Another edition of the ASOR Mailbag! Thank you for submitting your questions and continue to send them in and we will be happy to answer them in our next feature. You can send them to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, e-mail, or as a comment on the site. We had a ton of great questions this week, so let’s get right to it.
What is happening with LU and EA Sports College Football? Also, any updates on FB recruiting for next year?
— Matt Marshall (@Cempm00) April 11, 2024
We’ve mentioned it before, but Liberty will be in the EA Sports College Football game expected to be released this summer. As for the football recruiting, things always get ramped up in the summer as top prospects make trips to campus for various camps. The spring transfer portal window is open now, and the coaching staff will certainly have their eyes and attention fixated there before transitioning back to high school recruiting for the summer.
Most important question ever.
Will they restart selling game used jerseys in the bookstore?— Michael Peter (@FlamesBourbon) April 11, 2024
It’s a good question, not entirely sure. Obviously, it affects NIL and the rules around NIL are constantly changing. I wouldn’t expect it any time soon. It can just get messy with compliance and NCAA rules over NIL. Whose jerseys go into the bookstore? Do the student athletes have to approve them going? Do they all have to go into the bookstore? Where do you place them? Do certain jerseys get better location in the store? How much do the players get paid off these jerseys? Do some players negotiate for a higher percentage? It’s just a lot that goes into it, so I don’t see it happening any time soon.
Will we ever be able to get NIL jerseys that are close to what is worn on the field? Something like many Nike schools offer on Fanatics.
— Brad Scull (@aztec21bas) April 12, 2024
Yes, I’m sure it is on the horizon.
I know CUSA has been good for us but we all know we won’t be respected as a program until we make the jump to P5. Any idea on a tentative timeline for moving up to a better conference? I understand a lot goes into this so a guesstimate is ok.
— Zachary Bright (@Zachary62989634) April 11, 2024
Football certainly appears ready to make the move. Most of the other sports probably need a couple more seasons to adjust to the level of play. Most of the realignment talk is out of Liberty’s hands and depends on what happens at the higher level conferences as it is all a trickle down. The only thing Liberty can do is continue to invest in its programs and build winners across the board so the program is in its best possible position when and if that opportunity comes. Keep an eye on the ACC and what is going on there with Florida State and others who have (or are threatening) to sue the league which could very likely lead to a split.
Any new football unis on the horizon?
Who do you think could be the next P5 to come to Lynchburg, and when?
— Buddy O’Berry (@BmbDwgRet) April 11, 2024
We’ve discussed the potential of new football uniforms on the Rumor Mill for Club members.
I wouldn’t expect another P5 to come to Lynchburg until the currently scheduled game in 2030 against Virginia Tech, unfortunately. Hopefully that changes, but I don’t expect it to. Why would any of them want to come to Lynchburg to play one of the top G5 teams in the Flames and risk a loss? It’s a lose-lose for them.
What is Liberty’s NIL capability compared to other Virginia schools and then G5’s nationally? Are we close to or at the top of G5 NIL?
— LittleLibertyArena (@LilLibertyArena) April 11, 2024
Virginia and Virginia Tech are ahead of Liberty in NIL, as they should be. We are ahead of JMU and I haven’t heard anything from ODU in regards to NIL, so I would assume we are ahead of them. And yes, from everything we hear, Liberty is very close to the top of the G5 in the NIL game.
On Instagram, thomas_the_train4205 asked, “Do you see the football team taking a significant step back?”
I don’t see how they would. The only way a significant step back would happen in 2024 is if the team becomes complacent. With the coaching staff and leaders on the team, I don’t see that happening. As for the overall roster, the 2024 team will be a better roster than the team had in 2023. There will be more depth and more talent. Now, that doesn’t mean the team will go 13-1 and make the CFP this season. The schedule is more difficult. Appalachian State will be a very tough game. East Carolina won’t be easy. Every game in CUSA will be a test because they all have the Flames circled on their calendar. If the team goes 10-2 in the regular season and wins the CUSA title that is certainly not a significant step back and would be another very successful season. Of course, a perfect record and a spot in the CFP will be the goal until we have reason to believe that can’t be accomplished. But winning 10+ games and a conference championship will also be checkpoints to check off.