Liberty Flames 2026 Preview
Liberty went 4-8 (3-5 in the Conference USA). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
What changed for Liberty in 2026
- New defensive coordinator in Shawn Quinn (Virginia Tech OLB Coach)
- Starting QB from last season is gone. West Virginia transfer Jaylen Henderson is expected to start (50 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs; 146 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD)
- Starting RB from last season is gone. Arizona State transfer Kanye Udoh is expected to start (240 yards, 2 TDs in 2025; 1,117 yards, 10 TDs in 2024 with Army)
- Top player in terms of receiving yards from last season is gone, with the top returner being Jamari Pearson (315 yards, 0 TDs). Two transfers are expected to start in Charleston Southern transfer Rashawn Cunningham (628 yards, 7 TDs) and Indiana transfer Makai Jackson (15 yards, 0 TDs in 2025; 745 yards, 5 TDs in 2024 with Appalachian State)
- Returning four starting offensive lineman that allowed 25 sacks in 2025 (76th in CFB)
- Returning four starters on defense, including their leading tackler in LB Derrell Farrar (71 tackles). Four transfers are expected to start including Georgia State transfer S D-Icey Hopkins (51 tackles)
All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.
Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
Liberty Flames 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Madison | Away |
| 2 | Gardner-Webb | Home |
| 3 | Ball State | Home |
| 4 | Coastal Carolina | Away |
| 5 | Delaware | Away |
| 6 | Sam Houston | Home |
| 7 | Kennesaw State | Away |
| 8 | Florida International | Home |
| 9 | New Mexico State | Away |
| 10 | Middle Tennessee | Home |
| 11 | Western Kentucky | Home |
| 12 | Missouri State | Away |
Get the printable Liberty Flames 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
More Conference USA previews
Related reading
Liberty Flames betting FAQ
Liberty Flames play 12 games in 2026, 6 at home. They open against James Madison. The full schedule is listed on this page.
Liberty is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
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