Taking the stage late Saturday night, the Houston rapper transformed the desert into his own Astroworld, complete with elaborate visuals, a towering stage setup, and a mosh-pit-ready crowd. Opening with “HYAENA” from his Utopia album, Scott wasted no time sending his fans into a frenzy.

The Marching 100 and Sonic Boom of the South performed an original arrangement of Travis Scott’s “4X4” for his Coachella intro. The record features a sample from Tennessee State University and the Aristocrat of Bands, and features The Marching Storm from Prairie View A&M in the music video. Both FAMU and Jackson State responded to Scott’s open invitation in February for an HBCU band to perform a horn arrangement for Coachella.

It was quite the day for the Marching 100, our Vaughn Wilson reports that the other half of the band was at Bragg Stadium on campus Saturday night performing with line dance king “Cupid.”

Back in the desert Scott blended fan favorites like “SICKO MODE,” “goosebumps,” and “Antidote” with newer tracks, including unreleased snippets that sent fans into a frenzy. Pyrotechnics, fire bursts, and surreal lighting elevated the experience, while guest appearances—rumored to include Don Toliver and Playboi Carti—added to the hype.

Scott also paid homage to the late Virgil Abloh with a heartfelt shoutout and visuals honoring the iconic designer. The crowd, a sea of phones and raging fans, stayed locked in for the entire set, proving his grip on festival culture is as strong as ever.

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This week’s big headline was Trump’s threat to cut funding for a popular cultural institution. In his political cross hairs is the National History Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.  In Trump’s March 27 executive order, he contends that “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology.”  “Once widely respected as a symbol of American excellence and a global icon of cultural achievement, the Smithsonian Institution has, in recent years, come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology,” Trump stated.

For years FAMU’s College of Pharmacy has maintained a grant for the National Institute of Health (NIH). The research studies unique treatments of cancer, enhanced study of AI, and several other key areas of study.  The grant also provided additional staffing for the school.  The sudden loss of $16.3 million that was budgeted for by the university presents a critical set of issues.  Donald Trump rescinded the award with his executive order on March 21.

Program dates back to the 1980s

According to an article on the FAMU College of Pharmacy Website, the program was instituted in 1985. The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI Program at FAMU was established through a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) as a congressionally mandated program to support minority institutions. In 2012, the RCMI Program was transferred to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The RCMI Program had a tremendous impact on enhancing the research capacity and infrastructure at FAMU. It recruited promising researchers and established research infrastructure by acquiring advanced instrumentation, developing innovative biomedical research laboratories, funding research facilities, and providing other research support.

The sudden absence of those funds has placed a sense of urgency into FAMU’s own fundraising efforts.  The announcement of the cuts was made just days before FAMU’s annual fundraising campaign known as “1887 Strikes.”  FAMU was founded in 1887.  FAMU Interim President, Dr. Timothy Beard, encouraged Rattlers to dig deeper as the cuts will harm the HBCU.  The university has since appealed the decision.

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Kenwick Thompson Coaching Career

Thompson brings a wealth of experience to the Rattlers, having previously served in coaching roles at various FBS-level institutions. This won’t be Kenwick Thompson’s first foray into HBCU football. He spent 1994-2001 performing various coaching roles at Texas Southern University. Including assistant head coach, Recruiting Coordinator, and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Most recently, he was the assistant head coach and linebackers coach at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) during the 2023 and 2024 seasons under former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer. His extensive coaching career includes positions at UNLV, Fresno State, East Carolina, Vanderbilt, San Jose State, California, and Texas Southern. Notably, Thompson was the defensive coordinator at East Carolina in 2016. ?

FAMU’s head coach, James Colzie III, emphasized the importance of hiring a coordinator with a proven track record and strong linebacker coaching skills. “When searching for our defensive coordinator. It was important to bring a coach in who had successful coordinating experience but also a bonafide linebackers coach. Coach ‘Wick’ checks both of those boxes. He’s had success at the FBS and FCS levels.” Colzie told the Democrat.

Thompson expressed enthusiasm about joining FAMU in a recently released statement. “I am honored to be a part of a rich history of excellence on and off the field. I’m excited to get to work contributing to that rich history.” Thompson continued, “I want to thank Coach Colzie for this outstanding opportunity to work with these great young men.”

The Rattlers will conclude their spring practice schedule with the Orange and Green Spring Game on Saturday, April 12, at 4 p.m. They will kick off their 2025 season on August 30 against Howard University in the Orange Blossom Classic at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

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Brown will speak on Friday, May 2, at 6 p.m. ET. Kinsey will take the stage on Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m. ET, followed by Weaver at 2 p.m. ET.

“We are delighted to host three dynamic speakers who will celebrate our graduates for their individual accomplishments while challenging them collectively to always represent Florida A&M University as they step into the next chapter of their lives,” said FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard. “Fawn Weaver, Adrienne Brown, and Bernard Kinsey are corporate and entrepreneurial powerhouses who each embody a powerful message of how tenacity and faith can help order our steps on the ladder of success and beyond.”

More than 1,100 students from FAMU’s 14 schools and colleges will receive degrees during the ceremonies, which will be live-streamed on FAMU’s Facebook page and YouTube channel (@FAMUTube1887).

Weaver, a best-selling author and TED speaker, is one of only five African American women to found and lead a $1 billion company. Brown, a FAMU alumna, leads corporate strategy and business development at Eli Lilly. Kinsey, a former Xerox executive, co-founded one of the largest collections of African American art and historical documents.

The Kinsey Collection has been exhibited worldwide, and the family has raised more than $36 million for charitable causes, including $11 million for FAMU.

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O’Neal is coming off the best season of his college career at Florida A&M, where he averaged 6.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. That included seven double-figure scoring outputs after having just one in his first two seasons. He scored a career-high 26 points against Trinity Baptist and scored 20 against Trinity, as well as a couple of double-figure games against SWAC competition. Shaq showed up in Atlanta to watch his son play in the SWAC Tournament earlier this month.

Listed as 6’7, 201 pounds out of high school, Shaqir O’Neal was a  three-star prospect in the Class of 2021 out of Union Grove Senior High School in Georgia and signed with another HBCU, Texas Southern. He redshirted the 2021-2022 season and made his college debut against San Francisco in Nov 2022.  He played in 20 games during the 2022-2023 season, averaging 1.4 points per game in just over seven minutes of action per contest. The best game of his Texas Southern career came against North American when he scored 12 points with 7 rebounds and 4 assists in 28 minutes.

Shaqir averaged 1.8 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in 20 appearances during the 2023-2024 season at Texas Southern. He played a season-high 23 minutes against Creighton and had his best game against Biblical Studies when he scored nine points and hit two three-pointers for the HBCU squad.

Now he will step out of the SWAC/HBCU landscape for the first time under a first time head coach looking to show that he’s more than just an NBA name. 

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Listed as 6’7, 201 pounds, Shaqir O’Neal was a  three-star prospect in the Class of 2021 out of Union Grove Senior High School in Georgia and signed with another HBCU, Texas Southern. He redshirted the 2021-2022 season and made his college debut against San Francisco in Nov 2022.  He played in 20 games during the 2022-2023 season, averaging 1.4 points per game in just over seven minutes of action per contest. The best game of his Texas Southern career came against North American when he scored 12 points with 7 rebounds and 4 assists in 28 minutes.

Shaqir’s head coach at Texas Southern was Johnny Jones, who has close ties to Shaq. He talked about how much Shaqir had improved heading into the previous season.

“One of the new guys that we’re really happy and excited about is Shaqir O’Neal,” Jones said. “I think people that hadn’t had an opportunity to see his offseason workouts – I think he’s done an awesome job in transitioning in the last two years and we’re looking forward to him making an impact with us and for us as well.”

Shaqir averaged 1.8 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in 20 appearances during the 2023-2024 season. He played a season-high 23 minutes against Creighton and had his best game against Biblical Studies when he scored nine points and hit two three-pointers for the HBCU squad.

Will Shaqir land at an HBCU for a third time or will he look for a PWI? Stay tuned for the latest updates from the transfer portal.

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He took on the role of umpire during Mississippi State’s three-game softball series against Auburn. Colzie worked at third base on Saturday, first base on Sunday, and behind home plate on Monday for the finale.

Colzie III’s connection to the game is rooted in his family as well. His father, James Colzie, has been the softball assignor for Dade County Public Schools in Florida since 1975 and has served as an athletic director since 1991. In recognition of his contributions to high school athletics, Colzie was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2020.

His father’s Hall of Fame bio reads in part, “The Miami, Florida native began his officiating career in basketball, softball, and volleyball. To present, Colzie has officiated over 4,000 FHSAA contests and has appeared on a crew in 290 District Championships, 270 Regional Championships, and 36 State Championship games. His commitment and perseverance led him to become the Greater Miami Athletic Conference Commissioner of Commissions, where he played an instrumental role in recruiting and retaining officials and became a member of the FHSAA Officials Advisory Committee (1990-95).”

In 2024 Colzie led the Florida A&M Rattlers football team to a 7-5 overall record and a 5-3 mark in the SWAC, finishing second in the SWAC East. FAMU finished with a 4-1 record at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Despite a challenging 1-4 record on the road, the team ended the season on a positive note with a two-game winning streak. In 2023 FAMU won the HBCU National Championship under the final season of Willie Simmons as head coach.

