Cyclones in the NFL: Week 18 Recap

Five Cyclones saw their teams punch tickets to the playoffs this weekend, while the other ten saw their season end. Brock Purdy (SF), Jaylin Noel (HOU), Jayden Higgins (HOU), Xavier Hutchinson (HOU and Enyi Uwazurike (DEN) will represent Iowa State in the NFL Playoffs.

The trio of Cyclones with the Ravens just missed a playoff berth, as the Ravens fell to the Steelers in the final seconds. Multiple ISU players will be free agents this offseason with options to sign elsewhere.

Enyi Uwazurike – #96, Denver Broncos (14-3)
Enyi arguably had his best game of the season on Sunday, as he helped Denver clinch the number one seed in the AFC. Enyi helped the Bronco defense limit Los Angeles to just three points. Uwazurike started his first game as a Bronco in the win, while his four tackles were tied for the second-most in a game in his career.
Last Time Out: W vs. DEN, 19-3 // 4 tackles (1 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 2 QB Hits
Up Next: first round bye, will host the lowest remaining AFC seed

Xavier Hutchinson – #19, Houston Texans (12-5)
Hutchinson had a career game on Sunday, as the Texans officially locked up the number five seed in the AFC. His five receptions were tied for a career high, while his 84 yards are a personal best. Hutchinson, who has played in four previous playoff contests, will look to help lead the Texans to a road win and snap Pittsburgh's 23-game home winning streak on Monday Night Football.
Last Time Out: W vs. IND, 38-30 // 5 catches for 84 yards
Next Up: Jan. 12, at Pittsburgh (7 pm on ESPN/ABC)

Jaylin Noel – #14 – Houston Texans (12-5)
After making his mark in the passing game last week, Noel let his return skills do the talking in week 18. He averaged 29.2 yards per return and helped the Texans lock up the fifth seed and a date with the Steelers on Monday Night.
Last Time Out: W vs. IND, 38-30 // 1 catch for 13 yards, 6 KO returns for 175 yards, 1 PR for 6 yards
Next Up: Jan. 12, at Pittsburgh (7 pm on ESPN/ABC)

Jayden Higgins – #81, Houston Texans (12-5)
Higgins was targeted five times on Sunday but ended up with just two snags. He made the most of them, though, scoring his sixth touchdown of the season. With Nico Collins resting for the playoffs, Higgins assumed most of his snaps and saw his second-most offensive snaps of the season (55).
Last Time Out: W vs. IND, 38-30 // 2 catches for 23 yards and 1 touchdown
Next Up: Jan. 12, at Pittsburgh (7 pm on ESPN/ABC)

Brock Purdy – #13, San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
With the one seed in the NFC up for grabs, Purdy and the 49ers came up short against the Seahawks, who claimed the first-round bye. Seattle's defense held Purdy to his third-fewest passing yards in a game he started. The 49ers will look to turn things around this weekend when they head to Philadelphia as part of Super Wildcard Weekend.
Last Time Out: L vs. SEA, 3-13 // 19-27 for 127 yards, 2 rushes for 21 yards
Up Next: Jan. 11, at Philadelphia (3:30 pm on FOX)

Breece Hall – #20, New York Jets (3-14)
Hall was held out and was inactive in the Jets' finale against the Bills. Hall wrapped his 2025 season with 1,065 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also had 36 catches for 350 yards and a score while throwing a touchdown too. After four years in New York, Hall is set to be a free agent this spring.
Last Time Out: L at BUF, 8-35 //
Up Next: Offseason

Jalen Travis – #75, Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
Jalen Travis started his fourth-straight game to finish the season for the Colts. The big man recorded three starts at right tackle and one at left tackle. He played well in his opportunities down the stretch and will more than likely push for a full-time starting role next season.
Last Time Out: L at HOU, 30-38 // 71 total snaps (65 on offense and 6 on special teams)
Up Next: Offseason

Darien Porter – #26, Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
After playing sparingly at the start of the season, Porter finished his rookie season strong by starting the final seven outings. His Las Vegas Raiders are set to have the number one overall pick this spring, as well as a new head coach.
Last Time Out: W vs. KC, 14-12 // 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 fumble recovery
Up Next: Offseason

Kene Nwangwu – #34, New York Jets (3-14)
For the third time this season, Nwangwu did not get the chance to return a kickoff on Sunday against the Bills. In 16 offensive snaps, Nwangwu got seven carries and was targeted once. He finished the year with 604 kickoff return yards and a touchdown, further cementing himself as the best kickoff returner in the league. He is set to be a free agent this offseason.
Last Time Out: L at BUF, 8-35 // 7 rushes for 18 yards
Up Next: Offseason

David Montgomery – #5, Detroit Lions (9-8)
Montgomery helped the Lions beat his former team, Chicago, averaging 5.3 yards per rush against the Bears. He finished his 2025 campaign with 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 158 carries. Montgomery also had 24 catches for 192 yards and threw one three-yard touchdown pass.
Last Time Out: W at CHI, 19-16 // 8 carries for 42 yards, 1 catch for 13 yards
Up Next: Offseason

Charlie Kolar – #88, Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
Kolar saw his second-fewest offensive snaps on Sunday, as he was not targeted by Lamar Jackson in the loss to the Steelers. Kolar, a free agent this summer, finished his fourth year in the pros with 10 catches for 142 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He made eight tackles and played nearly 700 snaps.
Last Time Out: L at PIT, 24-26 // 32 total snaps
Up Next: Offseason

T.J. Tampa – #27, Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
Tampa handled four defensive snaps against the Steelers, subbing in for an injured Nate Wiggins on one drive. He finishes his sophomore campaign with 29 tackles (21 solo), one interception, two passes deflected and 500 total snaps played.
Last Time Out: L at PIT, 24-26 // 28 total snaps
Up Next: Offseason

Jake Hummel – #35, Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
Hummel finished the season recording a tackle in four consecutive outings for the Ravens. Hummel is set to be a free agent this offseason. He ended his 2025 season with 18 tackles (nine solo), one tackle for loss and over 400 snaps played.
Last Time Out: L at PIT, 24-26 // 1 tackle (solo), 25 total snaps
Up Next: Offseason

Will McDonald IV – #9, New York Jets (3-14)
McDonald was placed on the injured reserve (IR) on December 26 and missed the last two weeks of the season with a knee injury.
Last Time Out: L at BUF, 8-35 //
Up Next: Offseason

Allen Lazard
Lazard finished the season as a free agent after asking for and being granted his release from the Jets.
Last Time Out:
Up Next:

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