The calendar hasn’t even flipped to the new year, but it’s never too early to begin to look ahead to the fall and football season. Coming off a 4-8 season, the Flames will be looking to get back to the top of Conference USA in 2026 and turn around the recent slide.

The roster is nowhere near being completed as the team still prepares to navigate through the transfer portal, which doesn’t open until January 2. So, this depth chart will change frequently throughout the offseason as we go through the transfer portal, spring practice, summer workouts and training camp, but doing this now gives us an idea of what the roster currently looks like. It is based off who is currently on the roster and before any additions from the portal. The Flames could add up to 30 (or potentially more) players through the portal, so this is very much a work in progress but it gives us an idea where the roster currently stands prior to the official opening of the transfer portal.

Quarterback: Ethan Vasko
Backup: Ethan Houck

Liberty has already lost three quarterbacks since the end of the 2025 season and Ethan Vasko will miss about 5-6 months after shoulder surgery. Who will the Flames add at the position?

Running Back: (A-Back) Jaylon Coleman; (B-Back) Caden Williams
Backup: (A-Back) Darius Copeland (B-Back) Malachi Fannin-Render

Another position that will have a new look for the Flames this fall. Evan Dickens, Juju Gray, and Vaughn Blue are gone. Jaylon Coleman looks to be a playmaker in the A-Back role, but who will be the go-to back? Williams had some opportunities this past season while the coaching staff was very high on Fannin-Render when he first arrived on campus. Expect some additions through the portal here, as well.

Wide Receiver: Jamari Person
Backup: Nas Newkirk

Wide Receiver: Jon Montiero
Backup: Eric Smith

Wide Receiver: Bryce Randolph
Backup: Jakobe DeJesus

The Flames had a ton of seniors on this past season’s roster and Donte Lee has gone into the portal. To say it will be a new look receiver room puts it mildly.

Left Tackle: DJ Geth
Backup: TBD

Left Guard: Joep Engbers
Backup: TBD

Center: Aaron Fenimore
Backup: TBD

Right Guard: Da’Jy’Quwan Jackson
Backup: TBD

Right Tackle: Austin Anderson
Backup: Christian Williams

The Flames are currently slated to return four of five starters from 2025, only losing Harrison Hayes. Keep this core together and add a couple pieces in the portal and the increased development of some of the returning younger linemen, and the Flames could have a really good group next fall.

Tight End: Caleb Ryan
Back up: Bo Burklow

This room is incredibly thin right now after the losses of Jacob Jenkins and Austin Henderson, as well as Eli Sisson and Connie Hewitt going into the portal. Ryan and Burklow are the only ones that presently remain as well as the incoming true freshman Kam Taylor.

Defensive End: Aaron Hester
Backup: Michael Floyde

Defensive Tackle: Mike Jarvis
Backup: Nate Pirolli OR Kam Cullins

Defensive Tackle: Markus Clark OR DJ Jackson
Backup: Joe Strickland OR Sam Cohen

Joker: Brenton Williams
Backup: Bryson Jennings

Liberty is actually slated to return most of its two-deep on the defensive line, only losing CJ Bazile, Bryce Dixon, Eli Hall, and Donovan Dozier. With the addition of JUCO DE Michael Floyde, the Flames have already started to add to the group. Expect to see some more additions in the portal.

Mike: Aidan Vaughn OR Micah Pollard
Backup: Deuce Spurlock

Will: Derrell Farrar
Backup: Dillano Glaud OR Ethan Crisp

We saw what this group looks like in the post-Joe Carter era at the end of the season. Now, looking ahead to 2026, this group has the potential to be the leaders of the defense.

Cornerback: Elijah Hopkins
Backup: Jamal Miles OR Prince Cottonham

Cornerback: Quavo Marshall
Backup: Myke Gunn OR Elijah McKenzie

A lot of production was lost at corner with Damond Harmon, Dexter Ricks, and Amarian Williams all leaving. The top returning corners are Quavo Marshall and Elijah Hopkins. Liberty has also added Prince Cottonham and Elijah McKenzie who should factor in.

Safety: TBD
Backup: TBD

Safety: TBD
Backup: TBD

Safety: Jayden Whaley
Backup: TBD

The safety room will look much different by the time we get to spring ball than it does currently as the Flames will have to be very active here in the portal. Whaley was a transfer from Hampton a year ago who did not see the field but will certainly have opportunities this season after this position group has been completely raided due to graduations and the portal.

Kicker: Tyler Black

Punter: Sam Crossan

Long Snapper: TBD

Holder: Sam Crossan

Kick Returner: Jon Monteiro

Punt Returner: TBD

Liberty will once again have a new kicker next season. Tyler Black transferred in from Wake Forest last year and should have a decent shot to win the job. Sam Crossan is the likely favorite to take over for Max Morgan at punter.