Izahya Thomas

Also Known As: Izahya Thomas • Born: 2000

Izahya Thomas, a dynamic and passionate culinary talent, has rapidly emerged as a social media chef and influencer. Born in 2000 and raised in Miami, Florida, Izahya first gained recognition as a former college football player. However, a severe ACL injury shifted his trajectory from the football field to the kitchen. This pivotal moment not only sparked his culinary journey but also helped him overcome a period of depression and significant weight gain. Izahya channeled his energy into developing a healthier relationship with food, ultimately leading him to share his journey and recipes online. At 24, Izahya’s culinary skills and engaging personality earned him a spot on the third season of Fox’s “Next Level Chef,” where he competed on Team Gordon Ramsay. Despite a commendable performance, he was eliminated in fifth place during the Kombucha Kulture challenge after struggling with ingredient selection.

Photo by FOX via Getty Images

Sports to Culinary Transition

Izahya transitioned from being a college football player to a social media chef after a severe ACL injury, using his love for cooking to overcome depression and inspire others.

Izahya has a strong social media presence with over 67.6K followers on Instagram and 500K on TikTok, where he shares his creative and healthy recipes.

Gordon Ramsay Connection

Izahya bonded with Gordon Ramsay on “Next Level Chef” over their shared experience of sports injuries leading them to discover their passion for cooking.

• Height: N/A

• Nationality: American

• Show(s): Next Level Chef S3

• Network(s): Fox

• Guest Appearances: N/A