup.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion

Drew Brees says NFL teams could learn a lot from Brock Purdy’s story

Drew Brees says he hopes other teams can learn from Brock Purdy’s underdog story. It’s a new blueprint for drafting and supporting a young quarterback:

Drew Brees knows his way around the quarterback position — that much is evident by the simple fact that he is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. The New Orleans Saints legend retired with quite a few records to his name and a place waiting for him at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

While he is far from proving he can reach the same heights as Brees, former Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy has far exceeded the expectations with the San Francisco 49ers.

Once seen as “Mr. Irrelevant” as the final pick of the 2022 NFL draft, Purdy has become a legitimate starting NFL quarterback and has earned the praise and recognition of many around the league, including Brees.

“This is the way I look at Brock Purdy. Every single time he stepped on the field in college, he was an underdog,” Brees told me this week. “So, here’s a guy who always had to play kind of with an edge, with a chip on his shoulder.”

In conjunction with Cyclones standout Breece Hall, Purdy made everything Iowa State was doing offensively that much better, in the eyes of Brees.

“(He just) maximized everything about what they were doing offensively in order to win these games. And he’s very cerebral,” Brees said.

There have been some issues in San Francisco that need to be fixed, but Purdy in his own right has proven he can be the quarterback of the future for the team if they can put the right type of consistent pieces in place. Every team needs to support their quarterback, but that’s even more critical for young pros like Purdy.

“So, if he gets into a situation in San Francisco where he’s got a great offense, great run scheme, great head coach and he’s got all this high level experience, that equates to success right away,” Brees said. “I think there’s a lot that can be learned from that story when you talk about how you draft guys and the situations you put them in.”

The former Saints quarterback hopes that other teams can learn from the home run that San Francisco hit here.

Purdy will look to get back to business next season in hopes of returning to the Super Bowl stage, and he’ll likely do it with a new contract. He completed 65.9% of his passes for 3,684 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2024. The 49ers have done a great job taking care of Purdy to this point in his career, and they’ve worked hard to retain talent around him. Now it’s his turn to cash in after developing into someone they can because of, not just with.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

George Kittle pays off Iowa-Iowa State bet with Brock Purdy

With the Cyclones holding off the Hawkeyes for a 20-19 win on Saturday, George Kittle had to pay off his bet with 49ers QB Brock Purdy.

Prior to their season opener on Monday Night Football, an internal battle took place on Saturday between a pair of playmakers for the San Francisco 49ers.

Saturday marked the latest edition of the historic rivalry game between the Iowa State Cyclones vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes. Two of the top current players from the Cyclones and Hawkeyes reside in the 49ers locker room — Brock Purdy and George Kittle.

When the Cyclones secured the 20-19 win on Saturday, Kittle had to pay the price. On Wednesday, the 49ers star tight end addressed members of the media from the locker room in Santa Clara donning a cardinal and gold Iowa State helmet, the same helmet Purdy wore for the Cyclones.

Via @nwagoner on Twitter:

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns along with helping set up the Cyclones’ game-winning field goal. Kyle Konrardy drilled a 54-yard field goal to give Iowa State a 20-19 lead with six seconds remaining.

Iowa standout running back Kaleb Johnson rushed for 187 yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to save Kittle from wearing the Cyclones helmet on Wednesday in Santa Clara.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

How to buy Iowa vs. Iowa State college football tickets

The Hawkeyes host in-state rival Iowa State Cyclones in an early-season football matchup. Tickets for the game are available for just $120.

Is there anything better than a college football rivalry game?

The Iowa Hawkeyes are coming off a traditional dominant defensive display coupled with a very uncommon offensive explosion against Illinois State in a 40-0 win.

The Iowa State Cyclones showed some defense of their own in Week 1, defeating North Dakota 21-3.

With an early win under each of their belts, Saturday’s rivalry game will surely prove as fiery as always. Limited tickets still remain for Saturday’s game between Iowa and Iowa State.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Iowa vs. Iowa State football tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/w943kJ9″]

How to buy Iowa vs. Iowa State football tickets

At the time of publication, the cheapest available Iowa vs. Iowa State tickets would cost you $120.

When: Saturday, Sept 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Iowa City, Iowa

Tickets: $120 on StubHub

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Iowa vs. Iowa State tickets at StubHub” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/w943kJ9″]

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Hawkeyes Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

How to buy No. 25 Iowa vs. Iowa State college football tickets

The Iowa Hawkeyes hosts rival Iowa State Cyclones in an early-season football matchup. Tickets for the game are available for just $120.

Is there anything better than a college football rivalry game?

The Iowa Hawkeyes are coming off a traditionally dominant defensive display coupled with a very uncommon offensive explosion against Illinois State in a 40-0 win.

The Iowa State Cyclones showed some defense of their own in Week 1, defeating North Dakota 21-3.

With an early win under each of their belts, this week’s rivalry game will surely prove as fiery as always. Limited tickets still remain for Saturday’s game between Iowa and Iowa State.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Iowa vs. Iowa State football tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/w943kJ9″]

How to buy Iowa State vs. Iowa football tickets

At the time of publication, the cheapest available Iowa vs. Iowa State tickets would cost you $120.

