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
Now, we turn our attention to Liberty’s home opener in Week 2 against FCS member Gardner-Webb.
Gardner-Webb
• When: Saturday, Sep. 12 at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg (6 p.m., ESPN+)
• Last year’s record: 7-5, 5-3 OVC/Big South (t-3rd)
• Coach: Kris McCullough, 1st year at Gardner-Webb
• 2026 SP+ ranking: N/A
• Series History: Liberty leads, 14-9-1
Last Meeting: Oct. 15, 2022: Liberty 21, Gardner-Webb 20
An early fourth-quarter touchdown allowed Liberty to regain the lead and defeat Gardner-Webb, narrowly escaping the program’s first ever upset to an FCS team since moving to the FBS. The win helped Liberty improve to 6-1 to begin the season. The Flames had 222 passing yards and were held to a season low 93 yards on the ground. Johnathan Bennett completed 17 of 30 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown. Dae Dae Hunter led the rushing attack with nine carries for 76 yards and a touchdown. Demario Douglas had 8 catches for 87 yards. Former Gardner-Webb (and Liberty) kicker Jay Billingsley had 8 points on the day, making two extra points and a pair of field goals.
Program History:
National Championships: 0 (at FBS level)
Conference Championships: 0 (at FBS level)
Bowl Record: N/A
Last Bowl Appearance: N/A
Former Big South rivals will meet once again when the Runnin’ Bulldogs pay a trip to Lynchburg to take on the Flames. Cris Reisert led Gardner-Webb for two years, posting an 11-13 record including a 7-5 mark last season, before leaving to return to his home state of Ohio as Toledo’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach following the conclusion of the 2025 season. Kris McCullough, just 30 years old, was named Gardner-Webb’s newest head coach this past December. McCullough comes to Boiling Springs after leading Division II UT Permian Basin to a 28-10 overall record and 21-5 mark in conference play. Last year, UT Permian Basin went 11-3 and reached the NCAA Division II quarterfinals while being ranked in the top 5 nationally.
Former Liberty quarterback Nate Hampton concluded his collegiate career last season at Gardner-Webb. In 9 games, Hampton completed 83 of 143 passes for 1,245 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Cole Pennington, now a redshirt-senior, split time with Hampton at QB in 2025. Pennington played in 10 games, completing 126 of 208 passes for 1,601 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions while also rushing 54 times for 5 yards and a touchdown.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs’ trip to Lynchburg is one of two games against FBS opponents for G-W this season, as they will also play at Marshall on September 26.
What’s at Stake?
Liberty will be expected to win this game, to remain unbeaten against FCS opponents since moving to the FBS. After opening the season at James Madison, the Flames cannot afford a letdown before tougher tests return to the schedule. A convincing performance would help Liberty build momentum, sharpen execution, and avoid the type of upset that could derail the season early on.
