Florida A&M will be without starting quarterback Isaiah Knowles for the remainder of the 2026 season. Knowles, who was named the Rattlers’ starting quarterback ahead of the season, suffered an injury to his throwing hand during FAMU’s Orange Blossom Classic matchup against South Carolina State. The redshirt senior transferred to FAMU from Albany State and entered the season as one of the key pieces of the Rattlers’ new-look offense. Knowles made his FAMU debut in Week 0, completing 14 of 23 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown. His season-ending…
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South Carolina State Defeats FAMU 31-13 in Orange Blossom Classic
Image via the Tallahassee Democrat MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — South Carolina State made a statement on one of HBCU football’s biggest stages Sunday, overpowering Florida A&M 31-13 in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium. The No. 22 Bulldogs improved to 2-0 behind a dominant rushing attack and a defense that made life miserable for the Rattlers throughout the afternoon. South Carolina State finished with 479 total yards, including 292 on the ground, while limiting Florida A&M to just 161 total yards and minus-1 rushing yard. The Bulldogs also…
Read MoreFlorida A&M Opens Quinn Fordham Gray Sr Era With 20-7 Win Over Albany State
The FAMU Rattlers and new coach Quinn Gray opened their season Saturday, Aug. 28, against Albany State at Bragg Memorial Stadium.( image via Sarah Cheatham) Florida A&M opened the Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. era in winning fashion Saturday night, defeating Albany State 20-7 at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium. The victory was especially significant for Gray, who faced his former program in his first game as FAMU’s head coach. Gray previously led the Albany State Golden Rams for the previous three seasons before taking over the Rattlers program.…
Read MoreFAMU Releases Depth Chart for 2026 Opener Against Albany State
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…
Read MoreAlbany State Names JD Davis Starting QB for Season Opener
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…
Read MoreFAMU names Isaiah Knowles starting QB for Week 0 after decorated Albany State career
Florida A&M has officially found its leader under center for the start of the 2026 season. The Rattlers announced Monday that transfer quarterback Isaiah Knowles will open the season as the team’s starting quarterback for its Week 0 matchup, ending any speculation surrounding the position heading into the season opener. Knowles arrives in Tallahassee after an outstanding career at Albany State, where he established himself as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Division II and HBCU football. During his time with the Golden Rams, he earned SIAC Offensive Player…
Read MoreSWAC Announces 2026 Football Media Day Attendees
The Southwestern Athletic Conference has officially released the list of head coaches and student-athletes who will represent each program at the 2026 SWAC Football Media Day, set for July 15 in Birmingham, Alabama. The annual event serves as the unofficial kickoff to the SWAC football season, featuring preseason storylines, player availability, and the release of the predicted order of finish. Each of the 12 member institutions will be represented by its head coach along with two student-athletes. 🏈 2026 SWAC Football Media Day Attendees Alabama A&M Alabama State Alcorn State…
Read MoreSWAC Programs Hit with Postseason Bans Amid APR Violations
The Southwestern Athletic Conference is dealing with a major postseason shake-up after multiple programs were handed NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) penalties, placing their football seasons in limbo before a snap is even taken. Three SWAC programs—Alabama A&M Bulldogs, Florida A&M Rattlers, and Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils—have been flagged for Level Two APR sanctions, which include postseason bans and competitive restrictions for the upcoming cycle. 📉 The Schools Impacted All three programs fell below the NCAA’s academic performance threshold, triggering postseason ineligibility tied to multi-year academic outcomes. 📊 Reported…
Read MoreTennessee State to face FAMU in Tallahassee in 2026
Jackson State will not be the only long-time rival to return to Tennessee State’s schedule in 2026. Florida A&M unveiled its 2026 schedule and the Tigers and Rattlers will be getting it on. The September 19 meeting will see Tennessee State head to Tallahassee, FL to face FAMU at Bragg Memorial Stadium. The two-game series will see a return matchup in Nashville in 2027. “This rivalry represents the very foundation of HBCU football-tradition, excellence, and community, ” said Tennessee State Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen. “Reconnecting with Florida A&M…
Read MoreIsaiah Knowles commits to FAMU
In a development that should surprise no one, former Albany State quarterback Isaiah Knowles has committed to Florida A&M. Knowles announced his next collegiate landing spot in a post on X that was captioned “COMMITTED 🐍.” This season Knowles completed 177 of 286 passes for 2,151 yards 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He helped guide the Golden Rams to a 12-2 overall record and an undefeated 8-0 run through the SIAC on the way to the program’s 16th SIAC championship. The back-to-back SIAC Offensive Player of the Year led an…
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