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In all, 14 Rattlers were weighed, measured, jumped, ran, shuttled, and drilled their way through the workout.  It is the interview of a lifetime.  Most football players dream of making it to the NFL, and Pro Day is the opportunity to see if the athletes are as advertised.

Pro Day in Tallahassee

One player who helped his stock with a good Pro Day was on hand to cheer on his former teammates.  Now, with the New England Patriots, Terrell Jennings stood on the sideline as encouragement for the auditioning Rattlers.  

“Your job is to put on a great show for the scouts out here and make a lot of money.” Jennings said.  “It feels good, man, to see I’m putting my family in a better position and gonna continue to do that as I continue on my journey on in the league. It feels good to see all my hard work is paying off and it’s still gonna pay off because I’m still putting the work to this day.”

Top Rattlers

The top FAMU players on the radars of the scouts were Kendall Bohler (defensive back), Jalen Goss (offensive lineman), Jamari Gassett (wide receiver), and Daniel Richardson (quarterback).  However, much like the past, the scouts are there to recruit talent.  Professional scouts are given much more credit for finding a “diamond in the rough” than they are for obvious professional prospects.  For HBCU athletes, Pro Day offers the opportunity to audition in the same way that the top players experience in the NFL combine.

Big opportunity

FAMU head coach James Colzie III watched closely as his players with exhausted eligibility went through the gauntlet of drills and prodding.  “You’ve got 15 or 16 NFL teams and two CFL teams. It’s an amazing opportunity for these guys, Colzie said.  “It’s a credit to the guys we’ve had in the past that have come from this program and have flourished at the NFL level.  There’s an opportunity.  The reason these scouts are here is primarily because of what these guys have done in their careers and what the guys in the past have done,”

Jennings complimented the skill level in HBCU football.   “I say HBCU football is good football as well.  Football on the next level, it may be a little faster, but other than that. The guys on the HBCU level have a good chance of playing in the NFL and can play in the NFL because as you can see you got Markquese Bell, and Xavier Smith, and a couple other guys.  Those guys are from my school, but it’s a lot of guys out here balling in the NFL right now. So you can’t just shut them out and I feel like everybody can ball on every level. It’s just about the right person to see you.”

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Bellamy’s why

Bellamy, herself a member of the Divine Nine and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Felt in her spirit that she would not just remain helpless but had to do something to show solidarity.

“Well, after the tragedy happened. I was just thinking on ways that our university, our campus could reflect on this and show our support for Southern University as well as Caleb and his family,” Bellamy said.  “The only way that I could really think of was a walk where we could bring all ‘D-9s’ together. That way it could be more effective and more transformative.”

The Walk

Starting from FAMU’s Efferson Student Union, the group of about 100 combined Greek-letter organizations walked peacefully around the HBCU to the main student services building. The Center for Access and Student Success, or CASS Building, is a trademark venue on the FAMU campus, with its huge bronze snake in front of it.

After completing the walk from the top of the campus to the bottom, a brief ceremony was held.  Victor Culpepper, Jr., an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member, read some brief comments after a short prayer.

The HBCU connection between FAMU and Southern University came in the form of a member of FAMU’s Delta Sigma Theta Sorority who knew Caleb Wilson’s brother. She called him during the brief ceremony, and over the phone, he thanked those for participating and how much it meant to him and his family in this difficult time.

Bellamy admitted that she had serious anxiety about stepping out of the box to form the event.  It was squelched when all of the people showed up to participate.  “It really does warm my heart just to have everyone here. All the different sororities and fraternities and just Greek life as a whole at FAMU.”

Culpepper felt the walk should be a new beginning for cohesion among Greek-letter organizations.  “I think that we should have that type of fellowship throughout the year. Throughout the fraternal year, sorority year.” Culpepper said.  “I think that it’s tragic, to say the least that we have to come to this this type of measure, but I think that like I said, the impact that its having on the immediate people who it was affected was shown today.”

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With two of the league’s best baseball teams, comparable basketball teams, and strong fanbases, the Hornets-Rattlers rivalry is steadily growing.

On Tuesday, however, the rivalry was tabled as HBCU love took center stage. The Hornets, winners of the 2025 SWAC Basketball Tournament, were in Dayton, Ohio, to play St. Francis in the “First Four” round of the NCAA Basketball “March Madness” tournament. When the Hornets arrived, they were greeted by FAMU alum Rachel Blanks, who was sporting black and gold gift bags for the team. 

Rivalry aside

“Orange and green run through my veins every day—FAMUly forever! But tonight, I’m all about that black and gold!,” Blanks said.  A member of the Greater Dayton Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association. Blanks has been a key component of the re-certification of the chapter that originally started in the 1960s, but was recently re-started.

The Alabama State Vice President of Institutional Advancement ties into the gesture.  Col. Gregory L. Clark is a graduate of FAMU and was President of the FAMU National Alumni Association.  The Dayton Chapter was formed under his leadership of the association.

“It’s one thing about unity among HBCUs, but it’s also about SWAC love,” Clark said.  For me to see my alma mater and a chapter that started under my leadership and do a great gesture to welcome the university I currently work at, it says a lot about character of the university, its grads, and the alumni association.  Coach Matlock really appreciated the gesture.  This chapter has been doing this year-after-year.  This is an annual thing with the group.  They stepped up and got it done.”

The Hornets would go on to defeat St. Francis 70-68 on a shot as time expired to advance to the field of 64.

The gesture has gone viral on HBCU social media.  The comments dig to the core of HBCU rivalries in that there is a point at which they don’t matter.

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Young’s journey to being named the top player in a Division I HBCU basketball league has been anything but conventional. The Queens, N.Y. native took the JUCO route, spending two seasons at JUCO Pratt Community College in Kansas, where he became a key scorer, averaging 15.9 points per game in his sophomore year while shooting 45% from the field and 39% from three. He then made a brief stop at Charlotte, appearing in five games before transferring to Florida A&M, where he finally found his stride. In his lone season with the Rattlers, Young emerged as one of the most dynamic guards in HBCU basketball, leading FAMU with his scoring ability (17 points per game) and earning conference Player of the Year honors.

With his extra year of eligibility, Young’s decision to enter the portal shows the ever-changing college basketball landscape — by extension — the HBCU basketball landscape. His scoring prowess and experience at multiple levels make him a highly coveted target for programs looking for an impact player. While Florida A&M would surely love to retain him, Sterling Young now has the opportunity to explore new options, whether at another HBCU or a different level of competition. As the offseason unfolds, his next move will be closely watched, as he has the potential to be a game-changer wherever he lands.

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Contract Details

The agreement ensures Bell’s continued presence in the Cowboys’ defense through the 2028 season. The contract, averaging $4 million annually, includes a prorated signing bonus, effectively managing the team’s salary cap. This extension reflects the Cowboys’ confidence in Bell’s abilities and their commitment to retaining key defensive talent. Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com reports that as a restricted free agent, the Cowboys could have placed a tender on him before allowing him to take offers from other teams. Giving them the right to match any offer and receive compensation for their loss if the tender was of the second or first-round variety.

As an undrafted player, the original round tender was not in play for Bell, technically, making use of a simple Right of First Refusal — the equivalent — a likely outcome in lieu of a deal landing, seeing as the Cowboys never had any plans of letting Bell leave.

From FAMU to the NFL

Bell’s path to the NFL was unconventional. After transferring from the University of Maryland, he joined FAMU in 2019. During the 2021 season, Bell recorded 95 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and an interception over 12 starts, earning first-team all-conference honors. Despite his collegiate success, Bell went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft but secured a spot with the Cowboys as a free agent.

NFL Career Progression

Bell’s rookie season in 2022 saw limited action, with appearances in five games and one recorded tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. However, the 2023 season marked a turning point. Transitioning from safety to linebacker due to team needs, Bell played all 17 games, starting eight. He amassed 94 tackles, including 60 solo tackles, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles, contributing significantly to the Cowboys’ NFC East title. His performance earned him the NFL’s HBCU Spotlight Player of the Year award for 2023.

Significance of HBCU Representation

Bell’s achievements highlight the talent emerging from HBCU football programs like FAMU. His journey underscores the importance of these institutions in nurturing athletes who excel at professional levels, inspiring future generations from similar backgrounds. Markquese Bell’s story is a testament to perseverance and the impactful role of HBCUs in shaping athletes ready to compete on the NFL stage.

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Shaqir transferred to FAMU from Texas Southern University in July 2024. He played 20 games at Texas Southern during the 2022-2023 season, averaging 1.4 points per game. His move to FAMU was seen as an opportunity to further develop his skills and an opportunity for “Baby Shaq” to make a more substantial impact on the court.

In the game against Alcorn State, Shaqir was one of five Rattlers to score in double digits. Milton Matthews led the team with 26 points, followed by Ja’Derryus Eatmon with 16 points. Shaqir’s 12-point contribution and his defensive prowess played a crucial role in securing the win. The Rattlers maintained a lead throughout the game, ending the first half ahead 42-34 and continuing their dominance in the second half.

