Liberty basketball is set to open the 2026-27 season on Monday, Nov. 2, when the Flames face High Point in the Field of 68 Showcase in Rock Hill, South Carolina. As the Flames prepare to begin another season under head coach Ritchie McKay, let’s get ready for the upcoming year with our season preview covering the team from all angles — position previews, schedule review, roster, breakout candidates, projected rotation and much more.
The Flames finished the 2025-26 season at 26-8 overall and 17-3 in Conference USA play, capturing their second consecutive CUSA regular-season championship. Liberty averaged 77.7 points per game while shooting 51.0% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range. The Flames also averaged 17.1 assists and committed just 8.6 turnovers per game, continuing to showcase the offensive efficiency that has become a hallmark of McKay’s program.
However, the Flames will look considerably different this season. Liberty must replace four major contributors in Kaden Metheny, Colin Porter, Brett Decker and Zach Cleveland. Decker led the team in scoring last season at 16.9 points per game, while Metheny added 13.1 points, Cleveland averaged 11.9 points and 7.6 rebounds, and Porter contributed 11.1 points and 3.4 assists. The Flames also lose JJ Harper and Josh Smith from their important roles played for the team last season.
That is a significant amount of production, leadership and experience to replace. Zander Carter, Drew Grimes, Torr Sorensen, TJ Drain and Brady Kester are back for their sophomore seasons while RJ Jones also returns after his first year in the program following a transfer from Virginia Tech. The Flames also added a collection of transfers, including brothers Cooper and Cobi Campbell from Troy, Matthew Shelton from Charleston (West Virginia), Osmar Garcia-Araujo from Anderson (South Carolina), Dillon Claussen from Washburn and Sean Register Jr. from Eastern Florida State (Register will miss the 2026-27 season due to injury).
Liberty enters the season picked third in the CUSA preseason poll, behind Western Kentucky and Kennesaw State. The Flames received two first-place votes, a sign that the conference coaches believe another championship run is possible despite the roster turnover. The question is whether Liberty can replace its departing production without losing the offensive rhythm and defensive versatility that made last year’s team so successful.
LIBERTY BASKETBALL ROSTER AND BIOS
#1 Zander Carter — Sophomore Guard — 6-6, 200
Carter appeared in all 34 games last season, averaging 3.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 13.2 minutes per game. He shot 48.8% from the field and added 12 three-pointers, 27 assists and 22 steals. Carter’s size gives Liberty another option on the perimeter, and his role could grow as the Flames replace several experienced guards.
#2 Eli Herbert — Freshman Guard — 6-5, 195
Herbert joins Liberty as a freshman from Grain Valley High School in Missouri. The 6-foot-5 guard adds another young option to a backcourt that will need to develop new playmakers and perimeter scoring.
#3 Cooper Campbell — Junior Guard — 6-1, 195
Campbell transfers to Liberty from Troy after two seasons with the Trojans, who won consecutive Sun Belt Conference championships and reached the NCAA Tournament in both years. Campbell started 33 of 34 games last season, averaging 12.5 points, 4.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 33.9 minutes per game. He shot 43.2% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range, making 68 three-pointers. He also shot 83.1% from the free-throw line. Campbell scored a career-high 32 points in a triple-overtime loss at USC. His combination of scoring and playmaking makes him one of Liberty’s most important additions and a strong candidate to take on a major role immediately.
#4 Dillon Claussen — Junior Forward — 6-9, 225
Claussen joins the Flames after playing at Washburn. The 6-foot-9 forward adds size to a frontcourt that must find ways to replace Cleveland’s rebounding, passing and defensive production.
#8 Sean Register Jr. — Sophomore Forward — 6-7, 210
Register transfers to Liberty from Eastern Florida State. He will miss this season due to injury.
#10 Cobi Campbell — Fifth-Year Guard — 6-2, 195
Cobi Campbell joins Liberty after playing at Troy and North Idaho College. He appeared in 33 games with 31 starts for Troy last season, averaging 9.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 27.8 minutes per game. Before arriving at Troy, Campbell spent two seasons at North Idaho College. He averaged 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists as a sophomore, after scoring 16.9 points per game as a freshman. Cobi brings experience to the backcourt and joins his younger brother, Cooper, in Lynchburg. His familiarity with winning programs and his ability to play alongside another ball-handler could prove valuable as Liberty establishes its new identity.
#11 Eli Sancomb — Freshman Guard — 6-5, 195
Sancomb arrives from Central Catholic High School in Wheeling, West Virginia. The freshman guard is another developmental piece in a backcourt that has several new faces and opportunities for younger players to earn minutes. He is the highest rated prospect in program history to sign with the Flames and is expected to be counted on this season.
