This is the fifth and final piece in a five-part series taking a look at Liberty football entering 2026 fall practices. Happy start of camp day!
Liberty football can eliminate concerns if…
…a QB1 quickly emerges.
Whenever there is a quarterback competition, it becomes the biggest question mark and story line of training camp. It’s no different for Liberty this year. The most important thing is that the coaching staff is able to quickly find who its QB1 is, giving that guy ample time to get the reps he needs to learn the offense and mesh with his teammates on the field. Whether it’s Deshawn Purdie or Jaylen Henderson, or one of the returners, it doesn’t matter, but having that guy picked out early could be key to the team’s success, particularly in the opening weeks of the season. If the quarterback that wins the job can limit turnovers, many of the concerns about the offense will disappear. Chadwell’s system has traditionally thrived with experienced quarterbacks making good decisions.
…can re-establish the rushing attack.
Under head coach Jamey Chadwell, Liberty’s identity has been built around a physical, explosive ground game. If the offensive line gels quickly and the Flames can get back to rushing for 200+ yards per game consistently, it will take pressure off the passing game (and quarterback) and allow the team to control the tempo.
…the Flames get off to a fast start.
Coming off a 4-8 season in 2025, an early winning streak would quickly quiet doubts. Confidence tends to build quickly when a veteran roster gets positive momentum. Liberty starts the year in Harrisonburg against 2025 CFP participant James Madison. Pull an upset there and this thing could get rolling towards a special season.
