Open up your calendar. Memorial Day is staring at you right in the face. Summer is almost here. You’ve already booked your summer vacation, but what’s next? A Liberty football road trip in the fall.
Let this serve as a friendly reminder to begin making your travel plans to see the Flames on the road in 2026 (This is also a personal reminder). The question is, where should you go?
The 2026 schedule has been released, with the Flames playing four road games in conference play as well as a pair away from Lynchburg in the September non-conference slate. Before you book your Liberty football trip, allow me to share my expertise, having made the trip to five of the six destinations on Liberty’s road slate this season.
6. New Mexico State, Nov. 7
I’ve made this trip before. Besides the obvious with how difficult it is to make a cross-country trek for a football game, the stadium and atmosphere isn’t that appealing. Now, the weather in early November could be delightful and if you’re a fan of Mexican food, you could definitely have worse options. Las Cruces is also about an hour away from White Sands National Park, which if you’re traveling that far, is a must do. Liberty picked up a win out there in its trip two seasons ago in a classic come from behind win in the debut of the light blue uniforms, so there is some history of success.
5. Missouri State, Nov. 28
This one I’m unfamiliar with, having never been to Missouri State or Springfield. The Bears have a first year head coach and are coming off a strong season in their first year in CUSA and at the FBS level. It’s also the regular season finale and one of only three road dates being played on a Saturday and is the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The game could have big implications and you could make it a long, holiday weekend trip.
4. Kennesaw State, Oct. 21
If this game wasn’t being played in the mid-week, it would be higher on the list. From Lynchburg, it’s not a terrible trip to get to Kennesaw and, being on the outskirts of Atlanta, there’s plenty to do. The Owls are also the defending CUSA champs and figure to be in the mix once again, making this one likely a huge matchup. Add in what happened on Liberty’s last trip to Kennesaw just two years ago and this is a trip worth making, if the date works with your schedule.
3. Delaware, Oct. 2
A Friday night at a location Liberty football has never played and against a team that should be at least competitive in CUSA once again could make for a fun trip. It’s not that far from Lynchburg and close to several real fun weekend trips. The Blue Hens have a lot of history, particularly at the FCS level, and are looking to take that success over to the FBS and CUSA and they had a good start last season under head coach Ryan Carty. I’ve been to Newark before and looking forward to making the trip there this fall.
2. James Madison, Sept. 5
Sure, it’s in Harrisonburg and we’re not the best of friends with those just up the road, but it’s a super convenient trip against an in-state foe to open the season. It has to rank high on the list. The Flames are looking to have more success at Bridgeforth Stadium like the last trip there – a win in the 2014 FCS Playoffs. It will be the home opener for the Dukes as they open up the Billy Napier era and celebrate their team’s CFP trip from a season ago. It should be a great atmosphere, easily the best atmosphere of any road trip Liberty will see this season.
1. Coastal Carolina, Sept. 24
I was pretty bummed when this game got flexed to a Thursday night. While it’s good for eyeballs on the game from a national TV standpoint, it makes it more challenging for the Flames fan contingent to make the trip to Conway. Obviously, there’s a ton of history between the two schools from their time as Big South rivals. Now, head coach Jamey Chadwell (and much of his staff) makes their first trip back to Brooks Stadium since leaving from there following the 2022 season. There will be a ton of storylines. Plus, you have Myrtle Beach just down the road and can make it a weekend beach trip at the end of September.
