Helping elevate his own platform while lifting that of his university, Isaiah Likely has been no stranger to rising from relative obscurity during his football career. Now starring with the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL, Likely’s professional career had a very unlikely start.
Isaiah Likely Lifts Coastal Carolina Into National Relevance
Likely’s career at Coastal Carolina was notable for his exceptional playmaking ability as a tight end and his role in helping elevate the Chanticleers into a nationally relevant program. Likely, a Massachusetts native, arrived at Coastal Carolina in 2018 and quickly established himself as one of the top offensive weapons in the Sun Belt.
Over his four years with the Chanticleers, Likely became known for his versatility, athleticism, and ability to make big plays, particularly in the passing game.
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Likely’s impact was evident from the start. As a freshman in 2018, he played in 12 games, catching 12 passes for 106 yards and five touchdowns. His ability to find the end zone early in his career hinted at his red-zone effectiveness, setting the stage for what would become a standout collegiate career.
In his sophomore season in 2019, Likely took a significant leap forward. He recorded 32 receptions for 431 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His combination of size (6’4″, 240 pounds) and speed made him a difficult cover for defenses, and his consistency as a pass-catcher began to draw attention.
The 2020 season was Likely’s breakout year and coincided with Coastal Carolina’s rise to national prominence.
The Chanticleers had an undefeated regular season, and Likely played a major role in their success. He caught 30 passes for 601 yards and five touchdowns, averaging an impressive 20 yards per catch.
Likely’s ability to make explosive plays down the field was a key part of Coastal Carolina’s high-powered offense. He had several standout performances, including a 95-yard touchdown reception against Arkansas State, which highlighted his ability to turn short passes into big gains. Likely earned First-Team All-Sun Belt honors for his performance that season.
Likely’s senior season in 2021 further solidified his status as one of the best tight ends in the country. He posted career highs with 59 receptions for 912 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading all tight ends in receiving touchdowns that year.
His blend of size, speed, and catch radius made him a favorite target for quarterback Grayson McCall, and Likely was often relied upon in key moments.
One of his most memorable performances came against Arkansas State, where he recorded eight catches for 232 yards and four touchdowns, putting on a clinic and showing his potential as an NFL prospect.
His efforts earned him First-Team All-Sun Belt honors again and positioned him as one of the top tight ends in the 2022 NFL Draft class.
Likely’s career at Coastal Carolina was not only statistically impressive, but it also helped raise the profile of the Chanticleers’ football program. His ability to produce big plays, his consistency as a receiver, and his leadership on and off the field made him a pivotal part of the team’s success during his time there.
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It’s highly likely that he’ll continue that long into his NFL career.
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