Liberty Flames is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of -8.3. Liberty Flames enters the season with a power rating of -8.3, placing them below average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Liberty Flames head to James Madison next in Week 1. In 2025, Liberty Flames went 4-8 overall, 3-9 against the spread, and 6-6 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Liberty Flames Power Rating of -8.3 is 8.5 points below the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Liberty Flames have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 6,646 miles, ranking 77th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | James Madison | 76 mi | 153 mi |
| Week 2 | Gardner-Webb | Home | 153 mi |
| Week 3 | Ball State | Home | 153 mi |
| Week 4 | Coastal Carolina | 246 mi | 644 mi |
| Week 5 | Delaware | 245 mi | 1,133 mi |
| Week 6 | Sam Houston | Home | 1,133 mi |
| Week 7 | — | Bye | |
| Week 8 | Kennesaw State | 380 mi | 1,893 mi |
| Week 9 | Florida International | Home | 1,893 mi |
| Week 10 | New Mexico State | 1,600 mi | 5,092 mi |
| Week 11 | Middle Tennessee | Home | 5,092 mi |
| Week 12 | Western Kentucky | Home | 5,092 mi |
| Week 13 | Missouri State | 777 mi | 6,646 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
Liberty entered the season with a three-way battle between Ethan Vasko, Deshawn Purdie, and Jaylen Henderson. Vasko struggled in 2025 with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and he missed spring practice after shoulder surgery. The Flames have not yet settled on a starter, and the uncertainty has limited offensive rhythm. The team's passing attack has not regained the explosiveness of 2023, and the quarterback position is the biggest question mark moving forward.
After leading the nation in rushing in 2023 and ranking fourth in 2024, Liberty's ground game dipped to 194.0 yards per game last season. The Flames brought in five transfer running backs, but the unit has not yet recaptured its previous dominance. The offensive line returns four starters and is a strength, but the running backs have not consistently broken big plays. Improving the run game is critical for the offense to find balance.
Shawn Quinn took over as defensive coordinator after Liberty ranked 10th in CUSA in rushing defense in 2025. He has emphasized toughness and physicality, and linebacker Derrell Farrar (71 tackles last season) is a key piece. The defense has struggled to generate a consistent pass rush, a problem that has persisted throughout Chadwell's tenure. The unit's ability to pressure quarterbacks will determine whether the defense can take a step forward.
Liberty lost its starting kicker and punter to graduation. Tyler Black and Chase Reeves are competing at kicker, while Reeves and Sam Crossan are battling at punter. The new specialists have not yet established reliability, and special teams could be a vulnerability in close games. Consistency in the kicking game will be important for field position and scoring.
After a 4-8 season, Liberty's first losing campaign in 20 years, an opposing coach questioned whether the team has prioritized character and commitment in its transfer portal acquisitions. The Flames have overhauled their coaching staff and brought in many new players, but the team's toughness and investment in football have been questioned. The rest of the season will test whether the new roster and staff can restore the program's competitive edge.
Liberty Flames is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Liberty Flames holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of -8.3, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Liberty Flames's home field advantage rating is 2.4 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Liberty Flames travels 6,646 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 77th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Liberty Flames: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating -8.3.