This achievement not only highlights Shaqir’s growth as a player but also underscores the competitive spirit and talent nurtured within HBCU basketball programs. His decision to continue his collegiate career at an HBCU, despite the opportunities available as the son of an NBA legend like Shaq, reflects a growing trend among athletes recognizing not only the rich history and opportunities these institutions offer but also as a hub for developing talent.

Shaqir’s journey at FAMU has been marked by consistent improvement. Earlier in the season, he delivered a standout performance against Trinity Baptist on November 22, 2024, scoring a career-high 26 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and blocking four shots, leading the Rattlers to a decisive 110-68 victory.

Throughout the season, Shaqir has maintained solid averages of 7.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, with a commendable field goal percentage of 51.4%.

As the season progresses, Shaqir O’Neal’s development will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. This performance is a testament to both Shaqir’s development and FAMU’s remarkable turnaround this season. After a challenging start, the Rattlers have achieved a balanced 12-12 overall record, with an impressive 9-4 standing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Notably, the team has secured a four-game winning streak and boasts a strong 8-2 record on their home court.

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This year is different.  After the Rattlers swept the season series with the Jackson State Tigers, they are in a massive tie for second place in the conference.  This after missing the SWAC Tournament the last two seasons.  

In the SWAC predicted order of finish, the Rattlers were predicted to finish 11^th.  That is not lost on Crarey or his players.  “They gave me a one-year contract and they picked us 11th in the league.  What were the expectations? I’m the only person here that had expectations,” Crarey said in his postgame press conference.

For the most part, the Rattlers were in control of the game, but a series of errors and a hot-shooting Jackson State team made the HBCU hoops contest much closer down the stretch.  The Rattlers’ 76-71 victory gives FAMU an 8-4 conference record.  It is now tied with Bethune-Cookman, Jackson State, Texas Southern, and their Monday home opponent Alcorn State.  Southern University holds the top spot in the conference and the Rattlers will again face the Jaguars on March 3, the last home game before the SWAC Tournament in Atlanta, GA.

Crarey was hired by former VP/Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes.  In a hire filled with complications, of which Crarey had zero involvement, the FAMU Board of Trustees would not approve of a multi-year contract.  Former FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson approved a one-year deal for Crarey, which was in line with his authority.

Crarey’s bet on himself is paying dividends, but he’s still not satisfied.  At the JSU game, Patrick Crarey was active in encouraging the HBCU crowd to cheer for the team.  At a couple of timeouts, he would face the home crowd urging them to get involved in the game.

His players have bought into his system and are working the platform at a high rate of success, winning 8-of-9 of their last games.  Still, coming into tonight’s game the Rattlers were not considered the favorite.

“We don’t worry about it (low expectations).  We’re a home underdog to Jackson State and we won 7 of the last 8 games.  There are no expectations for us.  We set the level of expectations on how we work on a daily basis and I expect them to come in and be focused on the task at hand and focus every practice to make sure that they can play the best that they can play for themselves, for their family, for their teammates, and for their school,” Crarey concluded.

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Florida A&M University is offering Patrick Crarey the position of head men’s basketball coach with an annual salary of $160,000 through June 30, 2026, increasing to $170,000 for the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The agreement is contingent on funding availability and annual budget approval by the university’s Board of Trustees.

In addition to his base salary, Crarey is eligible for the following performance-based bonuses from the HBCU:

• Regular Season Conference Champion: $1,000
• Conference Tournament Champion: $2,000
• Conference Coach of the Year: $2,500
• National Invitational Tournament (NIT) Appearance: $1,000
• Single Game Win over a Power Five Opponent: $7,000
• NCAA Tournament Incentives:
  • $2,500 for a tournament appearance
  • $5,000 for an initial tournament game win, plus $1,000 for each additional win
  • $15,000 for a Final Four appearance
    
• Game Guarantees exceeding $600,000 annually: $30,000

These bonuses are contingent on funds received or awarded to the university by the SWAC, another conference the university may join, or the NCAA.

The offer has been submitted by FAMU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Angela Suggs. The contract is scheduled to be put before the BOT on Feb. 13.

Crarey was initially announced as the head coach at FAMU by previous AD Tiffani-Dawn Sykes in mid-April after a national search. Sykes and Crarey agreed to a three-year deal in April, a deal that the board of trustees declined in July after tabling it for months, leaving the coach to operate as an at-will employee. 

“But it bothers me when I see some names on there, many which I don’t even know, but I look at their background and experience and wonder how we got to this individual [Crarey] that’s two [divisions] beneath where we are playing in the SWAC,” Trustee Kevin Lawson said in July, shortly before the contract. “I lean towards the person having a one-year agreement and give them a contract based on how they do this year and revisit it later.”

Crarey recruited and built much of his team without a contract. The BOT at the HBCU approved a one-year deal with a salary of $150k — one of the lowest in Division I basketball — in August. 

Six months later, Crarey has led FAMU to a 10-12 overall record, giving the school its first chance for an overall winning record since the 2006-2007. FAMU is now 7-4 in SWAC play after winning just nine conference games in the previous two seasons. 

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Among the participating teams were The University of Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Florida State, The University of Georgia, The University of Florida, and The University of Miami. They were joined by Florida Gulf Coast University, UCF, The University of North Florida, Florida International, Kennesaw State, Louisiana Tech, San Jose State, and Troy University in a highly competitive meet.

The legacy and challenges of collegiate wrestling

While only 77 Division I schools sponsor wrestling as an NCAA sport, many more carry it at the club level. Wrestling, one of the oldest recorded sports, has origins dating back 15,000–20,000 years, as depicted in ancient cave drawings.

FAMU, like many colleges, once sponsored wrestling as an NCAA sport but discontinued the program. Following the passage of Title IX in 1972, many schools dropped wrestling to achieve gender equity in athletic programs. Despite this, wrestling remains a thriving club sport at several universities.

The Seminole-Rattler Invitational featured a full day of wrestling, with men’s and women’s divisions competing across various weight classes. The event showcased FAMU’s brand-new, logo-embossed mat, with three matches running simultaneously in the Tookes Recreation Center. Competitors ranged from the 125-pound weight class to the 245-pound division, making for an exciting display of athleticism and skill.

Overcoming NCAA sponsorship barriers

Many conferences seeking to maintain NCAA recognition for wrestling have partnered with affiliate teams. For example, the Big 12 Conference merged with the Western Wrestling Conference to meet NCAA requirements. Similarly, the Big Ten and ACC have had to strategize their conference alignments to sustain wrestling at the collegiate level.

Delaware State to launch women’s wrestling program

In an exciting development for HBCU wrestling, Delaware State University is set to introduce a women’s wrestling program in the 2025-2026 season. This initiative is being supported by HBCU Wrestling, a foundation that has donated $1.25 million to help launch the program.

HBCU Wrestling is dedicated to re-establishing wrestling programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Their mission, as stated on their website, is to “restore and establish Women’s and Men’s wrestling programs at HBCUs, ensuring up to a 10-year commitment to NCAA-sanctioned wrestling programs, scholarships, competitive coaching salaries, and operating budgets.”

Additionally, Morgan State University is expected to be the next institution to benefit from HBCU Wrestling’s expansion efforts.

FAMU’s Wrestling legacy is rich with tradition

FAMU has a proud history of wrestling excellence. In the early 1970s, before the program was discontinued, the school produced standout athletes, including Harold and Carroll Roberts. The twin brothers, both state champions, regularly defeated competitors from Florida State, The University of Florida, and The University of Miami. They remain honored in the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame.

In more recent years, Roland Pitts emerged as one of the greatest wrestlers in FAMU’s history. Competing in the 197-pound weight class, Pitts was a multi-time All-American and an Academic All-American. He later served in the U.S. Armed Forces, achieving the rank of Captain and excelling as a Ranger and member of a brigade combat team. Pitts played a crucial role in keeping wrestling alive at FAMU, despite its status as a non-NCAA sport.

The Future of Wrestling at HBCUs

With renewed interest and financial support, HBCU wrestling is experiencing a resurgence. The efforts of organizations like HBCU Wrestling and the passion of athletes, coaches, and alumni continue to push for the return of wrestling as a fully sponsored NCAA sport at FAMU and other historically Black institutions.

The Seminole-Rattler Invitational was a testament to the resilience and competitive spirit of collegiate wrestling, proving once again that the sport has a home at FAMU.

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The Rattlers, coming off a 7-5 season (5-3 SWAC) look to rebound to championship form under second-year head coach James Colzie III.  Along with rebuilding the roster with one of the top-rated FBS-to-FCS classes in the NCAA, he has revamped his coaching staff.  The Rattlers will definitely be a representation of the Colzie era.

The Rattlers revive their participation in the Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic with a season-opening rematch of the 2023 Celebration Bowl as they will face the Howard Bison.  The Aug. 30 game will take place in Hard Rock Stadium and is a throwback to the very first Orange Blossom Classic in 1933 when the Rattlers and Bison faced off in Miami.

The Rattlers will travel back down south on the second week to Boca Raton to take on the first of two FBS teams.  FAMU will take on the FAU Owls on Sept.6.

