2026 Liberty University Depth Chart

Liberty enters 2026 in full rebuild mode at quarterback after Kaidon Salter – the program’s dynamic dual-threat who led the Flames to a Fiesta Bowl – departed via transfer portal to Colorado (and subsequently declared for the 2026 NFL Draft). The leading candidate to replace him is Deshawn Purdie, a Wake Forest transfer who served as a backup last season, completing 41 of 82 passes for 618 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions across eight appearances. Purdie is joining his third program in three years, and while he brings some starting experience, the massive drop-off from Salter makes this a high-risk quarterback room. Liberty also added a second portal QB, so the competition should be lively through fall camp. Fantasy managers should temper expectations here.

The running back room received a massive infusion of talent, with Jamey Chadwell’s staff adding five FBS-experienced running backs through the transfer portal. That signals a clear commitment to establishing the ground game as the offensive identity, which aligns with Chadwell’s scheme history. The sheer volume of additions makes it difficult to project a clear lead back until the depth chart shakes out in fall camp, but the Flames’ rushing attack should be productive by committee even if no single back emerges as a true workhorse.

Overall, Liberty brought in 28 transfers and 19 high school recruits for 2026 – a near-complete roster overhaul. The receiver room added three portal wideouts and the tight end group got three as well. With this much roster turnover under Chadwell’s direction, Liberty is a team to monitor but not aggressively target in fantasy until the picture clarifies. The program has proven it can develop talent quickly, but the quarterback uncertainty limits the ceiling for all skill-position players.