2026 Team Preview: Liberty Raiders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 SEASON RECAP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses: OL Connor Acord - OL/DL Alex Jarrell - WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='2131090' first='Liam' last='Daniels'] (TR) - OL Ethan Compton - WR/DB Colton Tolliver - RB/LB Isaac Williams - OL/DL Isaac Mullins - RB/DB Trenton Clay</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liberty's 2025 season ended with a 3-7 record and marked the close of a longtime era as head coach Mark Workman stepped down following the season. The Raiders have struggled to find consistency over the past four years, missing the playoffs every season since 2021 while winning just 10 games during that stretch. A new chapter now begins with Jamie Newman taking over the program, and Liberty hopes a fresh voice on the sidelines can provide the spark needed to get the Raiders moving back in the right direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Sherman<br>9/4: at PikeView<br>9/11: at Greenbrier West<br>9/18: vs James Monroe<br>10/2: vs Westside<br>10/9: at Shady Spring<br>10/16: at Ritchie County<br>10/23: vs Midland Trail<br>10/30: at St. Marys<br>11/6: vs Wyoming East</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>3-7<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 2-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new era begins at Liberty as Jamie Newman takes over the program with the goal of bringing renewed excitement and increasing participation from athletes in th school. The Raiders face an uphill climb after graduating many key seniors, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines, leaving some difficult holes to fill. There is still plenty to build around, though, with junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1221844' first='Jaxson' last='Workman'] returning after two productive seasons. The dual-threat QB gives Liberty an experienced leader and a physical playmaker to build the offense around. It may take time and patience as the roster develops, but the Raiders have the potential to steadily move the program back in the right direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1883039"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a77091ca8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Replacing several senior linemen from last season starts with 2027 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1883039' first='Jacob' last='Akers']. One of the few returning players with experience up front, Akers is expected to anchor Liberty's offensive line after a strong junior season at guard. He has the 6'2 290 size and physicality to control the point of attack, while his quickness stands out when pulling and getting downhill in the run game. Akers sets the tone with an aggressive style of play and will be counted on to lead a retooled group in the trenches this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19662321/68bc80d4c5193763f87f9c6du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a760a3416552"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267294"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921024"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The value of 2027 Liberty TE/LB [player_tooltip player_id='2267294' first='Chase' last='Shea'] extended beyond the stat sheet last season for the Raiders. Shea embraced the physical role at tight end in Liberty's Wing offense, helping pave the way for the Raiders' rushing attack with his blocking, but he also proved to be a capable receiving option by totaling more than 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns as a junior. Defensively, he brought the same physical mentality at outside linebacker, where he was a key two-way starter. With several experienced players gone, Liberty will lean on Shea's versatility and leadership even more throughout his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267292"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920fbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 FB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='2267292' first='Landon' last='Lusk'] was another player whose contributions flew under the radar for the Raiders last season. Lusk embraced the physical role at fullback and H-back, consistently leading the way for Liberty's run game with tough, effective blocking despite being undersized. That same physical mentality carried over to defense, where he started at outside linebacker in the Raiders' 3-4 scheme and did a nice job setting the edge and playing downhill. With a new coaching staff taking over, Lusk is one of the program's key returning building blocks thanks to his willingness to do the dirty work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267296"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921145"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='2267296' first='Jayden' last='Acord'] gives Liberty valuable experience at the heart of its defense this season. The returning starting middle linebacker is one of the key pieces back for a unit that should be a strength of the Raiders in 2026. While he may not receive as much attention compared to some of his teammates, Acord brings much-needed continuity to the defense and program as a whole. As Liberty breaks in new faces at several positions, expect him to play an important leadership role and be a steady force on that side of the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267293"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a760a34166a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liberty is counting on 2027 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='2267293' first='Walker' last='Smith'] to take on a much larger role in the trenches this season. Serving as a depth piece on the offensive line behind an experienced senior group, Smith earned a starting job on the defensive side in the Raiders' three-man front. He has the size and strength to occupy blockers and free up the linebackers behind him, but he's also athletic enough to penetrate into the backfield and create disruption on his own. With more opportunities available on both sides of the football, Smith is expected to emerge as a two-way starter and an important piece of Liberty's line play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267295"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a760a34166eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Experience will be valuable for Liberty up front, and 2027 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='2267295' first='Logan' last='Ellis'] brings plenty of it after starting at center and along the defensive line as a junior. While he doesn't possess the biggest frame, Ellis consistently wins with toughness, leverage, and a high motor. Ellis gives the Raiders another dependable two-way starter in the trenches where he performed well on both sides last season. His consistency and competitiveness makes him deserving of recognition as he head into his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221844"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1221844' first='Jaxson' last='Workman'] gives Liberty an experienced leader to build around as the Raiders enter a new era. The big-bodied dual-threat accounted for 2,345 total yards and 27 touchdowns as a sophomore, surpassing both 1,000 passing and 1,000 rushing yards while proving he can carry the offense in multiple ways. Workman combines great size, toughness, and physciality, making him difficult to bring down while still being capable of keeping defenses honest through the air. His leadership will be just as important as his production this season, and if Liberty needs a spark on the defensive side of the ball, he can provide one there as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/4703249/68e3fb06af386418a710a211u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a760a341675f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267271"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Experience gained as a sophomore should pay off for 2028 WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='2267271' first='Parker' last='Hodges'] this season. Hodges was pressed into a starting role at cornerback with snaps at receiver and held his own despite facing one of the toughest positions for a young player to execute. He competed every week against older players and showed the competitiveness that coaches want to see, even through the inevitable ups and downs. With another offseason of physical development and a full year of varsity experience, Hodges is in a position to make noticeable strides and become a more complete player on both sides of the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aiden Tabor - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Parker Wriston - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teagan Houck - 2027 RB/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jake Henderson - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2267269' first='Bentley' last='Aurednik'] - 2028 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noah Ellis - 2028 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2267274' first='Cameron' last='Acord'] - 2028 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->