The Flames have added 29 transfers from fellow NCAA programs from the portal. Reloading after losing players to the portal is the new reality for every Group of Five team, including Liberty. But there are incoming transfers to be intrigued by.

Here’s a look at five transfers that could make the biggest impact for the Flames in 2026:

QB Deshawn Purdie

To say 2025 was a disappointment is putting it lightly. The Flames had its worst season in 20 years and every position should be looked at as up for grabs following that campaign. This includes at quarterback where Ethan Vasko underwhelmed in his first year at Liberty. Can Deshawn Purdie be the answer? Purdie threw for 618 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in 8 games, while making 2 starts, for the Demon Deacons in 2025. In 2024, as a freshman at Charlotte, he appeared in nine games with six starts. He completed 100 of his 200 pass attempts while throwing for 1,802 yards, and 10 touchdowns as a true freshman, also adding a rushing touchdown. He has all the physical tools and certainly looked the part during the spring. The biggest concern is his career 50% completion percentage.

RB Peyton Jones

Liberty’s running back room has been completely remade from last year. The Flames brought in five transfers that will all be competing for time. Multiple are likely to emerge in the offensive backfield and Duke transfer Peyton Jones will certainly have his opportunities. Jones saw playing time in 30 games over three seasons for the Blue Devils, finishing his time there with 112 carries for 422 yards and five touchdowns. He was second on the team with 317 yards rushing in 2024.

OL Alex Birchmeier

Birchmeier played in 26 games over the last two seasons for the Nittany Lions.  He was the No. 1 player in Virginia, No. 2 interior offensive lineman in the class of 2023, and No. 54 player in the country per 247 Sports’ Composite rankings coming out of high school. He played at Broad Run High School in Ashburn, Virginia. He is added to an offensive line unit that returns four starters, and Birchmeier looks like he has claimed the starting right guard spot following the spring.

DE Michael Floyde

Michael Floyde joins the Flames from the JUCO ranks where he had 47 tackles, 6 sacks, and a forced fumble at Garden City Community College last year. Liberty will be looking to Floyde to help provide some depth up front while also increasing the level of production from the defensive line, particularly in the pass rushing metric.

S D-Icey Hopkins

Liberty’s defensive backfield, especially at safety, will look completely different on the field this fall. D-Icey Hopkins will be expected to slide in as a starter at safety and provide some leadership and experience.  He had 51 tackles and 3 TFLs at Georgia State last season while holding opposing receivers to a 43.3% completion rate in coverage while playing in all 12 games. He also had a team-high 5 pass breakups. Hopkins, originally from Macon, Georgia, has played in all 24 games for the Panthers over the past two seasons. He was one of the highest rated safeties in the Sun Belt this past season. Hopkins also has some experience with new Liberty safeties coach Cory Peoples.