The home season opener will be on Sept. 13 against the Albany State Golden Rams of the SIAC.  The game will be a return to Bragg Stadium for ASU head coach Quinn Gray who is a FAMU Sports Hall of Famer for his career as a Rattler signal caller under legendary coach William “Billy” Joe.

The Rattlers will enjoy their only open week on Sept. 20 before returning to Ken Riley Field to take on Eddie Robinson’s Alabama State Hornets to open SWAC play.

October 4, the Rattlers will travel to Ita Bena, MS to take on the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils.  The Rattlers will look to square things up with MVSU after the Delta Devils pulled the home upset of the Rattlers that was the longest in FCS football.

October 11, the Rattlers face their second MEAC team as Trae Oliver and the Eagles of North Carolina Central University visit Tallahassee for the first time since the Rattlers left the MEAC.  This will constitute a showdown of two of the last three Celebration Bowl Champions.

October 18, the Alcorn State Braves will make their way to Bragg Stadium after an extended absence.  This will be the first time the Rattlers have faced the Braves since joining the SWAC.

October 25, the Rattlers make the trek to Baton Rouge, LA.  The defending SWAC West champions will try to break the Rattlers’ streak of victories in the series.  The Rattlers pulled out a 24-6 win over the Jaguars om a nationally-televised game in 2024.  Coach Terrence Graves will look for the opportunity to clamp down on the Rattlers down in the bayou.

On November 1., the HBCU national champions come to Tallahassee.  T.C. Taylor and the reloaded Jackson State Tigers make their way to Tallahassee for a battle of the last two Celebration Bowl and SWAC Champions.  The winner of the last two games in this matchup have gone on to win the SWAC east, SWAC Championship and Celebration Bowl.

November 8, FAMU will travel for the first time as a SWAC team to Pine Bluff, AR to face the Golden Tigers of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.

Last season, the Rattlers and Bulldogs had to postpone their game because of hurricanes that affected Tallahassee and surrounding areas.  The game played at the end of last season was the final game of Connell Maynor.  This year the Rattlers will travel to Huntsville, AL to face Sam Shade and his new regime on Nov. 15.

The regular season finale is the same as it has been.  The Rattlers and B-CU Wildcats will square off in the Florida Blue Florida Classic on Nov. 22 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fl.  The Rattlers are on a four-game winning streak against the Wildcats, with a steadily growing attendance in the classic.

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The New England Patriots’ new defensive staff has added another former HBCU coach, this one from Florida A&M.

Milton Patterson, who served as defensive coordinator at FAMU for the 2024 season, is joining the defensive staff under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

Patterson’s position on the staff hasn’t been announced but Florida A&M head coach James Colzie III talked with pride about his outgoing defensive coordinator.

“This talks about how great of a job he did and will continue to do. It’s a great opportunity for his family,” Colzie told the Tallahassee Democrat. “This guy has gone through the ranks and has made many sacrifices for his family. Seeing him reap the benefits and get an opportunity to go to the NFL — that’s what you dream of.”

Patterson spent four years at FAMU, the first three under new Florida International University head coach Willie Simmons. He was the co-defensive coordinator on the 2023 team that won the HBCU national title along with Ryan Smith.

The New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their head coach earlier this month. Patterson spent the 2023 season on Vrabel’s staff with the Tennessee Titans as the Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowship. He will work under Terrell Williams, a former North Carolina A&T assistant, who was named defensive coordinator.

The Atlanta native played his college football at Jackson State and has coached at several HBCU football stops, including Clark Atlanta, Mississippi Valley State, and Alabama State in addition to FAMU. 

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He played quarterback, kick returner, punter, and wide receiver for Florida A&M coach Rudy Hubbard.  He led his Godby Cougars (Tallahassee) to the top-level state championship in 1976 by defeating Miami Carol City, a virtual powerhouse in the state of Florida.   He was a part of the 1978 Rattler football team that won the first-ever FCS playoffs, being crowned NCAA Division I-AA national champion.  He was also a major part in FAMU’s historic upset of the University of Miami Hurricanes in 1979 when the Rattlers defeated a Howard Schnellenberger-led hurricane team 16-13.

Knight was small in stature, but big on plays. In Hubbard’s option offense, Knight was a threat at quarterback.  His ability to read the defense put opponents at a disadvantage.  His ability to keep the ball and make big plays was legendary.  Knight would reverse field and put the crowd on edge, often retreating ground to speed his way around the edge.  He was a solid passer as well.

In Hubbard’s offense, Knight would also play wide receiver.  His speed and elusiveness led to big plays for the one of the greatest teams in HBCU football history.  That same energy went when he was returning punts.  He would switch directions and reverse field with the best of them.

One of Knight’s shining moments was against the University of Miami Hurricanes in 1979.  Knight would be elusive as a punt returner, putting the Rattlers in a position to attack the FBS level school.  His speed and shifty moves kept the Hurricanes off balance allowing for the Rattler offense to begin in good field position. Knight would also play a pivotal role as a wide receiver in the game that was played at Florida State’s Doak Campbell Stadium.

In another historic HBCU football moment, Knight would be the FAMU punter for the 1978 season.  In the NCAA I-AA championship game against the University of Massachusetts, Knight would face an enormous headwind.  Former FAMU coach Amos Hill accurately described the scenario in a yet-to-be-released documentary about the season.  “We were in Wichita Falls, Texas and it was a cold, windy day.  And, the thing that I remember most was Sammy Knight.  It was fourth down and we had to punt the ball and we were in our territory on the minus side of the field, Sammy punted the ball and the ball came right back over Sammy’s head and he would have to down it himself,” Hill said. Knight, who had resided in Daytona Beach, FL for the last several years, owned a tree and landscaping business.  He became ill last year and succumbed to the illness.

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While working with Simmons at FAMU, Smith’s defense was known as the “Dark Cloud” defense, a moniker dubbed by former president Dr. Larry Robinson.  During the 2023 HBCU national championship season, FAMU’s defense was ranked No.1 in FCS for most of the season, ending the year at the No.2 position.

Smith’s defense featured several All-SWAC and All-Americans, including Markquese Bell (Dallas Cowboys), Isaiah Land (Indianapolis Colts) and Isaiah Major (All-SWAC/All-American/ Celebration Bowl Defensive MVP).  Known for a defense that featured its linebackers, Smith’s run with FAMU also included at trip to the NCAA playoffs in 2021.

In 2021, Smith helped lead one of the best defenses in Rattlers’ history as they ranked Top-25 in 15 different categories, Top-10 in nine, and Top-five in one. Smith featured Land, who led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, as he was named the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and became the Rattlers’ first Buck Buchanan Award (national defensive player of the year) winner, this will be a formula the duo hopes to duplicate at the FBS level. 

 
Before joining the Rattlers in HBCU football, Smith served as the assistant recruiting coordinator at the University of Florida under former head coach Jim McElwain from 2016 to 2018.

Simmons is rebuilding the FIU Panthers after a 4-8 season, going 3-5 in Conference USA play. Simmons’ first order of business was to secure quarterback Keyone Jenkins who had expressed interest in the transfer portal before Simmons’ arrival.  Jenkins announced that he would remain at FIU after meeting with Simmons.  This will be a key figure in the rebuilding of the Panthers in the current 12-team playoff era of FBS football.

FIU scored 28 points per game last season.  That was not the issue.  Their problem came on the defensive side, which is why Smith was added to the squad as linebackers coach.  The Panthers allowed nearly 2,500 yards rushing and 2,200 yards passing.  The biggest immediate impact the Panthers could see would be on the defensive side of the ball.  Simmons will continue to fill out his staff with the full support of FIU Athletics as they seek to return to their winning ways and be competitive in Conference USA play.

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Gordon, one of the most decorated players in women’s basketball history, has been a transformative figure at Florida A&M. Before stepping into coaching, she was a dominant force on the court, winning two NCAA championships with the University of Tennessee and earning MVP honors in the 1989 Final Four. Gordon’s stellar collegiate career paved the way for her selection to the U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team in 1988, where she won a gold medal. Her induction into the Hall of Fame would highlight her ongoing commitment to the sport, particularly at HBCUs, where she works to uplift and inspire young women through basketball.

On the men’s side, Reggie Theus brings similar star power and leadership to HBCU Bethune-Cookman University. Known for his dazzling playmaking ability, Theus had a storied career in the NBA, playing 13 seasons and earning two All-Star selections. He also starred at UNLV, where his dynamic scoring helped make the program a national powerhouse. As a coach, Theus has brought his extensive basketball knowledge to HBCUs, emphasizing the importance of both athletic and academic excellence for his student-athletes. His dual role as head coach and athletic director demonstrates his dedication to strengthening Bethune-Cookman’s athletic program as a whole.

The potential induction of Gordon and Theus would be a historic moment for HBCUs, shining a spotlight on their willingness to help increase diversity in the coaching ranks via legends. Both coaches have not only cemented their legacies as players but also as leaders, continuing to inspire the next generation of athletes at historically Black colleges and universities. Their recognition would underscore the vital role HBCUs play in shaping the fabric of basketball history.

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The most high-profile player to transfer from FSU to FAMU was offensive lineman Jalen Goss.  Goss was an All-SWAC selection at tackle and played a leadership role on the Rattlers once he settled in.

