Kaidon Salter, the star quarterback for Liberty University, announced on Monday that he plans to enter the transfer portal, marking the end of his time with the Flames. Salter leaves behind a legacy as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in college football, having played four seasons with Liberty. He earned Conference USA MVP honors in 2023, guiding the team to an impressive 13-1 record and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl.
During his time at Liberty, Salter amassed a total of 6,438 yards of offense and 66 touchdowns. Over the past two seasons, he has been a key part of the Flames’ high-powered spread option offense, designed by head coach Jamey Chadwell. Notably, his 1,676 rushing yards since 2023 rank as the second-most by any FBS quarterback, trailing only Army’s Bryson Daily.
Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 200 pounds, Salter enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2023, helping Liberty achieve its first-ever perfect regular season. He set a school record with 32 touchdown passes, leading the Flames to win the Conference USA title in their inaugural season in the league. By the end of the season, Liberty had reached No. 25 in the final AP poll, a historic achievement for the program.
Liberty had hoped to be a contender for a College Football Playoff berth in 2024, but their season fell short with an 8-3 record. Salter finished the year with 1,886 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also rushed for 579 yards and added seven rushing touchdowns to his impressive stat line.
In his announcement about entering the transfer portal, Salter expressed his gratitude for his time at Liberty, thanking the program for the memories and lessons learned. He acknowledged that it was time for him to take the next step in his career and pursue new opportunities that align with his goals. His decision to move on was one that he felt was in the best interest of his future.
Salter’s journey to Liberty began after a brief stint at the University of Tennessee in 2021, where he was dismissed from the program before his freshman season. He then transferred to Liberty to play under former head coach Hugh Freeze, who is now at Auburn. Salter’s decision to enter the transfer portal is not the first time he has considered a move; at the end of the 2023 season, he briefly entered the portal but later withdrew and decided to stay for another year with the Flames.
While Salter’s decision to leave Liberty is a significant development, he is not the only player departing. Offensive linemen Jordan White, a left guard, and Xavior Gray, a right tackle, are also expected to enter the transfer portal, according to sources. Both White and Gray were key contributors on the offensive line, earning all-conference honors last season for their strong play.
For Liberty, Salter’s departure is a major loss, as he was the focal point of their offense. The team will now need to find a new leader under center as they move into the 2024 season. Despite this, Liberty will likely remain a competitive program, with their recruiting efforts focused on replacing the production Salter brought to the table.
Salter’s decision to enter the transfer portal could open doors for him to join a program with aspirations of competing for major championships. With one year of eligibility remaining, he is expected to attract significant interest from programs across the country. His ability to make plays both as a passer and a rusher makes him a valuable commodity for teams in need of a dynamic quarterback.
Given his track record, Salter’s transfer will be closely watched by college football fans and analysts. His ability to lead a team to a high level of success at Liberty has earned him respect within the college football community. As he enters the transfer portal, it is clear that many programs will be vying for his services in the coming months.
The timing of Salter’s move adds an interesting dynamic to the quarterback market. With the transfer portal becoming an increasingly important tool for players to explore new opportunities, Salter’s decision could inspire other athletes to consider similar moves. His decision could also prompt other programs to take a closer look at their quarterback situations and potentially make changes.
For Liberty, the departure of Salter, along with the expected exits of White and Gray, will require adjustments to the roster. The coaching staff will now have to work quickly to replace key players and maintain the momentum built in recent seasons. As they enter the next phase of their program, Liberty will face the challenge of rebuilding after the loss of several key contributors.
Looking ahead, Salter’s future in college football is bright. His dual-threat abilities make him a rare talent, and his potential to make an impact at the next level will be closely monitored. Wherever he lands, Salter will have the opportunity to finish his collegiate career on a high note, and his decision to transfer could be a key step in achieving his ultimate goals.
Leave a Reply