When: Saturday, Sept 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Iowa City, Iowa

Tickets: $120 on StubHub

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Iowa vs. Iowa State tickets at StubHub” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/w943kJ9″]

Royce White, who won the Minnesota Republican Senate primary, was never an NBA star

Royce White scored as many points in the NBA as President Joe Biden.

Royce White, who was selected in the first-round of the 2012 NBA Draft, won the Republican primary for a senate seat in Minnesota.

After a very public battle with anxiety highlighted by his fear of flying, it became difficult for White to ever get on the court during his professional career.

Even hearing your name called in the NBA draft is no easy task, and White did have an impressive collegiate career in the Big 12 for Iowa State. He also had success while playing in Canada, but he never reached anywhere near his full potential in the NBA.

White, who was an outspoken advocate for mental health policy and also a general critic of the league, only played nine minutes across three games in the NBA. He never recorded any points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks.

In fact, per Stathead, his career Player Efficiency Rating (PER) ranks as the worst of any first-round pick ever selected in the NBA Draft. He also had the lowest Box Plus-Minus (BPM) of any first-round pick since 2004.

Yet despite the lack of success on the court, White was still recently labeled as a “former NBA star” after his primary win.

The nominee, who lost a Republican primary in an attempt to unseat Rep. Ilhan Omar for congress in 2022, is considered unlikely to win the general election against incumbent Senator Amy Klobuchar.

He has raised some concerns due to many of his recent comments, such as stating that women are “too mouthy” to former media executive and currently imprisoned felon Steve Bannon.

White has elsewhere created controversy due to comments about Jewish people, the LGBTQ community, and he has leaned into several concerning conspiracy theories.

His campaign finances have also come into question, and independently, he reportedly faces a potential jail sentence due to unpaid child support.

All of this to say, even with politics aside, it was easy for sports fans to wonder about  the use of the word “star” when describing White’s NBA career.

Fans didn’t agree with this characterization

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1373]

Former Saints linebacker A.J. Klein announces retirement from pro football

Former Saints linebacker A.J. Klein announced his retirement from pro football. He was a key piece of some of the most successful teams in franchise history:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-DHRm4RY9y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Every player comes to a time when it’s time to hang up the cleats. That day always comes, whether it’s because of age, ability, or injury. Today was the day for former New Orleans Saints linebacker A.J. Klein, who announced his retirement from pro football after 11 seasons. Interestingly enough, the day he decided to retire was his 33rd birthday. Klein made the announcement on his official Instagram account.

Saints fans might remember Klein from the very successful 2017-2019 playoff teams. The Wisconsin native was a key contributor for those teams, starting 42 games across those three seasons. He contributed on the stat sheet in New Orleans with 193 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Klein played for five NFL teams across his 11 seasons, most notably the Carolina Panthers (who drafted him out of Iowa State) and the Buffalo Bills, with whom he appeared often over the last four years. We congratulate Klein on a great career and wish him the best of luck in retirement.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

George Kittle shares hilarious story on welcoming Brock Purdy to 49ers

The 49ers tight end shared a hilarious story on how he welcomed Brock Purdy to team with a special shirt in his locker.

It’s clear to see the connection between George Kittle and his quarterback Brock Purdy.

Since Purdy took over under center for the San Francisco 49ers, the duo has thrived. In a recent appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, Kittle spoke about the 49ers’ signal caller and recalled a story about how they connected when Purdy was a rookie.

Along with praising Purdy’s physical traits and making a Pokemon connection to Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and Nick Bosa, Kittle revealed a funny moment from the past when he and his quarterback first met in the locker room.

When welcoming the rookie quarterback to the team in 2022, Kittle told Eisen that he left an Iowa Hawkeyes shirt in the former Iowa State star quarterback’s locker to see how he would react.

Via The Rich Eisen Show:

Whenever we have rookies come in — there is absolutely zero hazing, but I like to banter with them to see if they’re going to talk back to me or are they going to be shy because, ‘Hey, I’m George Kittle, and I’ve been in the league for eight years now.’

So Brock’s first day, I hung an Iowa football short in his locker, which was phenomenal, and he instantly takes it out  — he’s two lockers down from me and goes ‘You put this in here, get this s— out of my locker.’ and I’m just like, ‘I’m going to like you. I absolutely know that already.’ and he just tosses it on the ground — Respect I love that.

Via @RichEisenShow on Twitter:

In 25 games with Purdy under center, Kittle has caught 104 balls to go along with 1,564 yards and 16 touchdowns. Purdy and Kittle will have the chance to grow those numbers in the pivotal upcoming 2024-25 campaign.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

No. 1 Texas softball earns three-game sweep of Iowa State

No. 1 Texas softball swept Iowa State over a weekend series in Austin to extend its winning streak to 13 games.

No. 1 Texas softball swept Iowa State over a weekend series in Austin to extend its winning streak to 13 games. Continue reading “No. 1 Texas softball earns three-game sweep of Iowa State”