In a matter of seconds, Donald Trump said Liberty football could follow in the footsteps of Notre Dame, but also expressed doubts they could seamlessly transition to the FBS.
Trump, speaking at commencement ceremony at Liberty University, the largest Christian university in the world, touched on everything from dreaming big to attendance records to college football. Speaking at Williams Stadium, the president said the Flames' football program, which will begin making the transition from the FCS to FBS this summer, has a bright future which mirrors that of another Christian school, Notre Dame.
"At Liberty, your leaders knew from the very beginning that a strong athletic program would help this campus grow so that this school might transform more lives," he told a boisterous crowd. "That is why a crucial part of Reverend Falwell’s vision for making Liberty a world-class institution was having a world-class football team, much like the great teams of Notre Dame — great school, great place.
Trump then mentioned the transition, which immediately prompted a loud wave of screams and cheers. He then asked Liberty president Jerry Falwell, Jr., if he was sure about moving to the FBS.
"Don’t clap. That could be tough. That could be tough. I’m a little worried," he said. "I don’t wanna look at some of those scores here. Jerry, you sure you know what you’re doing here? Those other players are big and fast and strong, but I have a feeling you’re gonna do very well, right?
Trump, again, asked "Jerry" — over and over and over — if it was the smart move, before ratting off some of the Flames' future FBS opponents.
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"I'm a little bit concerned. UMass, Virginia, Auburn — Jerry, are you sure you know what you're doing? Jerry, Auburn? I don't know about that James. This could be trouble, Jerry. Rutgers, Old Dominion, Brigham Young, Army — I might be at that game, who am I supposed to root for? Tell me. I don't know. That's a tough one, Jerry. I don't know, Jerry, I'm going to have to think about that one, Jerry. Buffalo, Troy, Virginia Tech, oh no, Jerry, Ole Miss and Wake Forest, those are really top schools."
Here's the full speech:
