The 2015-16 Liberty school year has officially started. Did you check out all summer? Or maybe worked a full-time summer job? Whatever the case may be, here’s the top 10 stories you may have missed since school let out in May:

10. McKay picks up 2 basketball commits

Talbert (in orange), photo courtesy: ljworld.com

Coach McKay has already picked up 2 commitments for future classes, 1 for 2016 and 1 for 2017. Josiah Talbert, brother of current Flame Ezra, committed in June. Just a few weeks later, the Flames picked up a commitment from 2017 prospect Jay Barber, the son of Liberty athletic director Jeff Barber.

9. Transfers from Wake Forest

Anthony Fields, photo courtesy BradleyBraves.com

The Flames picked up a couple of transfers this summer from Wake Forest. First, Anthony Fields transferred to finish his basketball career under Coach McKay at Liberty. Fields began his career at Wake Forest in the 2011-12 season before transferring to Bradley. Coach Gill and the football team also got in on the fun, adding offensive lineman Will Smith from Wake Forest.

8. Flames in the NFL updatewalt1

There are currently 6 former Flames competing in NFL training camps – Walt Aikens, Mike Brown, Dominique Davis, Kevin Fogg, Jacob Hagen, and Rashad Jennings. While Aikens and Jennings are all but guaranteed a roster spot, the other 4 Liberty alumni are battling to make the final 53-man roster with their respected team. As always, stay updated with our Flames in the NFL page.

7. McKay releases non-conference schedulemckay6

Coach McKay released the non-conference portion of the 2015-16 schedule which includes games against VCU, Notre Dame, Princeton, and William & Mary. The Flames will also play in a 3-game tournament in Nashville. The 2nd Ritchie McKay era tips off at the Vines Center on November 13th against Covenant.

6. New turf at Williams Stadium

Have  you had a chance to take a peak at the new turf that was installed this summer at Williams Stadium?

5. 2016-20 football schedule leakteam

A Big South football schedule document was leaked this summer containing schedule information for all Big South football teams through 2020. This revealed several, previously unreported Liberty games including matchups in 2016 against Jacksonville and Robert Morris.

4. Gielo transfers to Ole Missgielo3

Tomasz Gielo announced in late May that he would be transferring from Liberty to Ole Miss. Since he graduated back in May, he is immediately eligible with 1 season remaining. Tomasz played in just 7 games during the 2014-15 season before suffering a leg injury. He averaged 12 points and 6.3 boards a game while shooting over 40% from 3.

3. #BeatCoastal game moved to primetime, ESPNEWSccu lunsford use

The Big South just announced last week that Liberty’s season finale against Coastal Carolina has been moved to Thursday, November 19th at 7pm and will be carried live on ESPNEWS. As usual, this game will likely decide the Big South’s conference champion and auto-bid recipient. It should be one of the best atmospheres in the history of Williams Stadium.

2. Coastal to the Sun Belt?

Does the Sun Belt actually fear what Liberty brings to the table?

In July, Sun Belt commissioner Karl Benson and Coastal Carolina Athletic Director Matt Hogue both went on the record publicly stating the FBS conference and Big South member have had discussions about possible membership. This story has continued to heat up since then with confirmed in-person visits by other Sun Belt members and Coastal’s president stating the school will accept an offer from the Sun Belt if one comes in. Stay tuned here.

1. 9 early football commitsgill

Coach Gill & staff hit the recruiting trail hard during the offseason resulting in 9 early football commitments! The Class of 2016 includes two highly rated quarterback prospects, 4 offensive lineman, 2 safeties, and a kicker from Minnesota. Be sure to check our 2016 verbal commit tab to view the full list of commitments!