Liberty receives NCAA approval to become FBS program

LYNCHBURG (WSLS 10) - Liberty University's football program is moving up to the next level.

The university received notification on Thursday that the NCAA has approved its request to enter into the Football Bowl Subdivision reclassification process.

Liberty submitted the waiver in January, requesting relief to enter into the two-year FBS reclassification process without an invitation to join an FBS conference.

Starting with the 2017-18 academic year, Liberty's football program will begin the two-year FBS reclassification process. Liberty will compete as an FBS independent during the 2018 season, which includes having three FBS home games. The football program will be bowl eligible starting with the 2019 season and will be required to play at least five home FBS opponents.

The university played its first season of football in 1973.

In 2002, the university joined the Big South Conference and in that time has won eight conference titles (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016).