Brenton Williams: A Season of Adjustments
10/8/2026 9:31:00 AM | Football
Note: Below is the main feature in the Flames Illustrated game program vs. Sam Houston.
This season has been challenging for us in many ways.
From playing games on weeknights to losing players to injury, playing under a new defensive coordinator, and even thinking about transferring in the offseason, it's been a roller coaster for me.
But I've learned that life is all about how you react to the unexpected and finding a way to still give of yourself.
For me, it's about being a leader and teammate that my guys can rely on – no matter the circumstance.
Adapting to New Leadership
This season has been particularly special because I've had the chance to play under a new defensive coordinator, Coach Shawn Quinn.
His approach emphasizes the importance of the front seven, making it the focal point of our defense. I feel I have thrived in this system, and I know I haven't reached my full potential yet.
Playing under his guidance has been a great experience, and I'm excited to continue growing as a player.
Coach Quinn has brought so much joy back to the defensive side of the ball, and it has truly reminded me why I fell in love with the game.
He has even helped us work through losing players to injuries, including Ethan Crisp, who plays behind me at the JACK position.
But when Ethan went down in the Coastal Carolina game, it ignited a fire in us. We wanted to play for him, to honor his hard work and dedication. It pushed us to give our all on the field, and I believe it contributed to our success.
Despite these challenges, I had one of my best games of the season that night. It was a testament to the preparation and focus our team puts into every game. We constantly emphasize the importance of mastering the little things, because if you can't handle the small details, you can't handle the big ones.
We're always striving for perfection, and that's what drives us to improve every day.
Midweek on the Mountain
Being a college student-athlete means you have to be adaptable.
This includes adjusting to the unique challenges of playing midweek games as a member of Conference USA.
It certainly throws your schedule off. In football, we are creatures of habit and the midweek games do present some obstacles.
We practice at different times, and it can be hard to keep track of the days. It's all part of the game, though, and we make it work.
It can be a bit of a disruption, but the opportunity to be the only game on national television is hard to pass up. When we step on the field for Weekday CUSA games, we know the college football world is watching.
Making the Right Decision
When I entered the transfer portal after the 2025 season, I had to consider my options.
After all, it's a significant decision that can shape the trajectory of my football career.
However, when I sat down and reflected on why I started playing football in the first place, I realized that Liberty was always home for me.
I initially committed to head coach Jamey Chadwell when he was at Coastal Carolina, but I decommitted because I wanted to take a chance on playing SEC ball.
I enjoyed my time at Auburn and it allowed me to live out my childhood dreams and play closer to home.
Liberty felt like family when I joined the program in 2024, a place where I was valued and was not just another player.
When I re-entered the portal this past offseason, I had to weigh my options again. But as the saying goes, "the grass isn't always greener on the other side."
I had to remind myself of my current situation – I was going to be one of the guys, a starter, and even had a chance to be team captain.
I had so many pros here and zero cons, honestly. Why would I throw that away to be somewhere else where I might not be valued as much?
I had something great going on here, so why would I throw that away? That's ultimately why I came back and I consider the Mountain my home.
Giving Back Gives Me Joy
Giving back to the community is a significant part of my life.
I'm actively involved in various outreach programs and initiatives, such as the "Dollar Makes a Difference" campaign that is run by Academic Affairs for Athletics here at Liberty University.
This group does a great job of challenging us to be more than just an athlete and they understand the importance of giving of ourselves.
I even contribute my own resources to these efforts because I believe in leading by example.
One of my main motivations is to break the stereotype that athletes are just self-centered individuals. I want to show that we are so much more than that.
When I visit schools and interact with students, I want them to see that they can achieve great things too.
I remember when the Auburn football team visited my school, and I got to see Cam Newton. That experience left a lasting impact on me, and I want to provide that same inspiration to young kids.
While I may not be a Cam Newton, it's incredibly rewarding to see the joy on the faces of those kids when I visit their schools.
It makes me feel like I'm making a difference, and that's what it's all about.
Looking Ahead
While football is a significant part of my life, it cannot be the end-all and be-all.
I have dreams beyond the field, and one of those dreams is to get into real estate. Starting with real estate development and eventually branching out into investment properties, I want to build a future that goes beyond my athletics career.
But for now, my focus is on the present — on being the best player and teammate I can be.
Liberty University has given me the platform to chase my dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.
