Isaiah Likely: Is He Playing Tonight? College, 40-Yard Dash Time and NFL Career

Isaiah Likely is an NFL tight end known for his receiving ability, athleticism and big-play potential. After developing into an important offensive weapon during his time with the Baltimore Ravens, Likely joined the New York Giants in 2026. His performances have attracted attention from NFL fans and fantasy football managers.
Many fans are searching for answers to questions such as: Is Isaiah Likely playing tonight? Where did he go to college? What was his 40-yard dash time? Here is everything to know about his college background, athletic testing and latest NFL performance.
Is Isaiah Likely Playing Tonight?
Isaiah Likely is not scheduled to play on Friday, November 13, 2026. The New York Giants played the Washington Commanders on Thursday night, November 12.
Likely delivered an outstanding performance in that matchup, recording nine receptions for 127 receiving yards and one touchdown on 11 targets. He also produced a 66-yard reception that helped give the Giants a fourth-quarter lead.
His performance established new career highs in single-game receiving yards and brought his 2026 season totals to 575 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Therefore, fans looking for his latest game performance should look at the Giants’ Thursday night matchup rather than expect him to play again tonight.
Where Did Isaiah Likely Go to College?
Isaiah Likely attended Coastal Carolina University, where he played college football for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers.
He played four seasons at the university from 2018 through 2021. During that period, he developed into one of the most productive receiving tight ends in the program’s history.
His college career statistics included:
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Receptions: 133
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Receiving yards: 2,050
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Receiving touchdowns: 27
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Average yards per reception: 15.4
His senior season in 2021 was particularly impressive. Likely recorded 59 receptions for 912 yards and 12 touchdowns.
His 12 receiving touchdowns led the Sun Belt Conference and helped him earn All-American recognition.
His performances attracted NFL attention and eventually helped him become a fourth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
What Is Isaiah Likely’s 40-Yard Dash Time?
Isaiah Likely recorded a 4.80-second 40-yard dash at his Coastal Carolina Pro Day in March 2022.
The tight end weighed approximately 238 pounds during the workout. His reported testing numbers also included a 36-inch vertical jump at the NFL Combine.
There are slightly different reported figures for his 40-yard dash, including 4.82 and 4.83 seconds. However, 4.80 seconds is the commonly reported Pro Day result.
His testing numbers did not fully capture his ability to make plays on the football field. Likely demonstrated impressive receiving skills, body control and yards-after-catch ability throughout his college career.
Isaiah Likely NFL Career
The Baltimore Ravens selected Isaiah Likely in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 139th overall pick.
He spent his first four NFL seasons in Baltimore, developing into a productive receiving option alongside tight end Mark Andrews.
As a rookie in 2022, Likely recorded 36 receptions for 373 yards and three touchdowns. He continued improving in 2023, finishing with 30 catches, 411 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
In March 2026, Likely signed a three-year contract with the New York Giants as a free agent.
His move gave the Giants another receiving threat at tight end, and his performances during the 2026 season have demonstrated his ability to contribute as a major offensive weapon.
Isaiah Likely 2026 Season Performance
Likely has been an important part of the Giants’ passing offense during the 2026 NFL season.
His production through the available season statistics includes:
| Statistic | 2026 Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 46 |
| Receiving yards | 448 |
| Average | 9.74 |
| Touchdowns | 6 |
His November 12 performance against Washington added nine receptions, 127 yards and one touchdown to his season production.
He has shown that he can create mismatches against opposing defenses, particularly when working across the middle of the field.
What Makes Isaiah Likely a Good Tight End?
Likely’s biggest strength is his receiving ability. He can line up in different offensive positions, create separation from defenders and make difficult catches.
His height and physical build also help him compete for contested passes. Furthermore, his experience playing as a receiver during his development gives him useful route-running skills.
Although his 40-yard dash time was not among the fastest for tight ends in his draft class, his on-field performances have demonstrated that straight-line speed is only one part of evaluating an NFL player.
His ability to find open space, secure passes and generate yards after the catch makes him a valuable offensive option.
Conclusion
Isaiah Likely played college football at Coastal Carolina University before entering the NFL as a fourth-round pick in 2022. He recorded a 4.80-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day and developed into a productive receiving tight end.
Now playing for the New York Giants, Likely continues to attract attention with his performances. His nine-catch, 127-yard performance against Washington on November 12, 2026, was another major highlight of his NFL career.
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