Jaylin Noel’s football journey is far from over. With a stellar college career behind him and NFL aspirations ahead, the future looks bright
His combination of production, versatility, and professionalism makes him one of the most intriguing wide receiver prospects in the 2025 draft class.
Whether he hears his name called on Day 2 or Day 3 of the NFL Draft, one thing is certain—Jaylin Noel will be ready to seize the moment.
And just as he did at Iowa State, he’ll look to make an immediate impact, proving once again that hard work, heart, and hustle can carry a player from Park Hill High to the biggest stage in football.
As of April 2025, Jaylin Noel remains one of the most marketable athletes at Iowa State. With more visibility on the field and further growth on social media, his value to potential sponsors will only increase.
It’s likely we’ll see even more strategic partnerships added to his resume—perhaps national brands, tech companies, or even sports apparel giants.
Whatever the future holds, Jaylin Noel is well on his way to becoming more than just a football star—he’s building a brand, a business, and a legacy.
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Table of Contents
Jaylin Noel: Who Is He?
The Rise of an Iowa State Legend
Jaylin Noel’s journey to football prominence began in the Kansas City suburb of Parkville, Missouri, where he attended Park Hill High School.1
It was there that his natural athleticism and passion for the game first stood out.
As a high school athlete, Noel showed early signs of the route-running precision, explosive speed, and strong hands that would define his collegiate career.
Competing in a highly competitive environment, he quickly became a standout on the field, catching the eyes of college scouts and football enthusiasts alike.
Love the grind🖤 https://t.co/H5HGWPa37M
— Jaylin Noel (@noel_jaylin) April 20, 2023
Early Years at Park Hill High School
In 2021, Jaylin Noel made the pivotal decision to commit to Iowa State University. At the time, the Cyclones were building a program rooted in discipline, effort, and identity under head coach Matt Campbell.
Noel’s arrival added a dynamic weapon to Iowa State’s offensive arsenal. His freshman season wasn’t just about adapting to college-level play—it was the foundation for what would become a historic collegiate career.
Noel wasted no time contributing during his freshman year. In 2021, he tallied 39 receptions for 269 yards.
While he didn’t find the end zone that season, his involvement in the offense demonstrated the coaching staff’s growing trust in him.
He was frequently targeted on quick outs, screen plays, and slot routes—key responsibilities for a freshman wideout. Though his yardage total was modest, his quickness and football IQ hinted at a breakout waiting to happen.
Sophomore Surge: Growing into a Trusted Target
Jaylin Noel’s sophomore season in 2022 marked a step forward. His chemistry with the quarterback improved, and his role expanded significantly in the Cyclones’ offensive game plan.
That year, he amassed 60 receptions for 572 yards and scored three touchdowns. Noel became the go-to receiver on third downs, showing an innate ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and make difficult catches in traffic.
His route-running became sharper, and his confidence soared. Even when Iowa State’s offense struggled at times, Noel’s consistency gave the team a reliable option in clutch situations.
It was during this season that he began to build his reputation as a cerebral receiver with elite-level hands.
Jaylin Noel: Career
Junior Year Breakout: An Emerging Star
By 2023, Jaylin Noel had fully established himself as one of the Big 12’s top receivers.2
In his junior year, he caught 66 passes for 820 yards and found the end zone seven times.
His production ranked him among the top wideouts in the conference, earning him Second-Team All-Big 12 honors.
More importantly, Noel had become a leader—both vocally and by example. His dedication to training, film study, and mentoring younger players contributed to a culture of excellence within the Cyclones’ wide receiver unit.
He also emerged as a dangerous return specialist, showcasing versatility that added even more value to his profile.
Senior Season: Cementing a Legacy
Noel’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. With 80 receptions, 1,194 yards, and eight touchdowns, he posted career highs across the board.
He averaged nearly 15 yards per catch, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays after the catch. His performance helped Iowa State compete in close matchups and propelled the team to multiple key victories.
For his efforts, Noel was named First-Team All-Big 12 and crowned the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year. His dual-threat capability as both a receiver and returner made him one of the most complete players in college football.
Record Books and Recognition
When Jaylin Noel walked off the field for the final time in the 2024 season, he had secured his place in Iowa State history. He played in 51 games over four seasons, recording:
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245 receptions (2nd all-time in program history)
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2,855 receiving yards (4th all-time)
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18 touchdown receptions (4th all-time)
Those numbers are not just statistics—they’re a testament to Noel’s consistency, health, work ethic, and adaptability. Few players in the history of Iowa State football have had such an impact across multiple seasons, and even fewer have done so with the humility and drive that characterized Noel’s approach.
Declaring for the NFL: Eyes on the Next Level
On December 31, 2024, Jaylin Noel took to Instagram (@jay.noe13) to announce a life-changing decision: he was declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.
His announcement was met with overwhelming support from Cyclone Nation, teammates, and coaches alike. Many believed his college career had already demonstrated his NFL readiness, and the decision felt like the natural next step.
His farewell message reflected both gratitude and ambition. He thanked his coaches, teammates, fans, and family for their unwavering support and emphasized that his work was far from done. The NFL was calling, and Noel was ready to answer.
