Liberty University football enters 2025 with both optimism and uncertainty, and the buzz around campus is real. The Flames are coming off a successful stretch but now face a huge question mark with the departure of superstar quarterback Kaidon Salter, who was nothing short of electric.
2025 Liberty Football Schedule
Salter’s dual-threat ability carried Liberty to heights few imagined just a few seasons ago, and now, the team must learn to soar without its fearless leader. As fans get ready to circle dates and book tickets, one big question remains: can Liberty still burn bright without Salter at the helm?
sparky with schedule pic.twitter.com/uxV11ZhEHV
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) February 6, 2025
- Aug. 30—vs. Maine
- Sep. 6—at Jacksonville State
- Sep. 13—at Bowling Green
- Sep. 20—vs. James Madison
- Sep. 27—at Old Dominion
- Oct. 8 (Wed.)—at UTEP
- Oct. 14 (Tue.)—vs. New Mexico State
- Nov. 1—vs. Delaware
- Nov. 8—vs. Missouri State
- Nov. 15—at Florida International
- Nov. 22—at Louisiana Tech
- Nov. 29—vs. Kennesaw State
Breaking Down the Slate: What to Expect in 2025
Liberty’s 2025 campaign is a blend of winnable games and sneaky-tough road matchups, particularly for a team transitioning to a new quarterback. Their season kicks off on August 30 at home against FCS Maine. Well, it surely will be a game that should give the Flames time to find rhythm on offense. But from there, things heat up quickly.
Back-to-back road tests against Jacksonville State and Bowling Green could reveal early growing pains. Both opponents field physical defenses, and traveling on consecutive weekends will test Liberty’s depth chart and new offensive leader.
In Week 4, they return home to face James Madison, a team that’s quickly become a Group of Five powerhouse. That Sept. 20 clash may be the first major litmus test of the season.
October doesn’t provide much breathing room. Liberty visits Old Dominion before a rare Wednesday night road trip to UTEP on October 8—unusual scheduling that could be tricky for player recovery and preparation. A quick turnaround follows with a Tuesday night game at home vs. New Mexico State on October 14.
November gives Liberty a solid chance to regain control if they hit any mid-season turbulence. Three straight home games—against Delaware, Missouri State, and Kennesaw State—are winnable, although Delaware returns a strong defensive front that could be a challenge.
However, trips to Florida International and Louisiana Tech on November 15 and 22 could be swing games that determine whether the Flames return to the bowl season.
While Liberty avoids any Power Five opponents, the overall schedule is no cakewalk. Success will depend on how quickly the offense can adapt without its centerpiece.
Can the Flames Succeed Without Kaidon Salter?
Losing Kaidon Salter is no small blow. The 2023 Conference USA MVP threw for 2,876 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for over 1,000 yards, making him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in all of college football. He was the heart and soul of the offense and a fearless playmaker in crunch time. Without him, Liberty must now rebuild on the fly.
Head coach Jamey Chadwell—a master of creative offensive schemes—will be tasked with finding a new leader under center. While no starter has been officially named yet, early signs point to a quarterback battle between redshirt sophomore Nate Hampton and incoming freshman Rashad Wilson, a highly rated dual-threat quarterback from Georgia.
Chadwell has emphasized flexibility. “We’re not trying to replace Kaidon with one guy doing everything he did,” he said during spring practice. “We’re going to find the best version of this year’s team and play to those strengths.”
The offensive line returns three starters, which will help whoever wins the quarterback job. Wide receiver CJ Daniels, who caught 8 touchdown passes last year, is back for his senior campaign and is expected to be a key target.
Defensively, Liberty is led by linebacker Tyren Dupree and cornerback Quinton Reese, both of whom bring senior leadership and serious tackling ability.
Still, there’s no sugarcoating it—without Salter’s improvisational magic, Liberty’s margin for error shrinks. The team will need to play more disciplined, control the clock, and rely on its defense to keep games close.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
It’s a more traditional blueprint, but it’s one Chadwell has used successfully in the past.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
