Liberty Adds 28 Transfers to Bolster 2026 Football Roster
2/4/2026 1:55:00 PM | Football
Liberty December Signing Day Class
After signing 20 players to the roster on National Signing Day in December, the Flames have added 28 transfers to their 2026 roster to start of the spring semester.
This year's transfer portal signing class includes five defensive backs, five running backs, four offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, three tight ends, three wide receivers, two quarterbacks, two special teams players and a linebacker.
Liberty's 2026 transfer portal players hail from 12 different states: Florida (4), Virginia (4), California (3), Georgia (3), Illinois (3), Maryland (3), South Carolina (2) Texas (2), Louisiana (1), New Jersey (1), North Carolina (1) and Pennsylvania (1).
2026 Flames Football Transfer Portal Signing Class Bio Information
Alex Birchmeier, Jr., OL, 6-5, 300, Ashburn, Va./Broad Run HS (Penn State)
Rashawn Cunningham, R-So., WR, 6-2, 205, Inman, S.C./Chapman HS (Charleston Southern)
John Custis, R-Jr., DL, 6-3, 285, Chesapeake, Va./Catholic HS (Emory & Henry)
Kam Davis, R-So., RB, 5-10, 224, Albany, Ga./Dougherty HS (Florida State)
Val Erickson, Jr., OL, 6-5, 320, Chicago, Ill./St. Rita HS (NC State)
Kevin Evehe, So., OL, 6-6, 296, Randallstown, Md./Randallstown HS (Saint Francis)
Kyle Ferm, R-So., LB, 6-3, 232, Los Angeles, Calif./Glendora HS (SMU)
Jude Foster, Jr., OL, 6-3, 290, Baton Rouge, La./Southern Lab HS (Ole Miss)
Tyrell Gainey, Jr., DB, 6-1, 175, Orlando, Fla./Wekiva HS (Albany State)
Izaiah Guy, R-Jr., DB, 6-2 , 200, Ocala, Fla./Vanguard HS (USF)
Jaylen Henderson, R-Sr., QB, 6-3, 227, Los Angeles, Calif./Chaminade HS (West Virginia)
Henry Hicks, Jr., DL, 6-2, 285, Seaboard, N.C./Northampton County HS (Elizabeth City State)
D-Icey Hopkins, R-Jr., DB, 5-11, 195, Macon, Ga./Northeast HS (Georgia State)
Makai Jackson, Sr., WR, 6-0, 200, Levittown, Pa./Harry S. Truman HS (Indiana)
LaKelsey Johnson, Jr., R-Sr., TE, 6-3, 248, Desoto, Texas/Red Oak HS (Baylor)
Peyton Jones, R-Jr., RB, 5-10, 195, Norfolk, Va./Maury HS (Duke)
Terron Kellman, Sr., RB, 5-8, 210, Clinton, Md./Saint Frances Academy (Wyoming)
Breckan Kirby, So., TE, 6-4, 220, Gainesville, Ga./North Hall HS (North Greenville)
Justin Marshall, R-Jr., RB, 5-10, 190, Chicago, Ill./Merrillville HS (Colorado State)
Ashton McShane, R-So., DB, 5-11, 194, Dallas, Texas/McKinney HS (Boston College)
Lorenzo Payne, Sr., DL, 6-1, 245, Apopka, Fla./Apopka HS (West Florida)
Deshawn Purdie, Jr., QB, 6-4, 228, Baltimore, Md./Milford Mill Academy (Wake Forest)
Greg Rivera, Sr., LS, 6-1, 225, Los Gatos, Calif./Archbishop Mitty HS (Grambling State)
Kanye Udoh, Sr., RB, 6-1, 220, Mays Landing, N.J./St. Augustine Prep (Arizona State)
Refeno Vangates, R-Jr., WR, 5-11, 195, Miami, Fla./America HS (North Carolina Central)
Ashton Whitner, R-Sr., DB, 5-11, 196, Greenville, S.C./Greenville HS (Ball State)
Zeke Wimbush, Jr., TE, 6-2, 235, Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge HS (Virginia Tech)
After signing 20 players to the roster on National Signing Day in December, the Flames have added 28 transfers to their 2026 roster to start of the spring semester.
This year's transfer portal signing class includes five defensive backs, five running backs, four offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, three tight ends, three wide receivers, two quarterbacks, two special teams players and a linebacker.
Liberty's 2026 transfer portal players hail from 12 different states: Florida (4), Virginia (4), California (3), Georgia (3), Illinois (3), Maryland (3), South Carolina (2) Texas (2), Louisiana (1), New Jersey (1), North Carolina (1) and Pennsylvania (1).
