Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season is in the books, and several former Iowa State football players had huge hands in the performances of their teams.
The collection of ex-Cyclones in the NFL continues to grow, with several more added to rosters this season after having around a dozen consistently active last season. While star-studded names like Breece Hall, Allen Lazard and David Montgomery dominate the alumni list, several others who Iowa State fans will recognize are making significant impacts at the pro level, too.
With that, here are a few ex-Cyclones who stood out in Week 5 of the NFL season.
Xavier Hutchinson, Houston Texans WR
It was a full-on offensive bonanza from the Houston Texans in their stunning 44-10 road win over the shorthanded Baltimore Ravens. That included Xavier Huchinson visiting the end zone for the first time as a pro.
The former Iowa State wide receiver hauled in three catches for 18 yards and two touchdowns, scoring early in the first quarter and again right before halftime to cement the dominance. Hutchinson’s three catches also tied a season-high.
After an 0-3 start, Hutchinson and the Texans are back on track with consecutive wins. They’ll shoot for three in a row on Oct. 20 a Seattle following a bye week.
Jaylin Noel, Houston Texans WR
Hutchinson wasn’t the only ex-Cyclone to find the end zone in Houston’s dominant win.
Jaylin Noel also caught his first career touchdown, a 4-yard scoring grab early in the fourth quarter that put the finishing touches on the Texans’ rout. Noel finished the game with two catches for 13 yards.
David Montgomery, Detroit Lions RB
There were plenty of points to go around as well in the Lions’ 37-24 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. That included quite the game from David Montgomery.
The former Iowa State running back did his normal thing on the ground, piling up 18 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown as the team’s leading rusher. But Montgomery also tossed a 3-yard TD to Brock Wright early in the second quarter for an unforgettable highlight.
Montgomery and the Lions have now won four straight after their Week 1 loss.
Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Three former Iowa State players who stood out in Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season
Reporting by Dargan Southard, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
