Liberty Flames Football: A Tradition of Faith, Grit, and Gridiron Glory

The Liberty Flames football program represents Liberty University, a private Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. As a member of Conference USA, the Flames compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), marking a significant transition from their previous standing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), a move announced in July 2017.

From Humble Beginnings to FBS Contenders

In 1971, Jerry Falwell and Elmer L. Towns laid the foundation for what would become Liberty University, then known as Lynchburg Baptist College. Falwell envisioned an athletic program that would rival the likes of USC, Notre Dame, and Alabama. The football team began its journey in 1973, initially competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics until 1980. The program then transitioned to NCAA Division II for seven years before making its mark in Division I-AA from 1988 to 2017.

Early Pioneers and Overcoming Adversity

Fred Banks holds the distinction of being the first Liberty player drafted into the NFL in 1985. The program faced a setback when the flood of November 6, 1985, devastated their practice facility on Treasure Island near Riverside Park.

Ascendancy in the Big South Conference

The Flames captured their first Big South Conference Football championship in 2007 with a decisive 31-0 victory over Gardner-Webb. The following year, Liberty extended its unbeaten Big South streak to 11 games, securing back-to-back conference championships with another win over Gardner-Webb, 30-10. The team finished the year with a 10-2 record, remaining undefeated in conference play at 5-0. This achievement marked them as the first team in Big South history to win five conference games in a season, joining Gardner-Webb as the only teams to post consecutive unbeaten seasons.

In 2009, the Flames were undefeated in Big South play, needing only a win against Stony Brook in the season finale to clinch a third consecutive Big South Conference Championship. However, Stony Brook, with only one conference loss, had the opportunity to claim half of the Big South Championship with a victory over Liberty. Liberty again became conference co-champions again in 2010. Liberty became the conference co-champion for the third time in 2012. After starting off 2-0 in conference play, Liberty traveled to Coastal Carolina, where they lost to the Chanticleers 36-12, bringing their overall record to 3-5. Liberty would then play then ninth ranked Stony Brook, beating them 28-14, also extending their at home conference win streak which dates back to 2006. In order to win a share at the Big South title, they would have to beat the Virginia Military Institute Keydets.

Read also: Liberty University Fees

Continued Success and Playoff Entry

The 2013 Flames shared the conference championship for a second consecutive year. Liberty opened up conference play at home against Coastal Carolina, where they let a 19-point lead slip away in the second half as the Chanticleers rallied to win in double overtime, 55-52. The Flames would rebound with a shutout victory at Gardner-Webb to mark the first shutout in Turner Gill's eight seasons as a head coach. After victories at home over VMI and Presbyterian, the Flames captured a share of the Big South title with a 56-14 victory at Charleston Southern who has previously beaten Coastal Carolina. Liberty became the conference co-champion for the third consecutive year in 2014. Liberty started Big South Conference play against Gardner-Webb with a 34-0 shutout victory. After three consecutive conference victories, the Flames fell at home to Charleston Southern, 38-36. The loss to Charleston Southern would be Liberty's only loss in Big South play. The Flames rebounded with a 15-14 win over rival Coastal Carolina (ranked No. 1 in the FCS polls at the time), and Liberty clinched a share of the Big South Conference championship. Liberty also earned its first ever FCS playoff berth in school history. Liberty earned a conference co-championship again in 2016, marking their eighth conference championship. They finished the season 6-5, 4-1 in Big South play to share the conference championship with Charleston Southern.

Transition to FBS and Bowl Game Victories

For the 2019 season, the Liberty Flames would finish 8-5. They would make and win their first bowl game as an FBS program. In 2020, after a 6-0 start, Liberty made it in the AP Top 25 Poll for the first time in their program history, making it at No.

Conference USA Champions and New Year's Six Bowl Bid

In Jamey Chadwell's first season as the Flames' head coach, he led Liberty to an undefeated regular season and a Conference USA Championship over New Mexico State in Liberty's first season in Conference USA. Following the Championship win, Liberty got the Group of Five New Year's Six Bowl Bid. On January 1, 2024, the Flames lost 45-6 to the Oregon Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl, their first major bowl appearance in school history. The following season, the Flames under Chadwell finished 8-4 and received an invitation to the Bahamas Bowl vs Buffalo. In 2025, the Flames significant roster turnover due to the ongoing transfer portal situation.

Bowl Game Record

Liberty has participated in six bowl games since joining FBS in 2018, amassing a 3-3 record.

Rivalries

Liberty maintains a football rivalry with Coastal Carolina which began in 2003. The teams played every year from 2003 to 2016 and met in the 2020 Cure Bowl. Liberty maintains a football rivalry with James Madison which began in 1980. The teams played almost every year from 1980 to 1992 and then again from 2000 to 2014. The rivalry is set to renew in 2025, marked by the recent expansion of the game series where the teams are set to play each other through to 2040, marking the longest contracted game series in FBS football. Liberty maintains a football rivalry with Old Dominion which began in 2013. The teams played 5 times from 2013-2024. The rivalry was renewed starting with the 2025 season.

Read also: History of Liberty's Flames

The Return of College Football Gaming: NCAA 25 and Liberty Flames

The anticipation for the return of college football gaming is palpable, with the upcoming release of NCAA 25. For many, the NCAA Football franchise holds a special place, evoking memories of Road to Glory and Dynasty modes, where virtual careers were forged and championships won.

A Personal Connection

The introduction of NIL has further heightened the excitement, offering the opportunity to relive college football moments in a more authentic way. The prospect of leading the Liberty Flames in NCAA 25 is particularly thrilling for fans who have witnessed the program's growth and success.

Gameday Atmosphere and Traditions

The gameday experience at Liberty University is unique, blending faith, passion, and tradition. The "U" chant, a staple of Liberty Football, resonates throughout Williams Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere. The Joker Mask, which debuted during a home opener, has become a symbol of Liberty Football, both on the mountain and nationally. Every televised contest highlights the jokers and there’s no denying they’re part of the gameday experience.

Faith and Sportsmanship

At Liberty, the intersection of faith and sportsmanship is evident. Athletes play with passion and pray with their competitors after the game, win or lose. The university's commitment to developing Champions for Christ is reflected in its emphasis on advocacy and defense.

Fan Engagement

Liberty University fosters a strong sense of community among its fans, encouraging them to be early and loud in support of the Flames. The university offers various ways for fans to engage with the team, including the LUnatics Membership, which provides access to exclusive events and benefits. The event is free and open to all ticket holders and features music, the live LFSN Radio pregame show, and tailgate games. The area allows fans to enjoy family time before the game - rain or shine - within a climate-controlled facility.

tags: #liberty #university #ncaa #25 #details