| Alex Birchmeier | Jr. | OL | 6-5 | 300 | Ashburn, Va./Broad Run HS (Penn State) |
| Rashawn Cunningham | R-So. | WR | 6-2 | 205 | Inman, S.C./Chapman HS (Charleston Southern) |
| John Custis | R-Jr. | DL | 6-3 | 285 | Chesapeake, Va./Catholic HS (Emory & Henry) |
| Kam Davis | R-So. | RB | 5-10 | 224 | Albany, Ga./Dougherty (Florida State) |
| Val Erickson | Jr. | OL | 6-5 | 320 | Chicago, Ill./St. Rita HS (NC State) |
| Kevin Evehe | So. | OL | 6-6 | 296 | Randallstown, Md./Randallstown HS (Saint Francis) |
| Kyle Ferm | R-So. | LB | 6-3 | 232 | Las Angeles, Calif./Glendora HS (SMU) |
| Jude Foster | Jr. | OL | 6-3 | 290 | Baton Rouge, La./Southern Lab HS (Ole Miss) |
| Tyrell Gainey | Jr. | DB | 6-1 | 175 | Orlando, Fla./Wekiva HS (Albany State) |
| Izaiah Guy | R-Jr. | DB | 6-2 | 200 | Ocala, Fla./Vanguard HS (USF) |
| Jaylen Henderson | R-Sr. | QB | 6-3 | 227 | Los Angeles, Calif./Chaminade HS (West Virginia) |
| Henry Hicks | Jr. | DL | 6-2 | 285 | Seaboard, N.C./Northampton County HS (Elizabeth City State) |
| D-Icey Hopkins | R-Jr. | DB | 5-11 | 195 | Macon, Ga./Northeast HS (Georgia State) |
| Makai Jackson | Sr. | WR | 6-0 | 200 | Levittown, Pa./Harry S. Truman HS (Indiana) |
| LaKelsey Johnson, Jr. | R-Sr. | TE | 6-3 | 248 | Desoto, Texas/Red Oak HS (Baylor) |
| Peyton Jones | R-Jr. | RB | 5-10 | 195 | Norfolk, Va./Maury HS (Duke) |
| Terron Kellman | Sr. | RB | 5-8 | 210 | Clinton, Md./Saint Frances Academy (Wyoming) |
| Breckan Kirby | So. | TE | 6-4 | 220 | Gainesville, Ga./North Hall HS (North Greenville) |
| Justin Marshall | R-Jr. | RB | 5-10 | 190 | Chicago, Ill./Merrillville HS (Colorado State) |
| Ashton McShane | R-So. | DB | 5-11 | 194 | Dallas, Texas/McKinney (Boston College) |
| Lorenzo Payne | Sr. | DL | 6-1 | 245 | Apopka, Fla./Apopka HS (West Florida) |
| Deshawn Purdie | Jr. | QB | 6-4 | 228 | Baltimore, Md./Milford Mill Academy (Wake Forest) |
| Chase Reeves | Sr. | P | 6-2 | 190 | Granite City, Ill;/Granity City HS (McKendree) |
| Greg Rivera | Sr. | LS | 6-1 | 225 | Los Gatos, Calif./Archbishop Mitty HS (Grambling State) |
| Kanye Udoh | Sr. | RB | 6-1 | 220 | Mays Landing, N.J./St. Augustine Prep (Arizona State) |
| Refeno Vangates | R-Jr. | WR | 5-11 | 195 | Hialeah, Fla./America HS (North Carolina Central) |
| Ashton Whitner | R-Sr. | DB | 5-11 | 196 | Greenville, S.C./Greenville HS (Ball State) |
| Zeke Wimbush | Jr. | TE | 6-2 | 235 | Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge HS (Virginia Tech) |
2026 Flames Football Transfer Portal Signing Class Bio Information
Alex Birchmeier, Jr., OL, 6-5, 300, Ashburn, Va./Broad Run HS (Penn State)
- Transferred to Liberty from Penn State
- Saw playing time in 26 games during the 2024-25 seasons
- Played in 10 games in 2025, mostly on special teams
- Played in 16 games in 2024, mostly on special teams
- Named to the 2024 Academic All-Big Ten team
- Redshirted during the 2023 season
- Graduated from Broad Run High School in Ashburn, Va.
- Four-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2023
- Four-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2023
- Rated as the top interior offensive lineman, No. 58 prospect in the class and No. 2 prospect in Virginia by 247Sports
- Ranked as the No. 2 guard, No. 1 prospect in the state and No. 28 overall prospect by Rivals
- Tabbed as the No. 4 interior offensive lineman, top prospect in Virginia and No. 63 overall prospect in the class by On3
- Ranked as the No. 3 guard, top prospect in Virginia and No. 78 overall player in the class by ESPN
- Two-year team captain
- As a junior, he led Broad Run to a 13-2 record, district and regional championships and a state runner-up finish
- Helped Broad Run to a 12-1 mark and a district championship as a freshman
- Invited to the Adidas All-American Bowl
- Invited to the Under Armour All-America Game
- Was a first-team all-state and all-region selection in 2021
- Earned All-Loudon County and first-team Washington Post All-Metro honors
- Named Burg Sports Lineman of the Year and Multi-Sport Athlete of the Year
- Son of Matt and Jennifer Birchmeier
- Father, Matt, played football at Ohio University
- Uncle, Mark, played football at Michigan State (1989-94)
- Brother, John, wrestled at Navy (2019-21) and was a 2021 NCAA qualifier
- Interdisciplinary studies major
Rashawn Cunningham, R-So., WR, 6-2, 205, Inman, S.C./Chapman HS (Charleston Southern)
- Transferred to Liberty from Charleston Southern
- Saw playing time in 16 games during the 2024 and 2025 seasons
- Played in 12 games in 2025
- Finished the 2025 season with 33 receptions for 604 yards and seven touchdowns
- Finalist for the Jerry Rice Award (national freshman of the year)
- OVC/Big South all-conference first team
- Phil Steele Postseason all-conference second team
- Phil Steele Postseason Freshman All-America third team
- Had a breakout game against UT Martin, finishing the game with seven receptions for 216 yards and a touchdown
- Redshirted in 2024 after playing in just four games
- Saw most of his playing time in 2024 on special teams
- Graduated from Champan High School in Inman, S.C.
