The Liberty Flames concluded the 2024 season at 8-4 after falling to Buffalo in the Bahamas Bowl in early January. Now, under third-year head coach Jamey Chadwell, the Flames are looking to get back in the Conference USA championship discussion while also reaching another bowl game.

Here’s a look at the players who will determine how successful Liberty is in 2025, presented in no particular order…

QB ETHAN VASKO

Vasko, the transfer from Coastal Carolina, certainly appears to be the favorite to win the starting quarterback job as he’s the only quarterback in the room with significant starting experience at the FBS level. If he is able to lead the offense by making smart decisions with the ball and being able to stretch the field vertically when the opportunities present themselves, he can lead the Flames to a successful season. Vasko may not be the explosive playmaker with his legs that Liberty has seen in recent years from Kaidon Salter and Malik Willis, but he is certainly capable of escaping the pocket and making plays with his feet.

RB JUJU GRAY

Despite being hampered by injuries throughout much of the season, we saw glimpses of Juju’s potential on the field last year in his first season with the Flames after transferring from NC State. Now, he has made the move from a slot receiver and part time running back to spending all of his time in the offensive backfield. Gray has the potential, if he can stay healthy, to be a first-team all-conference performer with his ability to make plays in space.

WR CASEY CAIN

Liberty was never able to overcome the loss of CJ Daniels on last year’s team. The Flames didn’t have a consistent target at wide receiver or one who could stretch the field. The position became a priority for the staff in the offseason, and Liberty has brought in a few guys who should be able to make an impact. Casey Cain, a transfer from UNLV, is someone who will certainly have the opportunity to step into some of that lost production. If he and Vasko can find a connection and be able to rely on each other, it should provide the spark the offense needs to compliment the expected strong rushing attack.

DL BRYCE DIXON

Dixon will look to step into a leadership role on the interior of Liberty’s defensive line. He has seen his production on the field increase each of his first three years in the program, and now he could grow into an all-conference level performer. The Flames lost several key pieces on the defensive front in the transfer portal. While bringing in several new pieces should help offset those losses, having a veteran like Dixon should help steady the group.

S A’KHORI JONES

Jones will step into more of a leadership role for the Flames’ defensive secondary this season, and he has the potential to be an all-conference playmaker for the Flames. Playing alongside Brylan Green for his entire career, Jones has stayed in his shadow some, but he has put together an impressive career himself. Now, the Flames will look to him to help anchor that defensive backfield which is always critical but perhaps even more so for the Flames this coming fall due to the lingering question marks for the defensive line.