#15 Drew Grimes — Sophomore Forward — 6-9, 220
Grimes appeared in 19 games as a freshman, averaging 0.7 points and 0.5 rebounds in limited action. At 6-foot-9, he offers size and another developmental option in the frontcourt. A larger role will depend on how he progresses and how Liberty’s frontcourt rotation develops.
#20 Torr Sorensen — Sophomore Forward — 6-7, 215
Sorensen appeared in 14 games last season, averaging 0.7 points and 0.4 rebounds. The Goode, Virginia, native will look to build on his freshman year and compete for a larger role among Liberty’s forwards.
#21 Ryan Jones Jr. — Junior Forward — 6-9, 245
Jones returns after spending his freshman season at Virginia Tech. He appeared in 27 games for Liberty last season, averaging 1.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in five minutes per game. Jones shot 41.2% from the field and made 10 three-pointers. His size gives Liberty another option inside, and an expanded role could help the Flames improve their rebounding and frontcourt depth.
#23 TJ Drain — Sophomore Forward — 6-9, 230
Drain appeared in 10 games as a freshman, averaging 1.6 points and 0.6 rebounds in limited minutes. He shot 72.7% from the field in his limited opportunities. At 6-foot-9, Drain has an opportunity to develop into a more regular contributor as Liberty looks for production from its younger frontcourt players.
#24 Brady Kester — Junior Forward — 6-9, 225
Kester appeared in seven games last season and averaged 0.9 points and 0.9 rebounds. He will compete for minutes in a deep group of forwards, with the opportunity to contribute through rebounding, defense and his work in practice.
#28 Osmar Garcia-Araujo — Senior Forward — 6-6, 240
Garcia-Araujo transfers to Liberty from Anderson (South Carolina), where he helped the Trojans finish 29-3 and earn a No. 5 national ranking in Division II. He averaged 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game during his season at Anderson, providing an experienced addition with a proven record of production. Before Anderson, he spent two seasons at Lincoln Memorial, where he averaged 6.7 points as a freshman and 6.9 points as a sophomore. Garcia-Araujo adds strength, experience and scoring ability to the frontcourt. His ability to contribute against Division I competition will be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow early in the season.
#30 Reece Davidson — Freshman Forward — 6-7, 225
Davidson joins the Flames from North Laurel High School in Kentucky. The freshman forward adds another young body to the rotation and will look to work his way into the frontcourt mix.
#32 Matthew Shelton — Junior Guard — 6-3, 200
Shelton transfers from the University of Charleston, where he developed into a productive scorer over two seasons. Last season, Shelton started all 27 games he played, averaging 12.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. He shot 52.7% from the field and 34.0% from three-point range. He scored a career-high 30 points against Concord in January. As a freshman, Shelton averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. His experience, athleticism and ability to score at multiple levels should give Liberty another option on the perimeter.
2026-27 SCHEDULE
November
11/02 vs. High Point (Field of 68 Showcase, Rock Hill, S.C.)
11/07 vs. Boyce
11/13 vs. NC Central
11/17 vs. Southern Illinois (Charlotte, N.C.)
11/20 vs. Rhode Island (Greenbrier Tip-Off, White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.)
11/22 vs. Richmond (Greenbrier Tip-Off, White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.)
11/25 vs. Princeton (Live Oak Bank Holiday Classic, Wilmington, N.C.)
11/27 vs. St. Thomas (Live Oak Bank Holiday Classic, Wilmington, N.C.)
11/28 at UNC Wilmington (Live Oak Bank Holiday Classic)
December
12/05 vs. Christendom
12/11 vs. Kentucky Christian
12/17 vs. Coppin State
12/19 vs. Dayton
12/22 vs. Maryland Eastern Shore
January
01/02 vs. Delaware*
01/07 at FIU*
01/09 at Missouri State*
01/14 vs. Middle Tennessee*
01/16 vs. Western Kentucky*
01/21 at Jacksonville State*
01/23 at Kennesaw State*
01/28 vs. Sam Houston*
01/30 vs. New Mexico State*
February
02/04 vs. Missouri State*
02/06 vs. FIU*
02/11 at Western Kentucky*
02/13 at Middle Tennessee*
02/18 vs. Kennesaw State*
02/20 vs. Jacksonville State*
02/25 at New Mexico State*
02/27 at Sam Houston*
March
03/06 at Delaware*
03/09-13 Conference USA Tournament in Huntsville, Alabama
*Conference USA game.
LIBERTY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE REVIEW
The Non-Conference
Liberty’s non-conference schedule offers several opportunities to test itself against established Division I competition before CUSA play begins in January.