Jaylin Noel: NFL Combine and Draft Buzz
Noel’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine only heightened the buzz around him.3
His Next Gen Stats score of 80 ranked eighth among wide receivers, a significant indicator of his athletic potential, agility, and football intelligence.
Scouts were particularly impressed with his short-area quickness, route precision, and special teams versatility.
Though he may not have been the tallest or fastest receiver in the class, his tape told the real story: Jaylin Noel is a polished, dependable, and dynamic playmaker who can contribute on Day 1.
Several NFL analysts projected him as a mid-to-late round pick with immediate value in both offensive schemes and special teams.
A Versatile Skill Set Built for the Modern NFL
What sets Jaylin Noel apart is not just his production, but how he achieved it. He excels at creating separation with crisp route-running, catches passes in stride, and absorbs contact with ease.
His yards-after-catch ability is elite, and his field awareness allows him to exploit mismatches.
In addition, his success as a returner in 2024 adds a valuable layer to his pro potential. NFL teams looking for immediate special teams help and a dependable slot receiver have every reason to consider Noel as a hidden gem in the draft.
Leadership and Intangibles
Beyond the stats and accolades, Noel’s leadership and work ethic have always stood out.
Coaches frequently praised his professionalism, humility, and willingness to do the little things—whether it was staying late for film sessions, helping teammates grasp the playbook, or leading warm-ups with energy and focus.
He exemplifies the “team-first” mentality, a trait that NFL coaches highly value when building cohesive locker rooms.
For a rookie stepping into a professional environment, those intangible qualities could fast-track his adjustment to the league.
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Jaylin Noel: NIL Deal
Rising Star in College Football and the NIL Arena
As name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals continue to reshape college athletics, few student-athletes have navigated the landscape as strategically and successfully as Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel.
Known for his agility on the field and charisma off it, Noel has built a growing portfolio of NIL partnerships since 2024, aligning with both local and national organizations.
His presence across social media platforms has further amplified his influence, enabling him to market himself effectively to brands and fans alike.
This article explores Jaylin Noel’s major NIL deals to date, detailing his journey through the world of collegiate endorsements and partnerships.
The Foundation: Cyclone Football Signing Day Celebration
Jaylin Noel’s NIL journey officially began in January 2024 when he participated in the Cyclone Football Signing Day Celebration.
This event was part of a broader initiative to spotlight top talents at Iowa State, allowing Noel and his teammates to gain early exposure to the NIL marketplace.
While it wasn’t a high-dollar deal, this appearance marked Noel’s entry into the NIL world, serving as a stepping stone for future collaborations.
The event also offered him a chance to engage with Cyclone fans and local supporters, which would later benefit his regional partnerships.
Sporting Kansas City: A Crossover into Soccer
In February 2024, Noel expanded his brand into an unexpected arena: professional soccer.
By joining Sporting Kansas City’s Sporting U NIL Program, he became one of the first Iowa State football players to affiliate with an MLS team in this way.
The Sporting U initiative seeks to build cross-sport connections, engage college athletes with new audiences, and promote health and wellness. Noel’s inclusion in this program demonstrated both his marketability and adaptability.
It also introduced him to fans beyond the traditional college football scene, extending his brand reach to a broader Midwestern demographic.
Jaylin Noel: Social Media Savvy
Building a Digital Empire
While talent on the field is essential, modern NIL deals are heavily influenced by social media presence—and Jaylin Noel excels in this area.
He maintains active accounts on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, where he engages thousands of followers with a mix of personal updates, training content, and sponsored posts.
His TikTok page is particularly popular, where he shares fun, relatable clips that showcase his humor and personality. This authentic presence has made him an appealing partner for brands aiming to connect with Gen Z audiences.
Noel’s ability to market himself across multiple platforms gives him a competitive edge in the NIL space, turning every post into a potential business opportunity.
The Full Timeline of Jaylin Noel’s NIL Journey
Here’s a comprehensive look at Jaylin Noel’s NIL timeline, as listed on On3’s official website:
| Date | NIL Deal |
|---|---|
| 01/24/24 | Cyclone Football Signing Day Celebration |
| 02/29/24 | Sporting Kansas City (Sporting U Program) |
| 04/23/24 | North Ankeny Hy-Vee |
| 06/06/24 | Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa |
| 08/14/24 | ONIT Athlete |
Each of these deals reflects a different aspect of Noel’s identity—from local star to charitable advocate to performance-driven athlete.
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Strategic Brand Alignment: A Hallmark of Noel’s NIL Approach
What stands out most about Jaylin Noel’s NIL strategy is how each deal reflects a different facet of his personal and athletic identity.
His regional partnerships connect him with the Iowa community, his charitable involvement adds depth and authenticity to his brand, and his fitness endorsements align directly with his athletic goals.
Rather than chasing flashy or mismatched endorsements, Noel has opted for partnerships that feel genuine—an approach that builds long-term credibility in the eyes of both fans and corporate sponsors.
A Model for Future Athletes
Jaylin Noel’s NIL journey offers a compelling case study for how college athletes can navigate this new era of opportunity.
By aligning with causes and brands that reflect his values, staying active on social media, and working with institutional support like the We Will Collective, Noel has created a sustainable and diverse NIL portfolio.
As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, Noel’s approach may serve as a model for other athletes looking to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness without compromising authenticity or focus.
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