Dec 3, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks for an open receiver during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud Apparently Has a New Favorite Target

Originally posted on Houston Texans on SI
By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 3:45 PM ET

The Houston Texans have retooled their receiving corps this offseason, which means that quarterback C.J. Stroud must adjust to all of the fresh faces.

Well, it appears that Stroud is already developing a rapport with one of the Texans' new wide receivers, as he is spending a whole lot of time throwing to rookie Jayden Higgins at minicamp.

Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle was on site documenting Stroud's work with Higgins on Tuesday, and he made it abundantly clear that the two were already connecting on a level that will scare AFC South opponents.

C.J. Stroud threw a go ball to Jayden Higgins, who was covered tightly by Kamari Lassiter, but Higgins hauled it in with one hand . Perfect pass.

Yeah, Higgins might end up being the truth.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) June 10, 2025

Just check out this slick one-handed grab by Higgins on a perfect back-shoulder throw from Stroud.

C.J. Stroud to Jayden Higgins . We might be seeing a lot of this, this season. pic.twitter.com/DLIEZOe3ER
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) June 10, 2025

Evidently, Stroud was targeting Higgins a whole lot throughout practice, which shouldn't come as too much of a surprise given that Higgins stands 6-foot-4.

The Texans actually selected a pair of Iowa State wide outs in the NFL Draft, with Higgins going to Houston in the second round and Jaylin Noel being nabbed one round later.

After losing Stefon Diggs to free agency and with Tank Dell slated to miss all of 2025 while recovering from a knee injury, it's definitely important for Stroud to forge a bond with his new pass-catchers, ranging from Higgins to trade acquistion Christian Kirk.

But there seems to be something special about Higgins, who hauled in 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns during his final collegiate campaign in 2024.

Perhaps Nico Collins will have some competition in terms of touches next fall.

This article first appeared on Houston Texans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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