Week 8 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 three ex-Cyclones who stood out in Week 8 of the NFL season.
Breece Hall, New York Jets RB
It was a needed breakthrough for Hall and the Jets, as New York rallied for a 39-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals for its first victory of the year. The former Iowa State running back had a hand in everything.
On the ground, Hall dominated with 18 carries for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Through the air, Hall hauled in two catches for 14 yards and also threw a four-yard TD to Mason Taylor for the winning score. All three of the TDs involving Hall came in the fourth quarter.
It was the first time Hall had multiple rushing scores in one game since Dec. 24, 2023, against the Washington Commanders.
Xavier Hutchinson, Houston Texans WR
Given their strong presence, you’re likely going to find one or more of Houston’s three Iowa State alums at wide receiver on this list. Against the San Francisco 49ers, two of them found the end zone to spearhead the 26-15 win.
Hutchinson led the way with five catches for 69 yards and a third-quarter score that extended the Texans’ lead to 23-7. The yardage was a career-high. After catching zero TD passes his first two NFL seasons, Hutchinson has three in seven games this year.
Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans WR
Higgins also found the end zone as part of a four-catch, 34-yard day in the win over San Francisco. It was his second score this season and first since Sept. 28 versus the Tennessee Titans.
With star wide receiver Nico Collins out, Higgins also set a season-high with eight targets and watched his former Iowa State teammate Jaylin Noel also deliver a decent day (5 catches, 63 yards). These former Cyclones and the rest of their Houston teammates will look to get back to .500 in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos.
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 football players who stood out in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season
Reporting by Dargan Southard, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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