Liberty’s Cooley turns focus to NFL Draft, opts out of bowl [Video]

Over the last two seasons, as Liberty has resided at the top of college football’s rushing offense ranks, one running back has been the consistent force behind that effort. On Monday, he announced he’s played his final game in a Flames uniform.

Quinton Cooley announced on social media that he will be turning his focus to the 2025 NFL Draft, ending his career in a Liberty jersey one game early. He is not expected to participate in the Flames’ trip to the Bahamas Bowl against Buffalo on Jan. 4.

The running back posted an extended letter on X, thanking the programs at Wake Forest, where he began his college career, and Liberty for “the way they helped me through the college years of my life.”

“But it’s time for a new chapter,” Cooley, a North Carolina native, added, “and it’s time for me to go chase my dream.”