Izaiah Gathings joined Gardner-Webb in 2018 to begin his college football career. As a freshman, he played in eight games and finished with four receptions for 28 yards. His sophomore season in 2019 saw him start in all 12 games and lead the team with 71 receptions, 1046 yards, and 11 touchdowns. In a COVID-shortened season in 2020, Gathings played in all four games and put up a 26-267-2 stat line.
After three season with Gardner-Webb, Gathings transferred to Middle Tennessee State. His 302 receiving yards in 2021 were fifth on the team as he only started four of ten games that he played. In 2022, Gathings became a full-time starter and his 60 receptions and 559 receiving yards were second on the team behind redshirted sophomore receiver, Jaylin Lane.
