Liberty Football Joins the FBS

Liberty University is now a member of the highest level of college football, the FBS. Founder Jerry Falwell had a vision in 1975 that Liberty would compete with the Notre Dame, Alabama and USC’s of the world. Now, that dream is a reality.

The Flames will begin play in 2019 after the NCAA granted the school a waiver to move up without joining a specific conference.

“This is a very exciting day for Liberty Athletics and our football program,” athletics director Ian McCaw said in a statement. “We are grateful for President Falwell’s vision and leadership in spearheading Liberty’s move to FBS football. We look forward to continuing our upward trajectory of success and meeting the level of competition in FBS.”

Liberty opens the 2017 campaign against Baylor.