The newest name to the “Tallahassee Transfer Portal” is defensive lineman Xavier Perkins.  Perkins played sparingly for Florida State in 2024 but remains a highly respected talent after his stellar high school career.  The Tampa, FL native is a graduate of Berkeley Prep, where he was an All-American.  He was invited to the 2023 Blue-Grey All-American Bowl and Georgia vs. Florida High School Showcase.  At Berkeley, Perkins recorded 63 tackles, including 21 for loss with 13 sacks, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and nine quarterback hurries while playing 30 varsity games at Berkeley Prep.

Head coach James Colzie III, a Florida State graduate, is rebuilding his defense, which was lacking in the ability to stop the run last season.  Prior to last season, the Rattlers’ “Dark Cloud” defense was ranked No.2 nationally.  After the departure of defensive coordinator Ryan Smith, who was the mastermind of the defense, the defense is being rebuilt by new defensive coordinator Milton Patterson.  A big part in the success of the defense will be putting the talent on the field and Perkins could play a pivotal role in that effort.

Standing at 6-4, 237 lbs, Perkins, known as a fierce edge rusher, could be the missing piece for the Rattlers getting a significant pass rush.  Not since the departure of Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Isaiah Land have the Rattlers possessed that threat.  Marshall Transfer Davion Westmoreland began to show signs of being that guy at the end of last season.  Adding two threats to harass quarterbacks is a key component of the Rattlers bouncing back from their 7-5 season.

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“I feel great.  I’m a lifelong Seminole fan.  I grew up near both campuses.  I could sit on my porch and hear the FSU War Chant going on.  Being home is something I hoped would happen.  I am grateful for the opportunity from coach Norvell.  Corey Fuller and I are the only coaches to coach at both FAMU and FSU.  I am going to come back home and help coach Norvell build this thing back up,” Rispress concluded.

Shorlty after the departure of Simmons to Duke University in January, Rispress was hired away to the University of Colorado.  He was involved in player personnel at Colorado and was a part of the staff that has the Buffs heading to the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28 against Brigham Young.  It was a signal that the Buffaloes were back after struggling for several seasons.

Florida State University head coach Mike Norvell has completely revamped the program with offensive and defensive coordinators.

https://x.com/Coach2Bless/status/1868683021232275800

Rispress may be brought in to counter the tactics Simmons may employ as the new coach of FIU.  Simmons was announced earlier this month as the new head coach of the struggling Panthers.  Florida State can ill-afford to lose talent to FIU as it is already a highly competitive market to attract athletes.  Rispress brings a rock solid reputation for attracting and signing talent from Florida and across the country.

Rispress came to FAMU after formerly serving as an assistant coach at Gadsden County High School under head coach Corey Fuller.

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Simmons spent this season at Duke University as the running backs coach, helping the Blue Devils to a 9-3 record on the season.  He follows former South Carolina State coach Willie Jeffries, Jackson State’s Deion Sanders, and former NCCU head coach Jerry Mack in an elite group who went from the HBCU ranks to lead FBS institutions. 

Simmons, 44, was hired rather quickly after the firing of Mike MacIntyre after the Panthers fired him for three consecutive 4-8 seasons.  The other name that surfaced as possible head coaches was Tim Harris Jr., the son of legendary south Florida coach Tim Harris.  Harris Jr served as running backs coach at the University of Miami.

Things moved really fast for Simmons

Things have gone fast for Simmons.  Less than a year ago, he was in Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta hoisting the Celebration Bowel trophy was his Rattlers had defeated the Howard Bison 30-26 for the HBCU National Championship.  In reality, until a new champion is crowned on Dec. 14, Simmons is still the reigning head coach of the HBCU national champions in the Celebration Bowl.

Simmons came to FAMU with a mindset to restore the Rattler Football program to its rightful perch.  He not only did that, but won a national championship.  It was FAMU’s first national championship since 1998 and first championship won on the field since 1978.  It was 45 years to the day when Simmons and the 2023 Rattlers won the Celebration Bowl Championship from when Rudy Hubbard and the 1978 Rattlers won the inaugural NCAA I-AA (now FCS) championship in Wichita Falls, Texas.

ESPN reports that Simmons has agreed to a four-year deal with Florida International University.  That would secure his future and afford an opportunity to do much like he had to do at FAMU and previously at Prairie View.  He had to break down the culture and rebuild it at FAMU.  However, at Prairie View, Simmons had to instill a championship culture.  He left the program in a good position that was able to elevate to the SWAC Championship shortly after his departure.

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Simmons joined a small group of former HBCU coaches to become head coach at an FBS program. He is just the fifth man to do so — but the second this week.

Simmons’ hiring comes less than a week after former North Carolina Central head coach Jerry Mack was hired as head coach at Kennessaw State. 

Those moves came fairly close together compared to the previous three former HBCU coaches that got FBS jobs.

Willie Jeffries had a red-hot career at South Carolina State in the 1970s before being hired as head coach at Wichita State.

Jay Hopson coached four seasons at Alcorn State, leading it to back-to-back SWAC championships in 2014 and 2015. After making history as the first white coach in SWAC history he was then hired as head coach at Southern Mississippi. 

And then there was Deion Sanders. The Pro Football Hall of Fame took the HBCU and greater college football world by storm at Jackson State, winning back-to-back SWAC titles in 2021 and 2022. Sanders was quickly hired away to Colorado where he has turned that program around in a matter of two seasons. 

Unlike the previous three coaches Simmons and Mack had to leave the HBCU space to get their goals accomplished. 

Mack spent four seasons at North Carolina Central from 2014 through 2017 before joining Rice and later Tennessee as an assistant before spending a year with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Simmons talked about his decision to leave on top of the HBCU world to take a job as an assistant with a Power Four school. 

“There guys before me that have made similar decisions to leave head coaching jobs at HBCUs to get to that level and try to navigate these these know these waters, of minorities being in positions of leadership,” Simmons told HBCU Gameday’s Vaughn Wilson. “130 plus FBS programs in America, less than 20 are led by hate by minority head coaches. Not saying that it couldn’t be done at FAMU. I have full confidence in myself and my abilities. But again, everything in life is about decisions —  the tough decisions that have to be made. And for me I roll the dice, to make this move.”

Simmons’s dice roll has paid off in less than a year. FIU isn’t a Power Four job, but it is an FBS job — one step closer to what he says his goal is. Hopefully, the next star HBCU coach won’t have to make that move. 

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At Duke, Simmons is the running backs coach for head coach Manny Diaz. Simmons and Diaz had worked together at Middle Tennessee State, so it was a natural fit for Simmons who left FAMU after an HBCU national championship season.

Simmons is known as a program builder. He took over a struggling Prairie View A&M team and made them relevant again in the SWAC. He took over a FAMU team that hadn’t won a championship in over a decade and rebuilt them into a national champion, winning the 2023 Celebration Bowl 30-26 over Howard University.

When Willie Simmons took over the Rattlers, they previously had several consecutive losing seasons. In 2018 when he took over, the Rattlers went 6-5. After that season FAMU would win nine games each of the next three seasons played (with 2020 being canceled due to covid-19). He would end his career with a 12-1 campaign in 2023, with the sole loss to the University of South Florida, an FBS school which they only lost by 14 points. With the exception of one bad quarter, the Rattlers had a legitimate chance to defeat the Bulls.

Simmons has appeared in many venues as a potential head coach on the FBS level. His youth and offensive prowess make him an attractive candidate for several openings at the FBS level. His year of experience at turning around Duke only promotes that further.

Social media is abuzz at Simmons. The FIU Twitter (X) society has Simmons as the first or second choice, with Tim Harris Jr as the other selection. However, as pointed out by Twitter (X) posters, Harris does not have the experience of leading the turnaround of a program.

UCF fans are chiming in on Simmons as well. With the sudden departure of Gus Malzon, the UCF Knights are also looking for a head coach and the former HBCU champion has the attention of some of their fanbase as well. X (formerly Twitter) users have begun their campaigning for Simmons to take the helm of the Knights. Some have mentioned the parallels between the young Simmons and their last successful coach Scott Frost.

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Alabama State also shines among the top five FCS attendance teams, ranking fifth with an impressive average attendance of 18,868. The Hornets’ strong showing highlights the deep pride and commitment of their supporters, further solidifying their reputation as a premier HBCU program.

Within the top 10, two more HBCU schools make a significant impact. Southern University ranks seventh, averaging 18,463 fans per game, while Florida A&M secures the ninth spot with 17,043 attendees. Both schools are celebrated for their rich traditions and dedicated alumni networks, which contribute to their success and vibrant game-day atmospheres.

Beyond the top 10, HBCU programs continue to demonstrate their influence in college football. Norfolk State (average attendance: 14,544), South Carolina State (13,962), North Carolina A&T (13,265), Alcorn State (11,408), and Grambling State (11,334) all rank within the top 20 in attendance. This ranking further showcases the depth and passion of HBCU fandom. These programs consistently draw loyal supporters, fostering strong community ties and preserving long-standing traditions.

