Isaiah Likely is a name you hear more often when people talk about the Baltimore Ravens’ offense. He came from a smaller college program and worked his way into meaningful playing time in the NFL. This blog will explain who he is, how he grew as a player, what makes him special, and where things stand for him now. I’ll keep the language simple and avoid long lists — more short paragraphs so it’s easy to read.
Who is Isaiah Likely?
Isaiah Likely was born on April 18, 2000 and grew up playing sports — basketball and football were both part of his early life. He played college football at Coastal Carolina, where he showed up as a versatile pass-catcher who could use speed and length to make big plays. He entered the NFL after his college career and is now a tight end for the Baltimore Ravens. (Pro Football Reference)
College career — how he made a name for himself
At Coastal Carolina, Likely became one of the team’s main weapons. Over his college seasons he put up strong receiving numbers for a tight end. In 2021, he had his best year with many touchdowns and long, game-changing catches. That season helped him get noticed by pro scouts because he combined big-play ability with consistent production. Coastal’s coaching used his basketball background to get him open and to win contested catches. (Wikipedia)
From college to the NFL
Isaiah was selected in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. The move from Coastal Carolina to the NFL was a step up in competition, but the Ravens saw his upside — a tall, athletic pass-catcher who could develop into a reliable option in the passing game. The transition meant learning pro-level route concepts, blocking technique, and the faster pace of NFL plays. (Coastal Carolina University Athletics)
What kind of player is he?
Likely’s game blends size, speed, and hands. He is long (around 6-4) and has enough quickness to separate from smaller defenders. He also has good body control from his basketball days, which helps him high-point catches and fight for the ball in traffic. Defenses sometimes struggle because he can line up in different spots — as an inline tight end, as a slot receiver, or even split wide. That positional flexibility makes him useful in modern offenses that move players around to create mismatches. (Pro Football Reference)
His role with the Ravens
With Baltimore, Likely grew into a role where he could contribute in multiple ways. The Ravens traditionally use tight ends both as blockers and as targets in the passing game, and Likely’s path was to become a dependable receiver option on third downs and in the red zone. He has been asked to step up in games when other top receivers were missing, showing the team trusts him to make plays. Over time he rotated into more snaps and became someone the Ravens could throw to when they needed a reliable catch. (Baltimore Ravens)
Highlights and memorable moments
In college, Likely had a few spectacular games, including very long touchdown catches and multi-touchdown nights that showed his big-play ability. In the NFL he’s had moments where he made clutch receptions and helped move the chains. Those plays helped fans and coaches see that he can be more than a backup — he can be an active piece of the offense when called upon. (Wikipedia)
(Image 1: Isaiah Likely in Ravens uniform — see the image carousel above.)
The challenge of injuries
Like many NFL players, injuries have impacted Likely’s availability at times. During the 2024–2025 stretch he dealt with foot and hamstring issues that slowed his season and pushed back his playing time. Injuries in football are part of the game, and they can interrupt a player’s development. For Likely, staying healthy will be a big part of reaching his full potential. Recent reports during the 2025 season noted a foot issue that affected his early games and left him listed as questionable for some weeks. (Fox Sports)
A recent game that drew attention
In a high-profile game, Isaiah was involved in a controversial scoring play that was initially ruled a touchdown and later overturned on replay review. Moments like that can be frustrating for players and fans, but they also show that Likely is often in the thick of important plays. These high-pressure situations are part of what helps a young player mature and build experience. (This specific replay controversy was widely discussed in media coverage after the game.) (New York Post)
Strengths that stand out
What sets Likely apart are a few clear traits. He has good hands and body control, he moves well for his size, and he is comfortable catching over the middle. He also brings a competitive edge — he is willing to fight for extra yards after the catch and to make contested grabs. Coaches value players who show toughness and the ability to execute when the game is on the line. (Fox Sports)
Areas that could improve
Like many young tight ends, there are areas where he can keep growing. Blocking at the NFL level is a full-time job for tight ends and improving technique there makes a player more useful on every down. Also, staying healthy and consistent week to week will be important. As he gets more snaps and faces varied defenses, learning to read coverages faster and run cleaner routes will help him become a matchup problem more often. (Baltimore Ravens)
What to watch for next
If you follow Isaiah Likely, look for three things. First, his snap count — that shows how much the team trusts him. Second, his targets in the passing game — more targets mean a larger offensive role. Third, how he performs when the team needs a catch on third down or in scoring position. Those situations tell you whether a player is becoming a true go-to option. Also watch injury reports: availability is a big factor for any player’s season. (Baltimore Ravens)
(Image 2: Isaiah Likely catching a pass during a Ravens game — see the image carousel above.)
How fans and analysts view him
Many fans like Likely because he brings energy and makes highlight plays. Analysts point to his upside — the raw tools are there — but also remind supporters that the tight end position takes time to fully master in the NFL. The general tone is optimistic: he has shown flashes of high-level play, and if he continues to develop physically and technically, he could be a steady contributor for years. (RotoWire)
A simple summary
Isaiah Likely is a young, athletic tight end who rose from a smaller college program to play for the Baltimore Ravens. He is a good catcher with basketball-style body control and the speed to make big gains. Injuries have slowed him at times, but when healthy he earns meaningful snaps and has made notable plays. Watching his snap share, target share, and health will tell you the most about his future trajectory. (Wikipedia)
Final thought
Players like Isaiah Likely are a reminder that the NFL is full of stories where hard work and natural talent combine. He is still young, still learning, and still building his career. If you enjoy watching development and matchup football, he is a player worth following. Keep an eye on Ravens game-day reports and highlights, because he often pops up in the plays that matter.