Liberty Lands Coastal Carolina QB Transfer Ethan Vasko Amid Up-and-Down Season
Liberty University football has secured a commitment from Ethan Vasko, a talented but inconsistent quarterback who has faced challenges and opportunities throughout his college career. The Chesapeake native announced his decision to join the Flames via social media on Sunday, bringing his Virginia roots back to the forefront after stints at Kansas and Coastal Carolina.
A Record-Setting High School Career
Vasko’s football journey began at Oscar Smith High School, where he broke the Virginia High School League record for touchdown passes in a single game with 10. This standout performance earned him a spot at Kansas, where he spent the 2022 season and appeared in one game before entering the transfer portal. (News & Advance, December 2024)
A Roller Coaster at Coastal Carolina
After transferring to Coastal Carolina, Vasko faced a mix of triumphs and setbacks. Initially backing up Grayson McCall in 2023, he started four games and appeared in eight, throwing for 779 yards and seven touchdowns with only one interception. He capped the season as the Hawaii Bowl MVP, throwing for 199 yards and three touchdowns. (GCCUSports.com, September 2024; News & Advance, December 2024)
Elevated to the starting role in 2024, Vasko’s season was marked by inconsistency. Highlights included throwing for nearly 400 yards against Old Dominion and a three-touchdown performance against Georgia State. However, struggles in key games led to two benchings, including one after completing just 30% of his passes against Louisiana-Lafayette. Despite this, Coastal Carolina head coach Tim Beck reinstated Vasko as the starter against Troy, citing his track record and ability to rally the team. (The Sun News, November 2024; Post and Courier, November 2024)
For the season, Vasko completed 55% of his passes for 2,110 yards, 14 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also added 821 career rushing yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capability. (News & Advance, December 2024)
Transition to Liberty
Vasko entered the transfer portal after the season, drawing interest from Liberty, which was searching for experienced quarterbacks to fill its roster. Head coach Jamey Chadwell welcomed Vasko into a quarterback room with question marks, including redshirt freshman Jayden Bradford and Ryan Burger, who will start in the upcoming Bahamas Bowl. Chadwell indicated the program might bring in another quarterback but noted Vasko’s experience likely solidifies the Flames’ plans. (News & Advance, December 2024)
A Fresh Start with the Flames
Vasko’s commitment to Liberty offers him a fresh start and an opportunity to compete for the starting job. With two years of eligibility remaining, he brings starting experience and a proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His journey—marked by record-breaking achievements, flashes of brilliance, and challenges—positions him as a quarterback eager to capitalize on his potential.
Sources:
1. GCCUSports.com, “Vasko Tabbed Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week,” September 2024
2. The Post and Courier, “Coastal Carolina QB Ethan Vasko Enters Transfer Portal,” November 2024
3. The Sun News, “Quarterback Ethan Vasko Regained Starting Job for Coastal Carolina vs. Troy,” November 2, 2024
4. News & Advance, “Liberty Lands Commitment from Coastal Carolina Transfer QB Ethan Vasko,” December 2024
5. Sports Yahoo, “Quarterback Ethan Vasko Regained Starting Job,” November 2024