The impact of HBCU programs in the FCS is undeniable. Teams like Jackson State, Southern, and Florida A&M lead in attendance. They also represent the heart and soul of college traditions. These schools and their devoted fanbases ensure that HBCU football remains a cornerstone of the sport’s identity. From pre-game tailgates to halftime performances, HBCU fandom is more than just numbers. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and excellence. This spirit continues to captivate audiences across the nation.

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The Lady Rattlers gathered in the FAMU Senate chambers to watch the NCAA Selection Show and were featured on a live feed of the show.  

In several past years, the Lady Rattlers had participated in first round tournament in Gainesville, at the University of Florida.  With the Gators nor Miami Hurricanes being ranked high enough to host, the Rattlers were forced to travel cross country.

“We knew we would hit one of the top seeds and none of the teams in the south were selected to host and ironically, FSU (Florida State) and us are going to the same regional,” said FAMU head volleyball coach Gokhan Yilmas. “We’re excited to play, that’s why we play the season.  We want to be in the NCAA Tournament and it’s going to be a fun match.”

The Nebraska Cornhuskers tout one of the best volleyball programs, facilities and fanbases in the entire country.  The Rattlers and Cornhuskers have only faced once, with the arguably FAMU’s best volleyball team ever defeating the Cornhuskers 3-1 in a historic victory for the HBCU.  At the time, 20 years ago, Nebraska was the No.2 ranked team in the country and the game was in front of a sellout crowd of over 4,100 fans.

FAMU All-SWAC outside hitter Brooke Lynn Watts is excited to be returning to the NCAA tournament for her second time.  “We’re all super excited.  This is my second tournament. I don’t think anybody on the team has been to Nebraska, so the atmosphere is going to be great.  It’s going to be really loud and something we’ll have to adjust to early.  But, I think we’re ready for it and this team is really fun to play with,” Watts said.

Senior middle hitter Isis Williams is appearing in her third NCAA Regional. “I think the kind of team we have with a big senior class..they will be leaning on us.  I’m super, super excited to see al the people are that are going to be there and the overall vibe of the place is going to be amazing,” Williams concluded.

The HBCU champion Rattlers will face Nebraska on Friday at approximately 8:00 PM EST.  

NCAA TOURNAMENT FIRST AND SECOND ROUND SCHEDULE

First Round – Friday, Dec. 6
4:30 p.m. – Miami vs. South Dakota State (ESPN+)
7 p.m.* – Nebraska vs. Florida A&M (ESPN+)
*or 30 minutes following the conclusion of the 4:30 p.m. match, but no sooner than 7 p.m.
 
Second Round – Saturday, Dec. 7
7 p.m. – First Round Winners (ESPN+)

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Burnett passed on Wednesday from injuries sustained in the Magic City Classic on Oct. 26 in Birmingham.  He was pronounced dead by the Jefferson County Deputy Coroner on Wednesday evening at UAB Hospital.

At just 20 years old, it was an even tougher loss for such a young and talented student-athlete.

The Bulldogs rolled into Tallahassee, obviously distracted from the events of the two days leading up to Friday’s game.  Nowhere was it more evident than head coach Connell Maynor.

“I am just glad these young men were able to play today.  The last 48 hours have been extremely difficult.  Hearing the news that Medrick had passed, then hearing that he hadn’t and then finally getting the final news that he had passed was really tough.  I applaud our team for even wanting to play this game at this time,” Maynor said.

The HBCU community showered an outpouring of love on Alabama A&M.  During the fourth quarter, the FAMU announcer called for a moment of silence to salute Medrick Burnett, Jr.  You could hear a pin drop at Bragg Stadium as the fans paid homage.

The game drew over 10,000 fans for an after-Thanksgiving game that could have been even more sparse. With temperatures in the low 50s, drizzles of rain throughout the game, and the biggest shopping day of the year, it was an impressive crowd under the circumstance that most students had returned to their homes to celebrate the holidays with their families.

FAMU would pull off a 28-20 victory in the final game of the season, ending with a 7-6 (5-3 SWAC) record. AAMU would finish the season at 6-6 (4-4 SWAC).

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The Florida Gators have made a change to their 2025 non-conference football schedule, according to a report from 247Sports. The SEC squad will now play another FCS team instead — the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks of the Northeast Conference (NEC).

FAMU and the Florida Gators agreed to an Oct. 11, 2025 matchup back in the spring of 2020 under former VP of Intercollegiate Director of Athletics Kortne Gosha. The agreed payout for the game was to be set at $500,000 according to previous reports.

FBS Schedules currently has two non-SWAC games on FAMU’s schedule — an August 30 date at South Alabama and a visit to South Carolina State on a date to be announced. Earlier this week, North Carolina Central head coach Trei Oliver revealed that the two HBCU programs would be facing each other in 2025. No official date has been announced for that game, however.

Even with the loss of the Florida game, FAMU still has several FBS games upcoming over the second half of the decade. It is scheduled to take on Miami in 2026 and the University of Georgia in 2028. It will also play South Florida and UAB in 2028.

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Game Notes
» Franklin and Dean all rushed for over 100 yards for the Rattlers.
» FlAMU outgained Bethune-Cookman 485-416, including a 305-183 advantage on the ground.
» Florida A&M had their highest scoring quarter in the fourth period when they put up 14 points.
» FAMU converted 6 of 12 third downs while Bethune-Cookman was successful on 8 of 15.
» The Rattlers had three players with more than eight tackles in the ballgame led by Jenkins, who had 12.
» Florida A&M forced one red zone turnover in the contest.
» FAMU won the time of possession battle 35:23 to 24:37.
» Richardson completed 70% of his passes on the day, going 14-for-20 while averaging nine yards per attempt.
» Cam Ransom led the Wildcats passing attack, completing 11 of his 21 attempts for 196 yards and one touchdown with one interception.
» Dennis Palmer led the Bethune-Cookman rushing attack with 178 yards and three touchdowns.

The victory improved Florida A&M’s record to 6-5 (4-3) on the season and marked another successful chapter in the historic rivalry. The Rattlers’ offense showed its explosiveness, accumulating 485 total yards while controlling the clock with over 35 minutes of possession time.

Bethune-Cookman wide receiver and return-man Maleek Huggins did a bit of everything in his first-ever Florida Classic. He opened the scoring for B-CU with a 77-yard punt return touchdown to tie things at 7-7. It was the first return touchdown of his career, and third total touchdown of his Wildcat career. He followed that up with a 56-yard touchdown snag to give B-CU its first lead of the game at 20-17 late in the first half. Huggins finished his night with a team-high seven receptions for a career-high 177 yards – the most in a game by a B-CU WR this year – and the two touchdowns. His previous high in yards was 97 last week at Texas Southern. He was named team MVP.

In a thrilling edition of the Florida Classic, the Florida A&M Rattlers emerged victorious over rival Bethune-Cookman, securing a 41-38 win in front of 56,453 fans at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

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The highlight came during a Florida A&M matchup, where Shaqir drove the baseline, soared past his defender, and delivered a powerful dunk that electrified the court. The play demonstrated O’Neal’s raw athleticism and potential, leaving commentators to remark:

“From the Baseline, Florida A&M’s Shaqir O’Neal—yes, that name sounds familiar—dunks over Micah Johnson. And, for clarification, that is Shaq’s son showing off his skills.” SportsCenter even put a side-by-side of Shaqirs dunk with a similar dunk from his father’s Orlando Magic days.

In his first season with the Rattlers, O’Neal is working to establish himself as a contributor in HBCU basketball. Through four games, he’s averaging 10.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 51.7% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc.

Some of his notable performances include:

• Season-opener at New Mexico: Scored 8 points in a solid debut.
• Game against Creighton: Added 6 points and played a supporting role.
• Performance against Biblical Studies (Houston): Posted a season-high 9 points, showcasing his potential.

While O’Neal has yet to find consistency, moments like his ESPN-SportsCenter-worthy dunk highlight his potential to become a significant player for FAMU.

Carrying the weight of being Shaquille O’Neal’s son, Shaqir is looking to build his own basketball identity. His decision to transfer to Florida A&M, an HBCU with a proud athletic tradition, gives him the opportunity to grow his game and contribute to the team’s success. The dunk that made ESPN’s Top Ten is just one step in that journey.

Shaqir O’Neal’s highlight dunk is a glimpse of what could come as he continues to develop at FAMU. His mix of size, athleticism, and scoring ability makes him an intriguing player to watch, especially in the competitive world of HBCU basketball.

Though still a work in progress, O’Neal has shown he has the tools to make an impact for Florida A&M. If he can turn flashes of brilliance into consistent production, he’ll help elevate FAMU and solidify his own legacy, independent of his famous father’s.

This season will be pivotal for Shaqir O’Neal as he aims to show that he’s more than just Shaq’s son — he’s a player with the potential to make his own mark on the court.

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ORLANDO, Fla. –– In a thrilling edition of the Florida Classic, the Florida A&M (FAMU) Rattlers emerged victorious over rival Bethune-Cookman, securing a 41-38 win in front of 56,453 HBCU football fans at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

Running back Thad Franklin Jr. led the way with a spectacular performance, rushing for 195 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries, including a momentum-shifting 70-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. The Rattlers’ ground game was dominant throughout, as Kelvin Dean added 103 yards and a touchdown, helping FAMU amass 305 rushing yards on the day.