- All-state honors his senior year
- Two-time all-region honoree between 2022 and 2023
- Compiled 1,700 receiving yards over his final two seasons to go along with 26 total touchdowns
- Helped his team win regional titles each of his four years on the varsity team
- Also participated in basketball and track
- Son of Katrena and Robert Cunningham
- Business major
John Custis, R-Jr., DL, 6-3, 285, Chesapeake, Va./Catholic HS (Emory & Henry)
- Transferred to Liberty from Emory & Henry
- Saw playing time in 13 games during the 2023-25 seasons
- Played in 10 games in 2025
- Finished the season with 20 tackles (nine solo, 11 assisted)
- Recorded 4.5 tackles for a loss and 2.0 sacks
- Saw playing time in two games in 2024
- 2023-24 SAC Commissioner's honor roll
- Redshirted after playing in one game in 2023
- Graduated from Catholic High School in Virginia Beach, Va.
Kam Davis, R-So., RB, 5-10, 224, Albany, Ga./Dougherty HS (Florida State)
- Transferred to Liberty from Florida State
- Saw playing time in 13 games during the 2024-25 seasons
- Played in four games in 2025
- Recorded four carries for 51 yards and a touchdown
- Also added three receptions for 46 yards
- Played in nine games in 2024
- Finished the 2024 season with 52 carries for 173 yards
- Graduated from Dougherty High School in Albany, Ga.
- Four-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2023
- Four-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2023
- No. 3 running back prospect in America and No. 8 overall prospect from Georgia by Rivals
- No. 3 nationally at his position, No. 12 in Georgia and No. 68 overall nationally on 247Sports
- Ranked as nation's No. 3 running back prospect and Georgia's No. 9 overall prospect by ESPN
- No. 52 in ESPN300
- Selected to play in the 2024 Under Armour All-America game
- Played quarterback at Dougherty where he accounted for 8,762 yards of total offense and 75 touchdowns during his prep career
- Limited to three games in his senior season and averaged 8.9 yards per carry and 14.9 yards per completion with five total touchdowns
- 2022 Georgia AAA Player of the Year after leading Trojans to a 9-3 record and the second round of state playoffs
- Passed for 2,736 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 1,115 yards on the ground and 13 touchdowns rushing
- Also topped 3,000 total offensive yards his sophomore season, passing for 1,787 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushing for 1,363 yards and 16 scores while leading Dougherty to the quarterfinal round of AAAA state playoffs
- Played in five varsity games as a freshman, averaging 110.8 rushing yards per game with five touchdowns and passing for 649 yards and three touchdowns
- Two-time Albany Herald Fantastic Fifteen honoree for outstanding achievement in athletics and carrying 4.0 GPA
- Named to Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super 11 list
- Voted best player in Class AAA by Georgia High School Football Daily twice
- Also participated in baseball and track
- Son of Dianna Carr and Roosevelt Davis
- Interdisciplinary studies major
Val Erickson, Jr., OL, 6-5, 320, Chicago, Ill./St. Rita HS (NC State)
- Transferred to Liberty from NC State
- Saw playing time in 14 games during the 2024-25 seasons
- Played in seven games in 2025
- Played in seven games in 2024, starting two contests
- Earned the start at right tackle in the win over Northern Illinois
- Started at right tackle in the Military Bowl against East Carolina
- Finished the East Carolina game with a season-high snap count of 62
- Spent two seasons at Missouri (2022-23)
- Did not see any playing time at Missouri
- Graduated from St. Rita High School in Chicago, Ill.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2023
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2023
- No. 22 ranked player in the state of Illinois in 2022 247Sports
- Ranked as the No. 80 offensive tackle prospect in the country by 247Sports
- Earned all-state, all-area and all-conference honors
- Helped lead St. Rita to an 11-2 record in 2021 and to the Illinois Class 7A state title game
- Interdisciplinary studies major
Kevin Evehe, So., OL, 6-6, 296, Randallstown, Md./Randallstown HS (Saint Francis)
- Transferred to Liberty from Saint Francis
- Saw playing time in five games during the 2025 season
- Graduated from Randallstown High School in Randallstown, Md.
- Member of the honor roll
- Also participated in basketball and lacrosse
- Son of Marthe Bilong and Max Evehe
- Business major
Kyle Ferm, R-So., LB, 6-3, 232, Los Angeles, Calif./Glendora HS (SMU)
- Transferred to Liberty from SMU
- Saw playing time in one game in 2025 against Missouri State
- Started his collegiate career at Cirtus College in 2024 in Glendora, Calif.
