Today, we continue our series of an early look ahead to the teams on Liberty’s 2026 schedule. We will give a quick preview of all 12 teams that stand in the Flames’ way of hoping to get back to another bowl trip and potentially a second CUSA championship as fourth-year head coach Jamey Chadwell prepares his team for the upcoming season.
Previous:
James Madison
Gardner-Webb
Now, we turn our attention to Liberty’s FBS home opener in Week 3 against Ball State.
Ball State
• When: Saturday, Sep. 19 at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg (4 p.m., ESPN+)
• Last year’s record: 4-8, 3-5 MAC (t-9th)
• Coach: Mike Uremovich, 2nd year at Ball State
• 2026 SP+ ranking: 134
• Series History: Liberty leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: Sept. 11, 2010: Liberty 27, Ball State 23
Liberty used a late touchdown by Mike Brown and several key defensive stands to upset the FBS program in Indiana. It was the program’s second ever victory over an FBS team. Liberty finished the game with 395 total offensive yards, 276 of those coming via the passing game. Brown finished the game completing 24 of 38 passes for 276 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added 87 rushing yards on 18 attempts, including the game-winning one yard run. Chris Summers hauled in 11 receptions for 146 yards and two scores.
Program History:
National Championships: 0 (at FBS level)
Conference Championships: 6 (at FBS level)
Bowl Record: 1-8
Last Bowl Appearance: 2021 Camellia Bowl, 51-20 L vs Georgia State
In 2020, the Cardinals won their first MAC title since 1996. They then got to a bowl in 2021 but have had four straight losing years including a 4-8 mark last fall. This year, Ball State has just 6 returning starters and must travel to Ohio State, Northwestern, and Liberty while also hosting Toledo. It will be tough to top last year’s 4 win total. Last year, they were non-competitive on the road losing by an average of 36-10. The Cardinals brought in 25 transfers as they attempt to upgrade the overall talent.
This year, the Cardinals are in the second year of the new offense under Uremovich and have four QBs that he recruited for the system, as well as an improved offensive line and skill positions. They should be much stronger on offense and top last year’s averages of 272 yards per game and 16 points per game. On defense, Ball State returns just two starters from a squad that allowed 406 yards and 30 points per game last year.
What’s at Stake?
By the time Liberty takes on Ball State, the Flames should have a much clearer picture of their identity and potential. This matchup presents an opportunity to prove they can win a game against a respected MAC foe while continuing to build momentum before CUSA play. A victory would bolster Liberty’s bowl eligibility pursuit and keep the Flames on course for another conference championship race. Conversely, a loss could erase much of he goodwill built through the offseason and, potentially, in the opening weeks, and leave little margin for error the rest of the season.