FAMU struck first when Franklin scored on a 17-yard run in the opening quarter, but the Wildcats answered with Maleek Huggins’ 77-yard punt return touchdown. The back-and-forth HBCU football affair saw multiple lead changes, with FAMU taking a 17-7 advantage in the second quarter after Daniel Richardson connected with Jamari Gassett for a 12-yard touchdown pass.

Richardson finished an efficient 14-of-20 for 180 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while Quan Lee led the receiving corps with 79 yards on four catches.

Defensively, the Rattlers were led by linebacker Aric Horne and Nay’Ron Jenkins, who each recorded 12 tackles. Jenkins also added an interception, while Davion Westmoreland registered the team’s only sack.

The game remained tight throughout the second half, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. FAMU’s special teams came up big, with kicker Cameron Gillis converting all five extra points and both field goal attempts, including a crucial 31-yarder late in the third quarter.

The victory improved Florida A&M’s record to 6-5 (4-3) on the season and marked another successful chapter in the historic HBCU football rivalry. The Rattlers’ offense showed its explosiveness, accumulating 485 total yards while controlling the clock with over 35 minutes of possession time in the Florida Classic.

Game Notes
» Franklin and Dean all rushed for over 100 yards for the Rattlers.
» Florida A&M outgained Bethune-Cookman 485-416, including a 305-183 advantage on the ground.
» Florida A&M had their highest scoring quarter in the fourth period when they put up 14 points.
» Florida A&M converted 6 of 12 third downs while Bethune-Cookman was successful on 8 of 15.
» The Rattlers had three players with more than eight tackles in the ballgame led by Jenkins, who had 12.
» Florida A&M forced one red zone turnover in the contest.
» Florida A&M won the time of possession battle 35:23 to 24:37.
» Richardson completed 70% of his passes on the day, going 14-for-20 while averaging nine yards per attempt.
» Cam Ransom led the Wildcats passing attack, completing 11 of his 21 attempts for 196 yards and one touchdown with one interception.
» Dennis Palmer led the Bethune-Cookman rushing attack with 178 yards and three touchdowns.

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North Carolina A&T emerged as a lightning rod for criticism, with alumni and fans lamenting the school’s struggles since leaving the MEAC. “A&T is just SAD!” wrote one commenter. Others pointed to coaching issues and missed opportunities, like a controversial game against Winston-Salem State where luck, not dominance, seemed to favor the Aggies.

“If they hadn’t caught a lucky break from the refs in the last seconds of regulation, the Rams would have actually beaten them, which was never projected to even be a close game,” one commenter theorized. NC A&T is currently 1-10.

Florida A&M, another powerhouse, faced scrutiny for falling short of championship expectations. Once a perennial SWAC contender, fans expressed shock at their decline, with one stating, “What a fall from grace.” While some argued injuries derailed their season, others simply called it a case of poor execution. FAMU is currently 5-5 with two games remaining after losing just five regular season games over the previous three seasons.

Even Division II schools weren’t immune to critique. Johnson C. Smith University drew attention for a season that started with promise but ended in heartbreak. 

“Smith had a good season, but losing two games to inferior teams cost them the CIAA Championship,” one commenter explained. Meanwhile, Fayetteville State and Lane College also surfaced as disappointments, overshadowed by higher expectations.

Commenters highlighted broader concerns about budget constraints, leadership decisions, and the challenges of competing in the current landscape of HBCU football. Jackson State, while not directly criticized for their performance, was praised for successfully navigating challenges where others faltered, serving as a foil to North Carolina A&T’s struggles.

Ultimately, the conversation reflected both passion and frustration among fans, signaling high standards for HBCU football programs and a demand for accountability from administrators, coaches, and players alike.

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Mississippi Valley’s triumph was fueled by a stellar first half, where they built a commanding 24-10 lead. Quarterback Ty’Jarian Williams orchestrated the offense with precision, throwing for 251 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yard strike to Nathan Rembert. Rembert led all receivers with 130 yards on seven catches, while the defense capitalized on key moments, recovering three FAMU fumbles.

Florida A&M, a perennial HBCU powerhouse, struggled to find their rhythm despite outgaining the Delta Devils in total yardage. Levontai Summersett and Daniel Richardson led a late charge, with Richardson connecting on a 39-yard touchdown to Jamari Gassett in the fourth quarter to pull within three points. However, Mississippi Valley’s defense stood firm, forcing a crucial turnover in the game’s final minutes to seal the historic victory.

The win not only snapped the Delta Devils’ winless streak but also highlighted the unpredictability and competitive spirit of HBCU football. It came one week after the team lost teammate Ryan Quinney in a car accident. 

“Ryan, if he were here, he would be out here fighting with us. We know that he would want us to keep going, keep fighting,” Williams said after the game. “We didn’t care about…we had been on a losing streak, we hadn’t won no games. Long live Ryan — #31. 

With this upset, Mississippi Valley State proved that records don’t always define a team’s heart and determination, especially on a stage as storied as Bragg Memorial Stadium. FAMU had not lost in its home stadium since 2018 when it fell to Jackson State.

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After a thorough investigation, SWAC determined that both HBCU programs exhibited unsportsmanlike conduct, leading to suspensions for one player from each team who participated in the altercation. The SWAC office also imposed a $25,000 fine on each university, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a high standard of sportsmanship across all member institutions. In its official statement, the conference emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on unsportsmanlike behavior, underscoring the importance of promoting positive competition within HBCU athletics.

Prairie View A&M Athletic Director Anton Goff expressed disappointment over the incident, describing it as uncharacteristic of PVAMU’s values. “Sportsmanship is a cornerstone of our program,” Goff stated, adding that the university respects the SWAC’s decision and remains committed to fostering respect and accountability within its team. FAMU’s Athletic Director Angela Suggs echoed a similar sentiment, noting that Florida A&M upholds standards of sportsmanship and is working closely with SWAC to address the matter.

The fallout from the altercation has sparked reflection within the HBCU sports community, emphasizing the need for a continued focus on discipline and respect among players and institutions. Both schools, with their rich histories and passionate fanbases, are aiming to turn this incident into a learning moment that aligns with the core values of HBCU sportsmanship. The SWAC’s response reaffirms its dedication to providing guidance and promoting a culture of respect in every athletic contest.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– The Florida A&M (FAMU) Rattlers continue their challenging early season schedule with a crosstown clash against No. 19 Florida State on Monday night, marking the first meeting between these Tallahassee rivals in 20 years. The program’s last encounter came in 2004, with FAMU’s most recent victory in the series being a 73-65 win during the 1994-95 season.

SCOUTING THE MATCHUP
The Rattlers face their second straight Power 5 opponent in FSU, who enters averaging 96.5 points per game while holding opponents to 66.0. The Seminoles have dominated the glass, outrebounding opponents by 14.0 per game and rank 18th nationally with 49.5 rebounds per contest. FAMU must protect the basketball better than in their first two outings, where they’ve averaged 22.0 turnovers against a Seminole defense, forcing 18.5 turnovers per game.

FAMU’s three-point shooting could be key – they rank 10th nationally in three-point percentage (48.1%) but will face an FSU defense holding opponents to just 17.6% from beyond the arc, ranking 35th nationally in three-point defense.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sydney Hendrix leads the Rattlers’ offense at 15.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, shooting 47.6% from the field. D’Mya Griffin has been lethal from beyond the arc, hitting 54.5% of her three-point attempts while averaging 11.0 points. The duo will face a tough challenge against FSU’s Ta’Niya Latson (27.0 ppg) and Makayla Timpson, who leads the nation in rebounding (18.0 rpg).

Point guard Tahnyjia Purifoy (4.5 assists, 3.5 steals per game) will direct the offense against an FSU defense averaging 12.5 steals per contest.

KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Protect the Ball: The Rattlers must reduce their 22.0 turnovers per game against FSU’s aggressive defense
2. Three-Point Efficiency: Maintain their hot shooting from deep (48.1%) to keep pace with FSU’s high-scoring offense
3. Bench Production: Leverage their 20th-ranked bench scoring (39.5 ppg) to counter FSU’s depth
4. Free Throw Improvement: Convert at a higher rate than their current 58.5% at the line
5. Defensive Glass: After allowing 102 points to Florida, FAMU needs to limit Florida State’s second-chance opportunities

The Rattlers will look to bounce back from losses to Howard and Florida as they seek their first win of the season. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. at the Donald L. Tucker Center.

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. –– The Florida A&M (FAMU) Rattlers continue their challenging early-season road swing with a Monday night matchup against the Maryland Terrapins, marking a special homecoming for several members of the FAMU program with DMV roots, including Coach Crarey, Coach Lymas, guard Milton Matthews, and Lenard Taylor.

RETURNING HOME
The DMV homecoming adds extra significance to an already challenging road test. Matthews, who has started both games this season and leads the team in minutes (23.5 per game), will look to find his shooting rhythm after a tough start to the season. The guard is averaging 8.0 points but shooting just 25% from the field, though he’s shown his ability to stretch the floor with 15 three-point attempts through two games.