- No. 7 ranked linebacker prospect at the JUCO level by 247Sports
- Ranked third on the team in tackles with 50 (29 solo, 21 assisted)
- Also added 9.0 tackles for a loss (34 yards) and 2.0 sacks (18 yards)
- Recorded an interception
- Graduated from Glendora High School in Glendora, Calif.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2023
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2023
- Three-time all-league first team selection
- Two-time all-CIF honoree
- Earned all-area honors as a senior
- Finished his senior season with 38 tackles (15 solo, 23 assisted)
- Also saw action on the offensive side of the ball, getting six carries for 49 yards and five touchdowns
- Added six receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown as a senior
- Also participated in baseball and track
- Son of Kelly and Edward Ferm
- Father, Edward, played three years of minor league baseball in the Detroit Lions organization
- Sport management major
Jude Foster, Jr., OL, 6-3, 290, Baton Rouge, La./Southern Lab HS (Ole Miss)
- Transferred to Liberty from Ole Miss
- Saw playing time in one game during the 2024-25 seasons
- Played against The Citadel in 2025 on special teams
- Redshirted in 2024
- Graduated from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, La.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2024
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2024
- Listed as the No. 18 prospect in Louisiana by On3 and No. 19 by ESPN
- Ranked as a top 50 inside offensive lineman by ESPN and On3
- Four-year letterwinner and 2023 captain at Southern Lab High School
- Allowed just two sacks in over 600 career snaps for the Southern Lab
- Helped lead Southern Lab to LHSAA Division IV state titles as both a sophomore and a senior
- Also participated in track
- Finished fourth in Louisiana 1A shot put finals as a sophomore after winning regional and district titles
- Son of Terrlyn Blunt and John Foster
- Marketing major
Tyrell Gainey, Jr., DB, 6-1, 175, Orlando, Fla./Wekiva HS (Albany State)
- Transferred to Liberty from Albany State
- Saw playing time in 14 games during the 2023-25 seasons
- Played in 11 games in 2025
- 2025 SIAC All-Conference second-team honoree
- Helped Albany State post a 12-2 record in 2025 and win the SIAC Championship
- Albany State advanced to the NCAA Division II Championship quarterfinals
- Finished the 2025 season with 25 tackles (17 solo, eight assisted)
- Also added 3.5 tackles for a loss (nine yards)
- Had four interceptions, 12 pass deflections and a forced fumble
- Played in three games in 2024, recording one solo tackle
- Redshirted in 2023
- Graduated from Wekiva High School in Apopka, Fla.
- Finished his junior season with 1,300 all-purpose yards as a wide receiver
- Also had two interceptions as a cornerback during his junior season
- Finished his senior season with three interceptions
- Shrine Bowl game participant where he scored a touchdown
- Son of Allison and Randolph Gainey
- Exercise science major
Izaiah Guy, R-Jr., DB, 6-2 , 200, Ocala, Fla./Vanguard HS (USF)
- Transferred to Liberty from USF
- Saw playing time in two games during the 2025 season
- Recorded a solo tackle against South Carolina State
- Started his college career at Georgia State
- Saw playing time in 22 games during the 2022-24 seasons
- Recorded 40 tackles, a sack, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble
- Played in 11 games in 2024
- Recorded 30 tackles (22 solo, eight assisted)
- Also added five passes defended and a fumble recovery
- Played in 11 games in 2023
- Recorded 24 tackles (18 solo, six assisted)
- Redshirted in 2022
- Also added a four-yard sack, two passes defended, a forced fumble and fumble recovery
- Graduated from Vanguard High School in Ocala, Fla.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2022
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2022
- Played offense and defense for Vanguard as well as special teams
- Returned a kickoff 73 yards for a touchdown in FHSAA Class 6A, Region 2 final
- Named to the Ocala Star-Banner All-County team as a senior
- Son of Christina Guy and James Oliver
- Communications major
Jaylen Henderson, R-Sr., QB, 6-3, 227, Los Angeles, Calif./Chaminade HS (West Virginia)
- Transferred to Liberty from West Virginia
- Saw playing time in five games during the 2025 season
- Completed 7-of-18 passing attempts for 50 yards
- Also carried the ball 29 times for 146 yards and a touchdown
- Spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Texas A&M
- Did not see any playing time in 2024
- Started the final four games of the 2023 season
- Accounted for eight of the team's 14 offensive touchdowns in the last three games of the regular season
- Completed 53-of-78 passing attempts for 715 yards and six touchdowns
- Made his first career start against Mississippi State, accounting for four touchdowns and completing 11-of-19 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing 12 times for 60 yards and two touchdowns
- Started the Texas Bowl but was injured on the opening drive
- Started his collegiate career at Fresno State
- Played in five games during the 2021-22 seasons
- Saw playing time in two games in 2022
- Played in three games in 2021
- Finished the 2021 season completing 5-of-8 passing attempts for 49 yards
- Graduated from Chaminade High School in West Hills, Calif.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2021
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2021
- No. 47 ranked quarterback in the country as ranked by 247Sports in 2021
- Also listed as the No. 58 ranked player in California in 2021 by 247Sports
- Mission League leading passer and quarterback rusher during a shortened spring season
- Threw for 1,402 yards and 15 touchdowns and rushed for 345 yards with one touchdown
- Named Mission League MVP, Offensive Player of the Year and Cal Hi- Sports All-State First Team
- Threw for 3,431 yards in 2019, averaging 263.9 passing yards per game
- All-Mission League First-Team quarterback
- Son of Shirell and Jamie Henderson
- Father, Jamie, played football at New Mexico State
- Graduated from Texas A&M in May 2025
- Currently pursuing his MBA at Liberty
Henry Hicks, Jr., DL, 6-2, 285, Seaboard, N.C./Northampton County HS (Elizabeth City State)
- Transferred to Liberty from Elizabeth City State
- Saw playing time in 11 games during the 2024-25 seasons
- Recorded 18 tackles (seven solo, 11 assisted), 3.0 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sacks and a forced fumble
- Played in four games in 2025
- Finished the season with 10 tackles (four solo, six assisted), 3.0 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sacks and a forced fumble
- Named to the CIAA commissioner's Honor Roll
- Played in seven games in 2024
- Finished the season with eight tackles (three solo, five assisted)
- Graduated from Northampton County High School in Gaston, N.C.
