The Texans took Noel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, one round after taking his Iowa State teammate Jayden Higgins. For most of the year, both rookies were limited to part-time roles, with Higgins having the slight advantage in terms of both playing time and production. Higgins widened that gap as the year went on, while Noel largely remained in a limited role even when injuries seemed to open up opportunities. However, Higgins suffered an ACL tear this summer, opening up the depth chart behind No. 1 receiver Nico Collins. The Texans did trade for Kayshon Boutte later in August, but Noel as least has a shot at the No. 3 role.