Liberty football has made a significant gain in the transfer portal by acquiring a former North Carolina quarterback. The Flames are in the process of rebuilding the crucial quarterback position after the departure of standout QB Kaidon Salter. Head coach Jamey Chadwell is entering his third year in Lynchburg following a mixed 2024 season in which the Flames finished 8-4 overall and placed fourth in Conference-USA. Their season concluded with a 26-7 defeat to Buffalo in the 2025 Bahamas Bowl.
However, the program’s uncertain future without Salter has become clearer. According to CBS Sports’ National College Football Reporter Matt Zenitz, Michael Merdinger has decided to commit to Liberty. The former UNC QB was a 3-star recruit in the Class of 2024 and will have four years of eligibility left.
Liberty football’s future should be bright under Jamey Chadwell
Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 200 lbs, Merdinger possesses the physical attributes needed to spearhead Jamey Chadwell’s fast-paced spread offense in 2025. The only consideration is that the Fort Lauderdale, Florida native is primarily a pocket passer, unlike the agile, dual-threat capabilities that Salter previously provided. Nonetheless, Chadwell has earned the utmost trust, given his track record of success throughout his coaching career. He also made history in his first year with the program by leading Liberty to an undefeated 2023 season and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl.
Overall, Liberty football’s transition from the FCS to the FBS level stands out as one of the remarkable success stories in college football. The Flames were around a .500 record during their last three seasons in the Big South, but since moving up a division, they have yet to record a losing season and have participated in six consecutive bowl games. After several years as an independent, the Flames joined Conference-USA and quickly clinched the conference championship in impressive fashion.
However, the second year in the new conference didn’t unfold as hoped, with Liberty dropping three conference games, including one to the eventual champion, Jacksonville State. Kaidon Salter found it challenging to replicate his outstanding performance from 2023. The former Conference-USA MVP ended the season with 15 touchdown passes and six interceptions, along with 587 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, which placed him 88th overall in QBR.
Despite Salter’s inconsistent 2024 season, Michael Merdinger will have significant expectations to meet in 2025, should he be named the starter. Jamey Chadwell has elevated the program’s standards with his success in 2023. With the introduction of the twelve-team College Football Playoff, Liberty football can aspire to win its conference championship and secure a spot in the playoffs. There’s much work ahead, but it’s a testament to how far this program has progressed.
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