D-Icey Hopkins, R-Jr., DB, 5-11, 195, Macon, Ga./Northeast HS (Georgia State)
- Transferred to Liberty from Georgia State
- Saw playing time in 25 games during the 2022-25 seasons
- Recorded 74 tackles (49 solo, 25 assisted), 3.0 tackles for a loss (nine yards), 1.0 sacks (seven yards), eight pass deflections and a forced fumble
- Played in 12 games in 2025
- Finished the 2025 season with 51 tackles (34 solo, 17 assisted), 3.0 tackles for a loss (nine yards), 1.0 sacks (seven yards) and five pass deflections
- Played in 12 games in 2024
- Finished the 2024 season with 23 tackles (15 solo, eight assisted), three pass deflections and a forced fumble
- Saw playing time in one game in 2023
- Redshirted in 2022
- Athletic Director's Honor Roll - Fall 2025
- SBC Academic Honor Roll 2024-2025
- Dean's List - Spring 2025
- Athletic Director's Honor Roll - Spring 2023
- Graduated from Northeast High School in Macon, Ga.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2021
- Athlete of the Year in Class AA-Region 2 at Northeast High School
- Preseason First-Team All-State selection in Class AA
- Honorable mention all-state, first-team all-region and second-team All-Middle Georgia (Macon Telegraph) as a sophomore
- Son of Renauta Jackson and Marcus Hopkins
- Interdisciplinary studies major
Makai Jackson, Sr., WR, 6-0, 200, Levittown, Pa./Harry S. Truman HS (Indiana)
- Transferred to Liberty from Indiana
- Saw playing time in four games in 2025
- Finished the season with three receptions for 15 yards
- Also had a punt return for 11 yards
- 2025 Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List
- Spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Appalachian State
- Saw playing time in 25 games during the pair of seasons
- Finished his time at Appalachian State with 73 receptions for 1,163 yards and seven touchdowns
- Also had nine kickoff returns for 165 yards (18.3 average)
- Two punt returns for 24 yards (12.0 average)
- Finished the 2024 season with 46 receptions for 745 yards and five touchdowns
- Averaged 67.7 receiving yards per game
- Earned All-Sun Belt third-team honors in 2024
- Five rushing attempts for 90 yards and a touchdown
- Led Appalachian State in all-purpose yards in 2024 (1,015)
- Finished the 2023 season with 27 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns
- Played in all 14 games, including a start in Appalachian State's win over Miami (Ohio) in the Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl
- Started his collegiate career at Saint Francis in 2022
- Recorded 85 receptions for 991 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games played
- 2022 Jerry Rice Award Finalist (finished third in voting)
- 2022 Stats Perform FCS Freshman All-American
- 2022 HERO Sports FCS Freshman All-American
- 2022 NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year and All-NEC First Team
- Had five 100-yard games in 2022
- Graduated from Harry S. Truman High School in Levittown, Pa.
- First Team All-League as a senior
- All-League Honorable Mention his sophomore season
- Named an all-conference defender his junior year
- Also played basketball and baseball
- Son of Lashanda and Maurice Jackson, Sr.
- Interdisciplinary studies major
LaKelsey Johnson, Jr., R-Sr., TE, 6-3, 248, Desoto, Texas/Red Oak HS (Baylor)
- Transferred to Liberty from Baylor
- Saw playing time in 37 games during the 2022-25 seasons
- Finished his time at Baylor with 23 receptions for 174 yards and a touchdown
- Also had five kickoff returns for 40 yards
- Played in 11 games in 2025
- Finished the season with three receptions for 33 yards
- Was limited to four games in 2024 due to an injury
- Played in 12 games in 2023, starting four contests
- Finished the season with 11 receptions for 80 yards
- Played in 10 games in 2022 as a true freshman, starting four games
- Finished the season with nine receptions for 61 yards
- Had a two-yard touchdown reception against No. 4 TCU
- Graduated from Red Oak High School in Red Oak, Texas
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2022
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2022
- No. 27 ranked tight end in the country as ranked by 247Sports
- No. 14 ranked tight end in the country as ranked by ESPN
- Finished his career with 78 receptions for 1,314 yards and 21 touchdowns
- Caught 33 passes for 483 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior
- Named to 2021 Academic All-State Second Team
- First-Team All-District performer in 2020, finishing the year with 27 receptions for 385 yards and four touchdowns
- First-Team All-District performer in 2019, finishing the year with 17 receptions for 448 yards and eight touchdowns
- Son of Latisha and LaKelsey Johnson, Sr.
