This is the first piece in a five-part series taking a look at Liberty football entering 2025 fall practices. Be sure to check back for the rest of this series throughout the week as we tackle a variety of Liberty football topics.

Liberty is set to open training camp early next week, with 15 practices throughout the next several weeks leading up to kickoff on Aug. 30 against Maine.

As the Flames prepare for the upcoming season, here are our three biggest story lines entering camp:

HANDLING ADVERSITY

Liberty had its most successful season in program history in 2023, as the Flames went 13-0 in the regular season, winning Conference USA its first season in the league. The Flames also advanced to the program’s first ever New Year’s Six Bowl, playing in the Fiesta Bowl. The team didn’t necessarily handle all of that success well, struggling in conference play to a 4th place finish despite having several of its headline starters back on the field last fall.

How will the team adjust to that adversity it faced? Will those that return be motivated to prove that was more of a fluke and to get back in the CUSA championship race? Will the newcomers quickly gel to form one strong unit? Has the coaching staff made the necessary adjustments to ensure the team has the right chemistry and culture for this coming season?

OPEN QB BATTLE

The open quarterback battle will have all of our attention during training camp. Coastal Carolina transfer Ethan Vasko appears to be the leader in the clubhouse after spring ball. Will he be able to hold onto that spot? North Carolina transfer Michael Merdinger and true freshman Ethan Houck were also able to go through the 15 spring practices. Returners Ryan Burger and Jayden Bradfords should also be back on the practice field when training camp opens after missing the spring due to injury. Will either one of them make a strong push at the starting job during camp?

UNKNOWNS AT OFFENSIVE SKILL POSITIONS

Quinton Cooley. Billy Lucas. Treon Sibley. They’re all gone. Who will step into their shoes at running back and wide receiver this season. We all know how good Cooley was and Lucas was equally as strong as a second back. How will Juju Gray, Vaughn Blue, Caden Williams, and Evan Dickens fit in at running back? What will the pecking order be? Liberty has had one of the top rushing offenses in all of the country over the past two years under Coach Chadwell. This group has large shoes to fill.

We also have similar questions at wide receiver where the Flames have numerous options, both returners and newcomers, but someone(s) will have to step into the limelight to help the passing game compliment the ground attack to move the ball and put up points.