The Flames open against High Point in the Field of 68 Showcase before returning home for games against Boyce and NC Central. Liberty then faces Southern Illinois in Charlotte before heading to West Virginia for the Greenbrier Tip-Off, where the Flames will play Rhode Island and Richmond.
The schedule continues with three games at the Live Oak Bank Holiday Classic in Wilmington, North Carolina, against Princeton, St. Thomas and UNC Wilmington. Those games should provide a useful measuring stick for a Liberty team incorporating several transfers into its rotation.
The home schedule in December includes Coppin State, Dayton and Maryland Eastern Shore, along with Kentucky Christian. The Dayton matchup stands out as a particularly important opportunity against a recognizable program. Liberty will need to make the most of its non-conference schedule as it builds chemistry and prepares for the CUSA race.
Toughest Stretch
The most demanding stretch of the season could come in late November, when Liberty faces Rhode Island, Richmond, Princeton, St. Thomas and UNC Wilmington in a span of eight days. That run presents different styles and challenges while requiring the Flames to manage their depth and recover quickly between games. It should offer an early indication of how quickly the newcomers can adapt to McKay’s system.
Conference play will bring its own challenges, especially in January and February. Liberty hosts Western Kentucky in mid-January before traveling to Jacksonville State and Kennesaw State. The Flames then host Sam Houston and New Mexico State, followed by a home date with Missouri State and a road trip to Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee in February.
Five Most Difficult Games
Vs. High Point (November 2). Liberty opens the season against a High Point program that has established itself as a strong mid-major opponent. Starting the year against a quality opponent will immediately test the Flames’ new rotation.
Vs. Richmond (November 22). The Greenbrier Tip-Off matchup against Richmond should be one of Liberty’s most interesting non-conference games. The Spiders provide a regional opponent and a useful test for the Flames.
Vs. Dayton (December 19). Dayton is one of the more recognizable non-conference opponents on Liberty’s schedule. The Flames will have a chance to measure themselves against a program with a strong recent history in the Atlantic 10.
Vs. Western Kentucky (January 16). Western Kentucky was picked first in the CUSA preseason poll and returns the league’s preseason Player of the Year, Teagan Moore. The Hilltoppers will be one of Liberty’s primary challengers for the regular-season championship, making this home game especially important.
At Kennesaw State (January 23). Kennesaw State won the 2026 CUSA Tournament and was picked second in the preseason poll. The Owls have become one of Liberty’s biggest conference rivals, and the road matchup will be a major early test in the race for the top of the standings.
POSITION PREVIEW: GUARDS
Projected Starters
Cooper Campbell: Campbell is the leading candidate to handle a significant portion of Liberty’s point-guard duties. He averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 assists per game at Troy last season while shooting 39.1% from three-point range. He has experience running an offense, creating his own shot and setting up teammates. Liberty will need him to make an immediate impact as it replaces Porter and Metheny.
Cobi Campbell: Cobi brings extensive college experience and a track record of contributing to winning teams. He averaged 9.0 points per game at Troy last season and should provide another steady ball-handler who can play alongside his brother or operate in a different lineup combination. The two Campbell brothers give Liberty a familiar connection as the team builds its new backcourt.
Zander Carter: Carter returns after appearing in every game last season. His 6-foot-6 frame offers size on the perimeter, and his experience in Liberty’s system could help him earn more minutes. He will be looking to become more consistent as a scorer while continuing to contribute defensively.
Eli Sancomb: Sancomb is one of the most intriguing newcomers on Liberty’s roster and could push for a significant role as a true freshman. The 6-foot-5 guard from Wheeling, West Virginia, was a four-star prospect and the highest-rated recruit in program history. He was named West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 25.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game as a junior, and he helped lead Central Catholic to consecutive state championships. Sancomb’s combination of scoring, playmaking and size gives him the potential to make an immediate impact in the backcourt. How quickly he adjusts to the college game will determine whether he earns a starting spot or becomes a key reserve.
Key Reserves
Eli Herbert: Herbert is another freshman guard who could work his way into Liberty’s rotation, particularly with his ability to shoot from the perimeter. The 6-foot-5 guard from Grain Valley, Missouri, averaged 24.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game as a junior while knocking down 73 three-pointers and shooting 88% from the free-throw line. Head coach Ritchie McKay praised Herbert’s shooting ability, basketball IQ and unselfishness when he signed with the Flames. With Liberty needing to replace significant perimeter scoring, Herbert could provide a valuable shooting option off the bench as he adjusts to the college game.
Matthew Shelton: Shelton has the ability to push for a starting role, but even if he comes off the bench, he should have a chance to make an impact. He averaged 12.4 points per game at Charleston last season and shot 52.7% from the field. His scoring versatility could be particularly valuable when the offense needs a spark.