I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had and the lessons I've learned, and I look forward to continuing this journey with my team and my community by my side.
This season has been challenging for us in many ways.
From playing games on weeknights to losing players to injury, playing under a new defensive coordinator, and even thinking about transferring in the offseason, it's been a roller coaster for me.
But I've learned that life is all about how you react to the unexpected and finding a way to still give of yourself.
For me, it's about being a leader and teammate that my guys can rely on – no matter the circumstance.
Adapting to New Leadership
This season has been particularly special because I've had the chance to play under a new defensive coordinator, Coach Shawn Quinn.
His approach emphasizes the importance of the front seven, making it the focal point of our defense. I feel I have thrived in this system, and I know I haven't reached my full potential yet.
Playing under his guidance has been a great experience, and I'm excited to continue growing as a player.
Coach Quinn has brought so much joy back to the defensive side of the ball, and it has truly reminded me why I fell in love with the game.
He has even helped us work through losing players to injuries, including Ethan Crisp, who plays behind me at the JACK position.
But when Ethan went down in the Coastal Carolina game, it ignited a fire in us. We wanted to play for him, to honor his hard work and dedication. It pushed us to give our all on the field, and I believe it contributed to our success.
Despite these challenges, I had one of my best games of the season that night. It was a testament to the preparation and focus our team puts into every game. We constantly emphasize the importance of mastering the little things, because if you can't handle the small details, you can't handle the big ones.
We're always striving for perfection, and that's what drives us to improve every day.
Midweek on the Mountain
Being a college student-athlete means you have to be adaptable.
This includes adjusting to the unique challenges of playing midweek games as a member of Conference USA.
It certainly throws your schedule off. In football, we are creatures of habit and the midweek games do present some obstacles.
We practice at different times, and it can be hard to keep track of the days. It's all part of the game, though, and we make it work.
It can be a bit of a disruption, but the opportunity to be the only game on national television is hard to pass up. When we step on the field for Weekday CUSA games, we know the college football world is watching.
Making the Right Decision
When I entered the transfer portal after the 2025 season, I had to consider my options.
After all, it's a significant decision that can shape the trajectory of my football career.
However, when I sat down and reflected on why I started playing football in the first place, I realized that Liberty was always home for me.
I initially committed to head coach Jamey Chadwell when he was at Coastal Carolina, but I decommitted because I wanted to take a chance on playing SEC ball.
I enjoyed my time at Auburn and it allowed me to live out my childhood dreams and play closer to home.
Liberty felt like family when I joined the program in 2024, a place where I was valued and was not just another player.
When I re-entered the portal this past offseason, I had to weigh my options again. But as the saying goes, "the grass isn't always greener on the other side."
I had to remind myself of my current situation – I was going to be one of the guys, a starter, and even had a chance to be team captain.
I had so many pros here and zero cons, honestly. Why would I throw that away to be somewhere else where I might not be valued as much?
I had something great going on here, so why would I throw that away? That's ultimately why I came back and I consider the Mountain my home.
Giving Back Gives Me Joy
Giving back to the community is a significant part of my life.
I'm actively involved in various outreach programs and initiatives, such as the "Dollar Makes a Difference" campaign that is run by Academic Affairs for Athletics here at Liberty University.
This group does a great job of challenging us to be more than just an athlete and they understand the importance of giving of ourselves.
I even contribute my own resources to these efforts because I believe in leading by example.
One of my main motivations is to break the stereotype that athletes are just self-centered individuals. I want to show that we are so much more than that.
When I visit schools and interact with students, I want them to see that they can achieve great things too.
I remember when the Auburn football team visited my school, and I got to see Cam Newton. That experience left a lasting impact on me, and I want to provide that same inspiration to young kids.
While I may not be a Cam Newton, it's incredibly rewarding to see the joy on the faces of those kids when I visit their schools.
It makes me feel like I'm making a difference, and that's what it's all about.
Looking Ahead
While football is a significant part of my life, it cannot be the end-all and be-all.
I have dreams beyond the field, and one of those dreams is to get into real estate. Starting with real estate development and eventually branching out into investment properties, I want to build a future that goes beyond my athletics career.
But for now, my focus is on the present — on being the best player and teammate I can be.
Liberty University has given me the platform to chase my dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.
I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had and the lessons I've learned, and I look forward to continuing this journey with my team and my community by my side.
Players Mentioned
JK
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