Liberty faces another tough slate of games in their concluding season of independence before darting to Conference USA. The era of independence allowed Liberty to play a myriad of programs and Power Five opponents around the country.

2022 is another chapter in that story and several opponents are highly regarded among the experts. ESPN recently came out with their FPI (Football Power Index) rankings for the 2022 season. Let’s take a look at who the top five opponents will be for Liberty this coming fall based on the FPI rankings.

5. Virginia Tech (#74)

The Hokies enter a new era in 2022 under first year head coach Brent Pry. Virginia Tech will enter the season looking for a starting quarterback as South Carolina transfer Jason Brown and Marshall transfer Grant Wells battle it out. Tech is also looking for new pass catchers to emerge as the leading returning receiver is K aleb Smith who had 20 grabs as a redshirt sophomore last fall. This will be Pry’s first time as a head coach after spending most of his career as a defensive assistant, most recently as Penn State’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. After winning 10 or more games in nine out of 10 years through 2011, Tech has posted a losing overall record three out of the past four years.

4. UAB (#63)

Jacob Zeno is a transfer quarterback from Baylor who is fighting for the starting position as the Blazers look to continue their recent trend of success. Under head coach Bill Clark, UAB has posted at least six wins every year since 2017 including an 11-win campaign in 2018 and 9-win seasons in 2019 and 2021. There is work to be done this offseason on the defensive front and on the offensive line, but the skill spots should be strong. A lot of key contributors from last year’s team have departed, but the program has been consistent enough to keep the success going.

3. BYU (#46)

Much like Liberty, BYU is in their final warmup season before joining a new conference as the Cougars prepare to enter the Big 12, and they are loaded with talent and experience entering this campaign. The Cougars were a loss to Coastal Carolina away from going unbeaten in 2020, and last year picked up wins over Utah, Arizona State, Utah, Washington State, and USC in a ten-win season. The offensive line is expected to be deep and as talented as any in frequent years. Quarterback Jaren Hall threw for 2,583 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions and he’s great on the move.

2. Wake Forest (#30)

The Demon Deacons are coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history as they finished 2021 with an 11-3 record and a win in the Gator Bowl. They were ranked as high as No. 10 in the country and finished the season ranked No. 15 in the final Associated Press top 25 poll. Head coach Dave Clawson has guided Wake Forest to six straight bowl appearances, the longest such streak in program history. The Deacons lose their top rusher and offensive lineman, but there’s little reason to believe those losses will slow down one of the ACC’s most explosive offenses from a season ago. Quarterback Sam hartman has plenty of experience and was third in the nation in points responsible for while throwing for 4,228 yards last season.

1. Arkansas (#29)

Head coach Sam Pittman had the Razorbacks ranked as high as No. 8 in the AP Top 25 poll last season before finishing the season ranked No. 21 following the team’s 9-4 record and win in the Outback Bowl. It was their first bowl appearance since 2016 and now they are looking to make it two in a row. Multiple key parts from that team have departed, including top receiver Treylon Burks, left tackle Myron Cunningham, and top defenders Montaric Brown, Grant Morgan, John Ridgeway, and Tre Williams. Quarterback KJ Jefferson is back to operate the run-pass option attack.

FPI rankings of the other six FBS opponents:
Southern Miss, #99
Old Dominion, #111
Akron, #126
UMass, #129
UConn, #130
New Mexico State, #131