- Completed his undergraduate degree at Baylor
- Currently pursuing his master's degree in criminal justice
Peyton Jones, R-Jr., RB, 5-10, 195, Norfolk, Va./Maury HS (Duke)
- Transferred to Liberty from Duke
- Saw playing time in 30 games during the 2023-25 seasons
- Finished his time at Duke with 112 carries for 422 yards and five touchdowns
- Added 11 receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown
- Also had 26 kickoff returns for 557 yards (21.4 yards per return)
- Saw playing time in 13 games in 2023
- Finished the season with 20 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown
- Saw playing time in 13 games in 2024
- Finished the season with 82 carries for 317 yards and three touchdowns
- Also added 18 kickoff returns for 382 yards (21.2 yards per return)
- Saw playing time in four games in 2025
- Finished the season with 10 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown
- Graduated from Maury High School in Norfolk, Va.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2023
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2023
- No. 46 ranked athlete in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 17 and No. 22 prospect from the state of Virginia according to Rivals.com and ESPN.com, respectively
- During final two years at Maury, recorded 3,273 all-purpose yards and 34 TDs
- Helped Maury to a 37-7 ledger and three state championships
- In 2021 state title game, rushed for more than 100 yards and a TD
- Earned All-America honors and was named the Eastern District Player of the Year
- Two-time first team all-state, all-region, and all-district choice
- Also participated in track
- Earning a No. 1 and No. 3 ranking as a freshman in the 55-meter hurdles and long jump, respectively
- Graduated with honors
- Son of Gwenevere Crisler and Dorian Jones
- Interdisciplinary studies major
Terron Kellman, Sr., RB, 5-8, 210, Clinton, Md./Saint Frances Academy (Wyoming)
- Transferred to Liberty from Wyoming
- Saw playing time in 10 games during the 2025 season
- Finished the season with 65 carries for 331 yards and four touchdowns
- Also had five receptions for 52 yards
- Spent two seasons at Charlotte (2023-24)
- Saw playing time in 17 games during the 2023-24 seasons
- Finished his time at Charlotte with 130 carries for 570 yards and a touchdown
- Also had three receptions for 31 yards
- Saw playing time in nine games in 2024
- Recorded 48 carries for 242 yards
- Saw playing time in eight games in 2023
- Carried the ball 82 times for 328 yards and a touchdown
- Started his collegiate career at Northern Illinois
- Redshirted during the 2022 season
- Graduated from Saint Francis Academy in Baltimore, Md.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2022
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2022
- No. 32 ranked recruit in the state of Maryland in 2022
- He helped Saint Frances Academy to an 8-1 record in 2021 and a final ranking of No. 5 after beating IMG Academy 34-24 in the season finale
- Son of Sharron Lee
- Interdisciplinary studies major with a focus in communications
Breckan Kirby, So., TE, 6-4, 220, Gainesville, Ga./North Hall HS (North Greenville)
- Transferred to Liberty from North Greenville
- Saw playing time in eight games during the 2024-25 seasons
- Finished the 2025 season with four receptions for 23 yards
- Scored on a 13-yard touchdown pass against West Florida
- Helped North Greenville win the Conference Carolina Championship for the first time in 51 seasons
- Advanced to the NCAA II Playoffs
- Redshirted during the 2024 season
- Graduated from North Hall High School in Gainesville, Ga.
- Started playing football during his junior season
- Earned all-region honors as a junior and senior
- Two-time all-academic honoree
- Finished his senior season with 450 receiving yards and four touchdowns
- Also participated in baseball and track
- Son of Laura and Brandon Kirby
- Business finance major
Justin Marshall, R-Jr., RB, 5-10, 190, Chicago, Ill./Merrillville HS (Colorado State)
- Transferred to Liberty from Colorado State
- Saw playing time in 26 games during the 2023-25 seasons
- Finished his time at Colorado State with 260 carries for 1,317 yards and seven touchdowns
- Also added 18 receptions for 159 yards
- Saw playing time in 10 games in 2025
- Finished the season with 49 carries for 260 yards a touchdown
- Named to the Doak Walker Award watch list (top running back in the country)
- Had a pair of 100-yard performances in 2024
- Rushed for 106 yards in the season opener at Texas
- Also rushed for 104 yards against Wyoming
- Redshirted after playing in the final three games of the 2023 season
- Finished the 2023 season with 57 carries for 311 yards and two touchdowns
- Saw playing time in 13 games in 2024, including six starts
- Finished the season with 154 carries for 746 yards and four touchdowns
- Graduated from Merrillville High School in Merrillville, Ind.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2023
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2023
- Rushed for 1,623 yards and 21 touchdowns
- Added 64 career receptions for 1,379 yards and 17 touchdowns
- As a senior, rushed for 1,296 yards and 18 touchdowns on 186 carries
- Added 36 receptions for 684 yards and six touchdowns
- Also participated in track
- Son of Latrice Meneweather and Justin Marshall
- Business finance major
Ashton McShane, R-So., DB, 5-11, 194, Dallas, Texas/McKinney HS (Boston College)
- Transferred to Liberty from Boston College
- Saw playing time in 14 games during the 2024-25 seasons
- Finished his time at Boston College with 22 tackles (15 solo, seven assisted), 1.0 tackles for a loss and four pass deflections
- Limited to four games played in 2025 due to an injury
- Finished the 2025 season with two tackles (one solo, one assisted)
- Saw playing time in 11 games in 2024, starting six contests
- Finished the 2024 season with 20 tackles (14 solo, six assisted), 1.0 tackles for a loss and four pass deflections
- Graduated from McKinney High School in McKinney, Texas
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2024
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2024
- Named Defensive MVP as a senior
- Earned first-team all-district honors as a senior
- Also participated in basketball and track
- Son of Ashley McShane
- Communications major
Lorenzo Payne, Sr., DL, 6-1, 245, Apopka, Fla./Apopka HS (West Florida)
- Transferred to Liberty from West Florida
- Saw playing time in 17 games during the 2024-25 seasons
- Finished his time at West Florida with 33 tackles (16 solo, 17 assisted), 16.5 tackles for a loss (104 yards) and 9.0 sacks (87 yards)
- Also added seven quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery
- Saw playing time in 12 games in 2025
- Earned Gulf South Conference first-team all-conference honors in 2025
- Finished the season with 23 tackles (13 solo, 10 assisted), 12.0 tackles for a loss (88 yards), 7.5 sacks (76 yards), four quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery
- Helped West Florida post a 10-2 record in 2025 and advance to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoff
- Saw playing time in five games in 2024
- Finished the 2024 season with 10 tackles (three solo, seven assisted), 4.5 tackles for a loss (16 yards), 1.5 sacks (11 yards) and three quarterback hurries
- Graduated from Apopka High School in Apopka, Fla.
