They’re Back: Fans ignited for new season of Flames Football

With the 2026 Liberty Football season right around the corner, there is plenty of excitement in store for Flames fans as the team seeks to regain the Conference USA crown.

Liberty kicks off the 2026 campaign with Saturday’s Battle of the Blue Ridge road matchup with in-state rival James Madison before Flames Nation pours into Williams Stadium for the home opener against Gardner-Webb on Sept. 12. With six regular season home games, Liberty fans will have multiple opportunities to experience all of the gameday festivities as they cheer the Flames to victory.

The fanfare has already gotten underway on campus, as a Meet the Team event last month provided fans the opportunity to meet LU players, tour Liberty’s football facilities, enjoy game day inflatables and local food vendors, and more. Also last month, Flames Kickoff allowed incoming students to hear from Flames and Lady Flames coaches as well as learn traditional game day chants and celebrations.

Students are invited to a campuswide kickoff tailgate on the Academic Lawn the eve before the first home game. Sponsored by the Student Government Association and LUnatics, this event will run from 6-9 p.m. and open with performances from Liberty Cheerleading and the Liberty Dance team. Afterward, students are encouraged to stick around for lawn games, inflatables, friendly competition, and grilled hot dogs.

Fans are in for a patriotic treat when the Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band debuts its “Give Me Liberty,” a special tribute for the nation’s 250th birthday, at the Sept. 12 home opener. During the game, the Liberty Field Hockey and Women’s Tennis teams will be recognized for winning last year’s BIG EAST and CUSA Championships, respectively.

Tailgate festivities will continue this year with all fans invited to attend the pregame favorite Flames Fan Fest in the Liberty Indoor Practice Facility. The event will again feature activities for the whole family, including lawn games, inflatables, balloon animals, and a chance to welcome the team to the stadium and celebrate with Sparky and the Liberty cheerleaders. Flames Fan Fest can be accessed without a game ticket and fans may enter the stadium through any gate.

In appreciation of Flames Nation’s continued support, Liberty home games will feature a number of gameday promotions. On Sept. 19, the first 3,000 fans in attendance for the Flames’ bout against Ball State will receive a Liberty Bucket hat. For Liberty’s Homecoming matchup against Florida International on Oct. 31, 3,000 early arrivers will receive a Liberty scarf. Two weeks later, the first 3,000 fans in attendance for Liberty’s game against Middle Tennessee State will receive a commemorative military coin in conjunction with Military Appreciation Day.

Fans will also get the opportunity to see the Flames in action on a weekday this season when Liberty takes on Sam Houston on Oct. 8.

The Flames close out their regular season home schedule with a Nov. 21 clash with Western Kentucky on Senior Day and Staff Appreciation Day.

Beginning the season against James Madison marks a great opportunity for Liberty to start off strong. Liberty fell to the Dukes 31-13 to the Dukes last September.

“You’re obviously training all off-season for a season, but everybody is looking forward to the first game,” Liberty Head Coach Jamey Chadwell said in a press conference on Tuesday. “It’s the first chance to hit somebody else and see all the work and all the different things somebody has put in, and hopefully see it come to fruition. It’s a great opportunity because you’re playing a nonconference game, which helps you nationally no matter what you end up doing in your conference. That’s a big deal. (JMU) is in-state. It’s a rival. There are a lot of reasons why it’s important to a lot of different people.”

“For our team, there so many new guys and the guys returning. The ones returning have a bad taste in their mouth from last year, so I think we’ll want to get that taste out as quickly as possible,” he added. “Any time you can open the season with a really quality opponent, especially one right up the road, it puts a bit more urgency on that game than there already is.”

At media day in July, Chadwell expressed excitement for this year’s campaign and anticipation for improving on last season’s 4-8 record.

“For us to get back this year, for myself to be healthy, and have the chance to hopefully win a conference championship — that’s what our ultimate goal is,” he said. “We’re looking forward to that as a team and being able to represent Liberty in the way it needs to be represented. … I’m looking forward to getting out and getting us back on track.”

The Flames conference road opponents include Delaware (Oct. 2), Kenesaw State (Oct. 22), New Mexico State (Nov. 7), and Missouri State (Nov. 28).

Although the team’s starting quarterback has yet to be named, Liberty features a robust roster of players who should make an immediate impact on the field.

Flames Kickoff Wide receiver Jamari Person, offensive lineman DJ Geth, defensive lineman Mike Jarvis, linebacker Deuce Spurlock, and punt returner Dairus Copeland were named Liberty’s selection for the Conference USA 2026 preseason watch list

In addition, center Aaron Fenimore has been named to the 2026 HERO Sports Group of Six Preseason All-American second team as well as to the 2026 Rimington Trophy watch list. The Remington Trophy will be awarded to the top center in the country at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Three Liberty running backs — Kam Davis, Peyton Jones and Kayne Udoh — were also among a total of 62 FBS running backs named the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list. The prestigious Doak Walker Award is presented annually by The PwC SMU Athletic Forum to the nation’s most outstanding college running back.

SEASON TICKETS: Season tickets are still on sale and remain the best cost-saving option to watch Flames Football at Williams Stadium. Starting at just $90, fans can save up to 56 percent. Visit LUFootball.com or call/text the Flames Ticket Office at (434) 592-5015.