Biggest Question
Who replaces the production and leadership of Metheny and Porter?
Metheny and Porter combined for more than 24 points per game last season, while Porter was one of the team’s primary facilitators. Cooper Campbell’s playmaking ability should help, but Liberty will need several guards to contribute offensively rather than expecting one player to replace two established starters.
The Campbell brothers give McKay some experienced options. How they share ball-handling responsibilities and whether Carter can take a step forward will be key factors in determining the backcourt’s ceiling.
POSITION PREVIEW: FORWARDS
Projected Starters
Dillon Claussen: The Washburn transfer gives Liberty another 6-foot-9 option. His role will depend on how quickly he adjusts to the level of competition and how he fits alongside Smith and Garcia-Araujo.
Key Reserves
Ryan Jones Jr.: Jones has the size to contribute inside and returns after appearing in 27 games last season. He will need to increase his production and become more consistent if he is to earn a larger role.
Osmar Garcia-Araujo: Garcia-Araujo is an intriguing candidate to earn a starting spot. He arrives after a productive season at Anderson, where he averaged 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. His strength and scoring ability should give Liberty another option in the paint, and his experience in successful Division II programs could help him adapt quickly.
TJ Drain: Drain showed flashes of efficiency in limited opportunities as a freshman. With another year in the program, he has a chance to compete for more minutes and provide additional length and athleticism.
Drew Grimes, Torr Sorensen and Brady Kester: All three return as developing frontcourt options. Each will have an opportunity to compete for a role, especially if Liberty needs additional depth because of injuries or matchup considerations.
Biggest Question
Can Liberty replace Cleveland’s all-around impact and improve its rebounding?
Cleveland was much more than a scorer. He averaged 7.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game last season, providing a rare combination of size, passing and defensive versatility. No single player on the current roster is expected to duplicate all of those contributions.
Liberty will likely need a collective effort from Claussen, Garcia-Araujo, Jones and the rest of the frontcourt. The Flames also finished last season with a negative rebounding margin, so improving their work on the glass will be an important area to monitor.
Could the Flames go small? It’s something Coach McKay has done in the past, including last year when JJ Harper started as a forward. Due to Register’s injury, we could see the Flames utilize a lineup featuring the Campbell brothers alongside Carter, Sancomb, and Claussen.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATES
Which Liberty players could have breakout seasons this year?
Eli Sancomb: Sancomb has the potential to be one of Liberty’s biggest breakout players in 2026-27. The 6-foot-5 freshman arrives in Lynchburg as the highest-rated recruit in program history after earning West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year honors and leading Wheeling Central Catholic to back-to-back state championships. He put up eye-popping numbers in high school, showcasing his ability to score, rebound and create opportunities for teammates. While Sancomb will have to adjust to the speed and physicality of college basketball, his size and offensive versatility give him a chance to contribute right away.
Zander Carter: Carter already appeared in all 34 games last season, giving him valuable experience in Liberty’s system. With Metheny and Porter gone, there should be opportunities for him to become a more consistent perimeter contributor. His size and defensive potential give him a path toward a larger role.
Ryan Jones Jr.: Jones has the size and physical tools to become a more regular presence in the frontcourt. He played in 27 games last season, but his minutes were limited. An expanded role could allow him to provide more rebounding, defense and occasional perimeter scoring.
TJ Drain: Drain remains an intriguing developmental candidate after shooting 72.7% from the field in limited opportunities as a freshman. That percentage came on a small sample, but his size and efficiency suggest there may be room for growth. If he can become a reliable defender and rebounder, he could earn a meaningful role.
Osmar Garcia-Araujo: Of the newcomers, Garcia-Araujo may have one of the clearest paths to an immediate impact. He arrives after averaging 13.8 points per game on a highly successful Anderson team. If he can translate that scoring to CUSA competition, he could help make up for some of the production lost in the offseason.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Liberty enters the 2026-27 season with a difficult challenge: sustaining its place at the top of Conference USA after losing four of its most important players. The Flames have relied on continuity, efficient offense and disciplined basketball under McKay, but this year’s team will need to establish a new identity. The additions of Cooper Campbell and Cobi Campbell provide experience and proven production, while Carter and the younger players have opportunities to grow into larger roles.
The preseason poll places Liberty third behind Western Kentucky and Kennesaw State, but the Flames have earned the benefit of the doubt after winning consecutive regular-season titles. If the newcomers mesh quickly and the returning players take steps forward, Liberty should remain in the mix for another CUSA championship.
The path may look different, but the expectation in Lynchburg remains the same: compete for a conference title and put the Flames in position to make another postseason run.
