Liberty’s spring football session has finished and we’ve seen our first lengthy glimpse of the 2026 Flames on the field. Now, it’s time to jump to some conclusions. There’s a lot that we still don’t know, but that’s not going to stop us from trying to put together a depth chart, though.

Here’s a stab at what the Liberty offensive depth chart might look like, making a projection for the fall and not just what came out of spring:

Quarterback: Deshawn Purdie
Backup: Ethan Vasko OR Jaylen Henderson

After watching this new look quarterback room on the field this spring, talking to several coaches, players, and others surrounding the program, I think it is Deshawn Purdie’s job to lose going into the summer. Ethan Vasko or Jaylen Henderson will push him and be on his heels throughout fall camp, and they also provide veteran experience at the position if injuries become a concern. Purdie has the raw talent. Can he put it all together and be a game changer for the Flames?

Running Back: (A-Back) Jaylon Coleman; (B-Back) Peyton Jones
Backup: (A-Back) Justin Marshall (B-Back) Kanye Udoh OR Kam Davis

Offensive coordinator and running backs coach Newland Isaac brought in several talented running backs to fill out his room from the transfer portal. Depth is the key word here. Expect to see many guys get their opportunities, especially early in the season this fall. Peyton Jones, the Duke transfer, seems to have a leg up right now. He is a versatile back who can play both the A and B-Back positions. Coach Isaac hasn’t been able to stop raving about Jaylon Coleman throughout the spring. Expect to see the explosive playmaker heavily involved in the offensive attack whether that’s carrying the ball or catching passes out of the backfield. Kanye Udoh, the Army and Arizona State transfer, could be utilized in short yardage packages while Kam Davis is a similar running back to Quinton Cooley. And we can’t leave out Justin Marshall and Terron Kellman who could also factor in here.

Wide Receiver: Jamari Person
Backup: Nasir Newkirk

Wide Receiver: Makai Jackson
Backup: Jon Monteiro

Wide Receiver: Rashawn Cunningham
Backup: Darius Copeland OR Eric Smith

The additions of Makai Jackson and Rashawn Cunningham give the Flames some experience in the room to go alongside Jamari Person. These two will certainly be counted on to contribute on the field this season. Darius Copeland and Eric Smith have a lot of upside in the slot.

Left Tackle: DJ Geth
Backup: Kevin Evehe OR Brandon Edozie

Left Guard: Joep Engbers
Backup: Gabe Smith

Center: Aaron Fenimore
Backup: Blake Martin

Right Guard: Alex Birchmeier
Backup: Erwil Anthony, Jr.

Right Tackle: Austin Anderson
Backup: Christian Williams

The Flames are currently slated to return four of five starters from 2025, only losing Harrison Hayes. The team was able to keep this core together and add several pieces in the portal, to what should be a strength of the offense entering the season. DJ Geth, Joep Engbers, Aaron Fenimore, Austin Anderson (if healthy), and Christian Williams should all be counted on as part of the two-deep. Penn State transfer Alex Birchmeier also spent much of the spring at first team right guard. A name to keep an eye on is the youngster Brandon Edozie who was turning heads during the spring.

Tight End: Caleb Ryan OR LaKelsey Johnson
Back up: Zeke Wimbush OR Bo Burklow

Caleb Ryan is the only known factor at tight end, returning to the Flames after a very solid campaign a season ago. The former walk-on is now a team leader and is someone his coaching staff trusts. LaKelsey Johnson (Baylor) and Zeke Wimbush (Virginia Tech) also appear to be near the top of the depth chart currently.