Albany State has officially named Jeffrey “JD” Davis its starting quarterback for the 2026 season opener against Florida A&M.
Davis won the quarterback competition following Albany State’s second preseason scrimmage and will make his Golden Rams debut Saturday night in Tallahassee.
Head coach David Bowser said Davis separated himself from the competition with his poise and consistency when the pressure increased.
“He showed the most poise and consistency during the last two scrimmages,” Bowser said.
The announcement comes after a preseason battle that included multiple quarterbacks, with Davis competing against Vince Barry, Zhay’lyn Bell and Xavier Irizarry for the starting job.
Davis enters Albany State after previously playing at Western Michigan and Alabama A&M.
A Familiar Opponent Awaits
Davis’ first start comes with plenty of intrigue.
Albany State will face a Florida A&M program with a pair of familiar faces at the forefront. The Rattlers are led by Quinn Fordham Gray Sr, who coached the Golden Rams last season. FAMU will also start quarterback Isaiah Knowles, who transferred to the Rattlers after helping lead Albany State to a 12-2 season and a deep NCAA Division II playoff run last year.
That makes Saturday’s matchup more than just a season opener for Albany State.
It will be the beginning of the David Bowser era, while the Golden Rams simultaneously face two familiar figures from the program’s recent success.
For Davis, it’s an opportunity to make an immediate statement as Albany State’s new QB1.
Albany State vs. Florida A&M is set for Saturday, Aug. 29, in Tallahassee.
