BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — The 2024 college football season kicks off for the LIU Sharks Saturday night at 7 p.m. as they head upstate to face UAlbany at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium with the game being broadcast on FLOFOOTBALL.

Led by head coach Ron Cooper, who enter his third season at the helm, the Sharks are looking to win its first NEC title since joining FCS play in 2019. The team finished 2023 in a four-way tie for second place after winning three of their last four NEC games.

This year's roster features several prominent returners such as quarterback Luca Stanzani, running back Pat Bowen, wide receiver Michael Love, offensive linemen Jake Timm and Kristos Fernandez, linebacker DQ Watkins, defensive back Caleb Nartey, punter Will Lynch, and kicker Michael Coney.

Coney could break the all-time record for career field goals in LIU history if he makes 12 this year, which would put him ahead of Sam Flores' career mark of 35(1982-84). 

Several of these returners have received preseason NEC accolades as Love, Lynch, Nartey, and Timm were named to the Preseason All-NEC Team. Love, Lynch, and Timm were also 2024 Phil Steele All-NEC preseason selections, as were Fernandez and Watkins. 

Several key transfers will also play a significant role in helping push this team to an NEC title. Defensive lineman Liam McCormick (Florida State), defensive backs Dylan Merrell (Duke) and Nate Wyatt (Old Dominion), safety Todd Bowles (Rutgers) tight end Brandon Niemenski (UConn), and running backs Ludovick Choquette (Western Illinois) and Damarius Good (Texas State) will all be crucial to the team's success this year. 

LIU plays its second game on the road against TCU on September 7 at 8 p.m. on ESPN+, and will make their way back to Post for back-to-back home games.

The first of those contests is September 14 against Lehigh, which will be followed by homecoming on September 21 against Rhode Island.

Fans can purchase single-game or season tickets at athletictickets.liu.edu. The season-ticket package includes all five home games and is $60 per ticket.

For more information on LIU football season tickets, please email AthleticTicketing@liu.edu.