We conclude our series of an early look ahead to the teams on Liberty’s 2025 schedule. We will give a quick preview of all 12 teams that stand in the Flames’ way of another bowl trip and potentially a second CUSA championship as third-year head coach Jamey Chadwell prepares his team for the upcoming season.
Today, we look at the season finale against Kennesaw State at Williams Stadium.
KENNESAW STATE
• When: Saturday, Nov. 29 at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg (3:30 p.m. CBS Sports Network)
• Last year’s record: 2-10, 2-6 CUSA (t-8th)
• Coach: Jerry Mack, first year at Kennesaw
• 2025 SP+ ranking: 131
• Series History: Tied, 2-2
Last Meeting: Oct. 23, 2024: Kennesaw 27, Liberty 24
26-point underdogs, the Owls shocked the Flames last year to earn their first-ever FBS and CUSA victory. It was also Liberty’s first regular season loss under head coach Jamey Chadwell, putting a halt to the nation’s longest active regular season win streak. Kennesaw State had 323 total offensive yards and scored a season-high three touchdowns after scoring a combined five offensive touchdowns in the first six games of the season entering the contest. Liberty tried to keep their undefeated season alive with a late fourth-quarter touchdown with 1:49 left in the contest. Liberty then had two opportunities to score during the final 10 seconds of the game, but the Owls got the stops needed to secure the win.
Program History:
National Championships: 0
Conference Championships: 0
Bowl Record: 0-0
Last Bowl Appearance: N/A
The highlight of the 2024 season, the first for Kennesaw in CUSA and the FBS, was most obviously the win over Liberty. Other than that, it was a long year, the Owls suffered through a 2-10 campaign and saw the program’s only head coach fired in Brian Bohannon despite a 72-38 career record leading the Owls. They were outgained by CUSA opponents 154 yards per game as they have a lot of ground to make up to be competitive in the league.
New head coach Jerry Mack had four winning seasons in four years at NC Central. He hit the portal hard, bringing in 62 new guys while focusing on adding more size on both lines of scrimmage. This looks like a rebuilding year for the Owls, and they have a tough schedule to start the season, opening at Wake Forest and Indiana in the first two weeks of the year.
Dexter Williams is a veteran quarterback who began his career at Indiana. He appeared in four games with two starts in 2022, finishing 13 of 48 with two touchdowns and 165 rushing yards. Last year, Williams was at Georgia Southern where he made five appearances and finished the season 19 of 30 for 248 yards and three touchdowns. Amari Odom (Wofford) and Tommy Ulatowski (Kent State) have also been added to the quarterback room.
Davis Bryson, who started and beat Liberty at quarterback last season for the Owls, has been moved to wide receiver. Meanwhile, Mack brought in 10 offensive line transfers as they adjust away from the triple option.
On defense, Kennesaw is bigger up front and has an experienced linebacker corps. They also return the entire secondary plus add some transfers.
What’s at Stake?
Liberty will look to avoid the embarrassment of losing to Kennesaw for a second straight season and end a two-game losing skid in the series to the Owls. After winning the first two games in the series, the Flames have not defeated Kennesaw since 2016.
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