Liberty University is the latest school to make the move up to the Division I ranks with the Flames set to join the Football Bowl Subdivision starting in 2018.
ESPN was the first to report the move.
The NCAA approved the school’s request for a reclassification process Thursday.
"Today is truly historic for Liberty University. This university aspired to compete at the highest levels of NCAA competition and began working toward that dream and vision from the day of its founding in 1971. We are deeply grateful to NCAA leadership and staff for considering this request and for acknowledging Liberty’s readiness and the appropriateness of Liberty now moving to FBS football status as an independent,” said Liberty President Jerry Falwell.
Frank Vogel discusses the Orlando Magic’s trade of Serge Ibaka to the Toronto Raptors for Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round draft pick
Frank Vogel discusses the Orlando Magic’s trade of Serge Ibaka to the Toronto Raptors for Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round draft pick
Frank Vogel discusses the Orlando Magic’s trade of Serge Ibaka to the Toronto Raptors for Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round draft pick
Frank Vogel discusses the Orlando Magic’s trade of Serge Ibaka to the Toronto Raptors for Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round draft pick
Orlando City coach Jason Kreis said he saw some progress during the team’s preseason scrimmage against the Philadelphia Union, which the Lions won 3-2.
Orlando City coach Jason Kreis said he saw some progress during the team’s preseason scrimmage against the Philadelphia Union, which the Lions won 3-2.
The Magic agreed to trade Ibaka to the Toronto Raptors for swingman Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round pick.
The Magic agreed to trade Ibaka to the Toronto Raptors for swingman Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round pick.
Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon speaks to media before Monday night’s game against the Miami Heat.
Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon speaks to media before Monday night’s game against the Miami Heat.
Orlando City goalkeeper coach Tim Mulqueen, who was hired in January to replace Stewart Kerr, says he is enjoying his new job and fits in well with the rest of the coaching staff.
Orlando City goalkeeper coach Tim Mulqueen, who was hired in January to replace Stewart Kerr, says he is enjoying his new job and fits in well with the rest of the coaching staff.
The school released a statement:
“The NCAA waiver approval was based upon Liberty providing substantial information demonstrating its readiness to begin the reclassification process, Liberty’s ability to follow current FBS institutions who have demonstrated viability without a conference affiliation and the university’s ability to satisfy FBS requirements.”
Liberty will begin the process starting in the 2017-18 academic year and will compete as an independent starting in 2018 which includes having three FBS home games.
The program will be bowl-eligible starting in 2019 and will be required to play five FBS home games.
Liberty University is a private Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia.
It’s currently a member of the Big South Conference and is coming off a 6-5 season, one in which the Flames captured the conference championship — the eighth title since 2002.
Liberty athletics director Ian McCaw formerly worked as the AD at Baylor before resigning after being placed on probation for his part in the program’s failure to adequately respond to allegations of sexual assault by members of the football team. He was hired by Liberty in November.
There will be 130 FBS schools when the 2017-18 season begins with the addition of UAB and Coastal Carolina. Idaho will drop back from the FBS ranks to FCS after next season.
mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Follow Matt Murschel on Twitter at @osmattmurschel or like his Facebook page for more college football coverage.
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