- Interdisciplinary studies major
Deshawn Purdie, Jr., QB, 6-4, 228, Baltimore, Md./Milford Mill Academy (Wake Forest)
- Transferred to Liberty from Wake Forest
- Saw playing time in eight games during the 2025 season
- Started two games at Wake Forest in 2025
- Finished the season completing 41-of-82 passing attempts for 618 yards and six touchdowns
- Started against Oregon State, finishing the game with 270 passing yards and four touchdowns
- Also started against SMU, completing 14-of-26 passing attempts for 183 yards
- Started his collegiate career at Charlotte in 2024
- Saw playing time in nine games in 2024
- Started six contests as a true freshman in 2024
- Completed 100-of-200 passing attempts for 1,802 yards and 10 touchdowns
- Also had a rushing touchdown
- Had four 200-yard passing games
- Opened the season throwing for 134 yards and two touchdowns against North Carolina
- Completed 16-of-30 attempts against FAU, throwing for a season-best 396 yards and three touchdowns
- Graduated from Milford Mill Academy in Windsor Hills, Md.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2024
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2024
- No. 50 ranked player in the state of Maryland by 247Sports
- Threw for 4,500 yards and 45 touchdowns during his final two seasons at Milford Mill
- Finished his senior season with 1,787 passing yards an 17 touchdowns
- Led the Milford Mill to an undefeated 14-0 record and a MPSSAA 2A State Championship during his junior year
- Finished his junior season with 2,759 yards and 28 touchdowns
- Four-year member of the honor roll
- Also participated in basketball
- Son of Beatrice and Dwayne Purdie
- Communications major
- Transferred to Liberty from McKendree University
- Starting punter during the 2025 season, playing in 11 games
- Finished the season averaging 42.9 yards per punt
- Recorded 54 punts for 2,318 yards
- 19 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line
- 10 punts of 50 or more yards, including a long punt of 68 yards
- Also finished the season connecting on 11-of-15 field goals
- Added 11 kickoffs for an average of 57.6 yards per kick
- Started his collegiate career at Southern Illinois
- Saw playing time in four games during the 2022-24 seasons
- Played in one game in 2024
- Connected on an extra point against Murray State
- Played in three games in 2023
- Finished the season with three punts for 125 yards (41.7 yards per punt)
- Two of his three punts landed inside the opponent's 20-yard line
- Redshirted in 2022
- Graduated from Granite City High School in Granite City, Ill.
- Four-year starter for Granite City
- Also participated in soccer and golf
- All-state selection in soccer as a senior after scoring nine goals in 10 games
- Son of Marcie and Ryan Reeves
- Completed his undergraduate degree at McKendree in 2025
- Currently pursuing his MBA at Liberty
Greg Rivera, Sr., LS, 6-1, 225, Los Gatos, Calif./Archbishop Mitty HS (Grambling State)
- Transferred to Liberty from Grambling State
- Saw playing time in seven games during the 2024-25 seasons
- Played in six games in 2025 and one game in 2024
- Helped Grambling State knock off No. 12 Jackson State to win the Inaugural P&G Las Vegas HBCU Classic in 2025
- Started his collegiate career at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, Calif.
- Saw playing time in eight games in 2023
- Helped Foothill College finish the season with a perfect 11-0 record
- Capped off the season with a 35-22 win over Monterey Peninsula in the American Division Bowl
- Graduated from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, Calif.
