Liberty’s 2023 season is over, but things are already looking towards 2024 and expectations are sure to be sky high with so many players electing to return.
Almost immediately following the National Championship Game on Monday night, which saw Michigan take down Washington, the “way-too-early” polls were published. As one of the top Group of Five teams entering 2024, the Flames have been frequently spotted in some of the notable 2024 polls.
With Kaidon Salter electing to exit the transfer portal and return to Liberty, the Flames will be the heavy favorites to repeat as Conference USA Champions and will certainly be a strong contender to reach the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff as the highest ranked G5 Conference Champion in 2024.
Continue reading the article to find out where Liberty lands in the “way-too-early” polls from notable websites.
PFF – No. 25
Top-25 ranking: No. 25 overall
What they’re saying: “Since the best Group of Five champion is now guaranteed a playoff berth, it makes sense to point out the favorite for that spot next season.
Schools like Boise State or Memphis could’ve been placed here, but Liberty holds that distinction right now. The Flames are coming off a 13-1 season under first-year coach Jamey Chadwell and received massive news last week when star quarterback Kaidon Salter withdrew from the transfer portal. His 90.2 PFF grade this year trailed only Prestone Stone among Group of Five quarterbacks.”
Bleacher Report – No. 23
Top-25 ranking: No. 23 overall
What they’re saying: “The only Group of Five team to earn a spot in our way-too-early Top 25 is Liberty, fresh off a 13-1 season and a trip to the Fiesta Bowl. Breakout quarterback Kaidon Salter is back after withdrawing his name from the transfer portal, and he tallied 2,876 passing yards, 1,089 rushing yards and 44 total touchdowns during the team’s first season in Conference USA.”
Athlon Sports – No. 28
Top-25 ranking: Outside of top 25 but ranked No. 28 overall
What they’re saying: “Quarterback Kaidon Salter’s decision to exit the transfer portal and return to Liberty should push this team closer to the top 25. The Flames should be a heavy favorite to win Conference USA in ’24 and could be the top Group of 5 team in the mix to make the CFB Playoff.”
Got to be kidding. Laughable
Laughable we are not ranked higher, I know
Liberty is on the rise. With Salter back at QB and solid QB recruits in the pipe for future seasons if Salter transfers after 2024, I think they’ll even be more impressive in 2024 than their 2023 season. Laughable? They were undefeated in the 2023 regular season against competition that was better than the ESPN ratings made them out to be (Liberty beat 5 other 2023 bowl teams in the regular season…that isn’t laughable…its excellent). Just because Oregon gave them a “smack down” in the Fiesta Bowl doesn’t make Liberty a laughable team. They are good…not necessarily top 10 elite team yet, but they are good and will be there in the next few seasons, I think. Liberty football is indeed on the rise.