Liberty enters the 2026 Conference USA season as the preseason favorite to reach the Dec. 4 championship game, with Western Kentucky, Jacksonville State, Delaware, and defending champion Kennesaw State viewed as the primary contenders by trader consensus. Liberty’s projected rebound from a 4-8 campaign rests on transfer portal additions and returning production under coach Jamey Chadwell, while Western Kentucky maintains consistency under Tyson Helton and Jacksonville State returns key pieces like quarterback Caden Creel. Delaware’s high-powered offense and Kennesaw State’s defensive core provide realistic paths to the top two spots in the 10-team league. Early non-conference results and October conference matchups, including Liberty at Delaware, will drive initial standings shifts.