- Honor roll member
- Son of Heather Lane and Ted Rivera
- Father, Ted, played football at Santa Clara University
- Interdisciplinary studies major with a focus in accounting
Kanye Udoh, Sr., RB, 6-1, 220, Mays Landing, N.J./St. Augustine Prep (Arizona State)
- Transferred to Liberty from Arizona State
- Saw playing time in 11 games during the 2025 season
- Finished the 2025 season with 56 carries for 240 yards and two touchdowns
- Also added a six-yard reception
- Had 23 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown against Mississippi State
- Finished with nine carries for 62 yards and a touchdown against Colorado
- Started his collegiate career at Army
- Saw playing time in 23 games at Army during the 2023-24 seasons
- Had a breakout season in 2024
- Rushed 179 times for 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024
- Averaged 6.2 yards per carry in 2024
- Helped Army post a 12-2 record in 2024, including a perfect 8-0 record in AAC
- Army defeated Tulane, 35-14, in the AAC Championship game
- Ranked No. 28 in the country in rushing in 2024
- Finished his time at Army with 278 carries for 1,641 yards and 11 touchdowns
- Was named the ECAD Division I FBS Rookie of the Year in 2023
- Phil Steele Postseason All-Independent second-team in 2023
- Finished his freshman season in 2023 with 99 carries for 524 yards and a touchdown
- Posted the sixth-best rushing grade by PFF.com among all FBS freshman running backs
- Attended the USMA Prep School during the 2022 season
- Graduated from St. Augustine Prep School in Richland, N.J.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2022
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2022
- Finished his career with 3,050 rushing yards on 519 carries
- Averaged 5.9 yards per carry during his high school career
- Scored 27 rushing touchdowns
- Finished his senior year with 1,498 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns
- Helped St. Augustine to a 9-2 record as a senior and an appearance in the New Jersey state playoff semifinal round
- Psychology major
Refeno Vangates, R-Jr., WR, 5-11, 195, Miami, Fla./America HS (North Carolina Central)
- Transferred to Liberty from North Carolina Central
- Saw playing time in 11 games during the 2025 season
- Finished the 2025 season with 26 receptions for 352 yards and three touchdowns
- Also recorded 16 kickoff returns for 390 yards
- Averaged 24.4 yards per kickoff return
- Had a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Morgan State
- Started his collegiate career at Keiser University
- Saw playing time in 25 games during the 2023-24 seasons
- Finished his time at Keiser with 61 receptions for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns
- Saw playing time in 13 games in 2024, starting 11 contests
- Finished the 2024 season with 45 receptions for 737 yards and nine touchdowns
- Also added 25 kickoff returns for 662 yards
- Had a 75-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Webber International
- Earned first-team all-conference honors as both a wide receiver and return specialist
- Keiser University posted a 12-1 record in 2024 and finished as the NAIA national runner-up
- Saw playing time in 12 games in 2023, starting four contests
- Recorded 16 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns in 2023
- Helped Keiser post a 12-2 record in 2023 and win the NAIA national championship
- Graduated from American High School in Miami, Fla.
- Earned All-Dade County second-team honors as a senior
- Also participated in basketball and track
- Son of Satarria and Refeno Vangates
- Interdisciplinary studies major
Ashton Whitner, R-Sr., DB, 5-11, 196, Greenville, S.C./Greenville HS (Ball State)
- Transferred to Liberty from Ball State
- Saw playing time in 10 games during the 2025 season
- Finished the 2025 season with 41 tackles (33 solo, eight assisted), 3.0 tackles for a loss (four yards) and a pass breakup
- Spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Old Dominion
- Saw playing time in 19 games during the 2023-24 seasons
- Finished his time at Old Dominion with 52 tackles (19 solo, 23 assisted), 1.5 tackles for a loss and one pass breakup
- Saw playing time in six games in 2024, starting one game
- Recorded 26 tackles in 2024 (11 solo, 15 assisted)
- Saw playing time in 13 games in 2023, starting two games
- Finished the 2023 season with 26 tackles (eight solo, 18 assisted) and an interception
- Recorded a season-high 10 tackles against Liberty at Williams Stadium on November 11
- Started his collegiate career at Georgia Southern in 2022
- Redshirted in 2022
- Named to the Dean's List during the fall semester
- Graduated from Greenville High School in Greenville, S.C.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2022
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2022
- No. 119 safety in the country and the No. 39 player in the state of South Carolina by 247Sports
- Rated a three-star recruit by ESPN as the No. 98 safety in the country and the No. 30 player in the state of South Carolina
- Finished his high school career with 210 tackles and 13 interceptions
- Posted 90 tackles and six interceptions as a senior
- Three-time all-region selection
- Nominated for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas 2021 roster
- Also participated in basketball
- Son of Ashley Harris and Reginal Whitner
- Sport Management major
Zeke Wimbush, Jr., TE, 6-2, 235, Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge HS (Virginia Tech)
- Transferred to Liberty from Virginia Tech
- Saw playing time in 24 games during the 2023-25 season
- Member of the Virginia Tech specials teams units in 2024 and 2025
- Finished the 2025 season with 11 games played
- Finished the 2024 season with 13 games played
- Redshirted during the 2023 season
- Graduated from Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, Va.
- Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals in 2022
- Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports in 2022
- Played both quarterback and tight end in high school
- Finished his junior year with 32 receptions for 812 yards and 12 touchdowns
- Recorded over 2,000 all-purpose yards as a senior
- Tallied 729 passing yards and 12 passing touchdowns as a senior
- Also rushed for 840 rushing yards with 19 rushing touchdowns as a senior season
- Registered 17 receptions for 338 receiving yards and three touchdowns as a senior
- Also participated in basketball
- Son of Chasity and Cliff Wimbush
- Father, Cliff, played football at James Madison
- Interdisciplinary studies major with a focus in sports analysts
Solmaz Chadwell: The Journey
Tuesday, December 16
In the Fire: Brylan Green's Last Chapter
Tuesday, December 09
Coach Chadwell Gives An Update On Signing Day
Wednesday, December 03
Coach Chadwell Talks About The KSU Game
Sunday, November 30