From the teal turf in Conway to one of the biggest tight end contracts in the NFL, former Coastal Carolina Chanticleers star Isaiah Likely is turning the page in his football journey after reportedly agreeing to a deal with the New York Giants, per multiple sources.
According to reports, Likely agreed to a three-year, $40 million contract with the Giants on Monday, reuniting him with head coach John Harbaugh. Likely is the third former Raven to sign with the Giants on day one of free agency, joining safety Ar’Darius Washington and punter Jordan Stout.
The Massachusetts native was amongst the most intriguing tight ends in free agency with a high-upside despite coming off a disappointing 2025-26 season. After being sidelined for the first three games with a foot fracture, Likely struggled to find his rhythm, setting career lows in receptions (27), receiving yards (307) and touchdowns (one).
Likely, 25, graduated from Coastal Carolina University in December 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and sport management. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft, becoming the eighth Chanticleer in program history to be selected in the draft.
Likely finished his collegiate career with 133 receptions for 2,050 yards and 27 touchdowns. He ranks fifth all-time in CCU history in receiving yards—the most by a tight end—while his 27 receiving touchdowns rank second in Coastal Carolina history, trailing only Jerome Simpson’s 44.
After being selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Ravens, Likely quickly proved he belonged at the professional level. His athleticism and playmaking ability made him a reliable target. The move to New York pairs Likely with quarterback Jaxson Dart and gives the Giants another versatile weapon in their passing game.
From the teal turf in Conway to MetLife Stadium, the former Chanticleers’ journey is another reminder that elite talent can come from anywhere.
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