Florida A&M has officially released its two-deep depth chart for the 2026 season opener against Albany State, giving Rattler Nation its first look at the lineup head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. will take into Saturday night’s matchup.
The Rattlers open the 2026 campaign on Saturday, August 29, at 7 p.m. ET against Albany State at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
Leading the way at quarterback is Isaiah Knowles, who will make his FAMU debut against his former team. Knowles previously starred at Albany State, where he won back-to-back SIAC Offensive Player of the Year awards before following Gray to Tallahassee.
Knowles passed for nearly 5,000 yards and accounted for 60 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Albany State.
Dustin Fletcher, a graduate transfer from The Citadel, is listed as the backup quarterback.
At running back, Jamal Hailey gets the starting nod, with Tallahassee native and Vanderbilt transfer Chase Gillespie listed behind him.
The receiving corps will feature Jamar Taylor Jr., Kieren Jackson and Corey “Deuce” Petty as the starters at X, Z and A, respectively.
Up front, the offensive line features Jeremy Fishkin, Christopher Williams, Tommy Bridgewater, Jordan Davis and Caleb Smith.
FAMU’s Starting Defense
The Rattlers’ defensive front will feature Antonio Camon Jr., Mazio Randall, Daryl “DJ” Jones and Reginald Camille.
At linebacker, FAMU lists Ryan Johnson in the middle, Denzel Johnson at Will and Simion Hines at nickel.
The starting cornerbacks are Daylyn Ditson and Isiah Davis, while Frank Callum III gets the start at free safety alongside Dion Villiers at strong safety.
On special teams, Emilio Bacardi is the starting kicker, Bobby Engstler is the punter and Vinh Quain is the long snapper. Hailey will handle kickoff returns, while Petty is listed as the primary punt returner.
A New Era Begins
Saturday’s matchup carries additional significance for Gray, who is entering his first full season as FAMU’s head coach after previously leading Albany State.
Gray has emphasized that Albany State is not simply a preseason tune-up.
“It’s not a tune-up. It counts towards our record,” Gray said earlier this week. “We’re going to put our best foot forward and try to win a football game.”
Now, the depth chart is set.
The Rattlers will look to open the Gray era with a victory while Knowles faces the program where he established himself as one of Division II’s top quarterbacks.
FAMU vs. Albany State
📅 Saturday, August 29
⏰ 7 p.m. ET
📍 Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium
📺 SWAC TV