SCOUTING THE MATCHUP
The Rattlers face their stiffest defensive test yet in a Maryland team that leads the Big Ten and ranks 6th nationally in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 50.5 points per game. The Terrapins have been particularly disruptive on defense, forcing 18.5 turnovers per game while allowing opponents to shoot 32.7% from the field.

FAMU must protect the basketball better than in their first two outings, where they’ve averaged 14.5 turnovers per game. The Rattlers’ three-point shooting could be key – they rank 41st nationally in three-point attempts (31.0 per game) and must improve their 27.4% accuracy from deep.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sterling Young leads the Rattlers’ offense at 15.5 points per game, while Jordan Chatman has been efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 50% of his three-point attempts. The duo will face a tough challenge against Maryland’s perimeter defense, which has held opponents to 27.5% from three-point range.

Inside, Ja’Derryus Eatmon will battle against a Maryland frontcourt that includes Julian Reese and Derik Queen, who have helped the Terrapins outrebound opponents by 13 boards per game.

KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Control the Pace: FAMU must limit Maryland’s fastbreak opportunities (27.5 points per game) and force a halfcourt game
2. Protect the Ball: The Rattlers need to reduce turnovers against a Maryland defense averaging 11.5 steals per game
3. Three-Point Shooting: FAMU must capitalize on their high volume of three-point attempts to keep pace with Maryland’s 82.5 points per game offense
4. Defensive Glass: After being outrebounded by 14.5 per game, FAMU needs to limit Maryland’s second-chance opportunities

The Rattlers will look to bounce back from losses at TCU and SMU as they face their third straight high-major opponent. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Eastern at the XFINITY Center in College Park on B1G+.

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PRAIRIE VIEW, TX – Prairie View A&M University racked up a convincing 31-12 HBCU football victory against Florida A&M University (FAMU) in a pivotal SWAC showdown on November 9, 2024, at Panther Stadium at Blackshear Field in Texas. The Panthers enhanced their season’s record to 5-5, riding high on a wave of strategic plays and standout performances, particularly in the second half.

How It Happened

The game kicked off under sunny skies with the Panthers swiftly establishing dominance. By halftime, Prairie View had carved out a 17-3 lead over the Rattlers, setting the stage for a robust second-half performance. Key contributors included James Burns, Freddie Byrd III, and Lamagea McDowell, who combined for all four of Prairie View’s touchdowns. Burns caught a spectacular 70-yard touchdown pass from Jaden Johnson, while Byrd III turned a critical interception into a touchdown. McDowell sealed the victory with two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter of the HBCU football contest.

The Rattlers’ offense faced adversity early when starting quarterback Daniel Richardson left the game in the first quarter due to injury after completing 8 of 13 passes for 58 yards.

Chase Bingmon paced the Panthers rushing attack by accumulating 68 yards throughout the game, averaging 9.7 yards per carry. Lamagea McDowell also added 43 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.

Jaden Johnson’s most prolific target in the ballgame was James Burns, who caught five passes for 117 yards and one score.

Kevin Davis paced the Prairie View defensive effort, totaling six tackles, one interception, and one recovered fumble. Chester Geffrard added three tackles, 2.0 TFL, and two sacks and Freddie Byrd III had three tackles and one interception in the win.

The Panthers won the turnover battle in Saturday’s game, forcing three turnovers while coughing the ball up one time, with Prairie View A&M turning those takeaways into seven points.

Defensively, Prairie View held up fairly well against the Florida A&M rushing attack, holding the Rattlers to 140 yards on the ground. In part because of that stellar defense, Prairie View A&M runners out-gained their FAMU counterparts 151-140. The Panthers badgered the FAMU passing attack all game long, piling up five sacks and grabbing two interceptions.

Prairie View took a 3-0 lead over FAMU after scoring the game’s first points on the opening drive of the game. Another Panthers score then extended the lead to 10-0.

Florida A&M then grabbed a 12-17 lead, but Prairie View A&M got on the scoreboard again at the 13:22 left mark in the fourth quarter with a two-yard touchdown run to jump back in front 24-12. The Panthers continued to expand their advantage, scoring again to go on top 31-12. Neither team scored again in the game.

Game Notes

» Florida A&M outgained Prairie View A&M 354-344 in the HBCU football contest.
» Prairie View A&M won the turnover battle 3-1 after intercepting two passes and recovering one fumble.
» The Panthers scored first with 11:03 remaining in the first quarter and never trailed the rest of the game on their way to victory.
» Prairie View A&M scored their highest quarter in the fourth period, scoring 14 points.
» Prairie View A&M converted 3 of 8 third downs while Florida A&M was successful on 8 of 15.
» Prairie View A&M forced one red zone turnover in the contest.
» The Panthers ended the game on a strong note, scoring 14 unanswered points to close out the contest.
» Johnson completed 75% of his passes on the day, going 12-for-16 while averaging 12.1 yards per attempt.

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The Rattlers rolled on the field against Texas Southern, winning 52-28, and we have the highlights for you. There’s also no shortage of content in this episode dealing with the Marching 100, the iconic marching band that carries the FAMU banner across the world. We allow viewers the opportunity to hear from FAMU’s first female drum major along with its current and second female drum major Oluwamodupe Oloyede.

As the buzz of homecoming starts to wear down the hype begins to build for the annual Florida Classic versus rival Bethune-Cookman. The Florida Classic will be played on November 23 in Orlando, Florida. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 2:30 pm EST. Our hosts give a taste of what to expect from this year’s game and how the bands approach the competition each season.

Enjoy this week’s episode.

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But for some the only game that really matters during the season is the Florida Classic, which pits FAMU against its arch-rival Bethune-Cookman University. Pro Football Hall of Famer and BCU alum Larry Little joins the show to discuss some of his most heated battles against FAMU as a player and a coach.

We finish off this episode of Rolling with the Rattlers with a thorough discussion surrounding the iconic “Marching 100” at FAMU. Wilson breaks down the impact that the 100 has had on the SWAC during its brief time in the conference. And we take you behind the scenes with Oluwamodupe Oloyede, just the second female drum major in FAMU history.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– Florida A&M University (FAMU) Athletics is pleased to announce a $115,000 gift from Tola Thompson to establish The George & Alice Thompson endowed scholarship, designed to make a major, ever-lasting, positive impact on FAMU Athletics and the student-athlete experience.
 
The endowed scholarship honors Thompson’s parents, George “Godfather” and Alice Thompson, who were both deeply involved with FAMU Athletics.  George Thompson, known affectionately as the “Godfather,” served the department for 49 years as the athletic trainer and equipment manager. His legacy is memorialized in the football locker room, which bears his name. 
 
Alice Thompson, who passed away in 2018, played a pivotal role in supporting student-athletes in the late 80s as a tutor and was the president of FAMU Athletics’ first all-female booster club, “The Tight Ends Club.”
 
“FAMU, and FAMU Athletics means a great deal to our family,” said Thompson. “FAMU has given so much to my family.  My parents, my brother, my sister, and I all got a great education here.  I count it a big honor for me to be able to give back in such a small way. This endowed scholarship is just one way I can say thank you.”

 
“I’m excited about our athletic program and can’t wait to see how future Rattlers will make their mark on our legacy,” Thompson added.
 
“On behalf of FAMU Athletics, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Tola for his generosity and support of our athletics program. This level of commitment exemplifies the immense pride our alumni have in our program,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Angela Suggs. “We are proud to have this fully endowed athletics scholarship, and we hope it will be one of many to come. This gift will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Rattlers to achieve greatness and uphold the proud tradition of excellence at FAMU,” Suggs added.
 
The interest from the endowment will cover the full tuition of one FAMU student-athlete each year and help to ensure that they have the resources they need to succeed both on the field and in their future endeavors.

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The game began with Southern striking first. Kicker Joshua Griffin nailed a 50-yard field goal, putting the visitors on the board early. However, FAMU quickly retaliated with a dynamic punt return from Jamari Gassett, who sprinted 43 yards to the end zone, shifting momentum in the Rattlers’ favor. Gassett’s impact continued into the third quarter when he caught a 53-yard pass from quarterback Daniel Richardson, pushing FAMU’s lead to 14-3.

Southern struggled to keep up offensively, managing only another field goal from Griffin as FAMU’s defense kept the rushing game in check. FAMU’s offense took control in the fourth quarter, with Richardson connecting on a 16-yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Dean. A late 34-yard field goal from Cameron Gillis sealed the victory, widening the lead to a comfortable 24-6.

FAMU’s defense was formidable, limiting Southern to just 205 yards, including a mere 83 through the air, while forcing several punts and effectively ending scoring opportunities. Offensively, Richardson completed 25 of 32 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns, delivering an impressive and efficient performance. The win lifts FAMU’s season record and builds momentum as it aims to capitalize on its undefeated home streak, keeping Bragg Memorial Stadium a fortress.

With this victory, FAMU (4-3, 2-1) continues its historic dominance at home, pushing its streak to an impressive 22 straight wins on its own turf, further fueling aspirations for a strong season finish.

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Vaughn Wilson joins the show to discuss the impact of a new university president, new athletic director as well as a new football coach.  Angela Suggs, the new director of athletics, offers her opinion on the importance of the Florida Classic versus rival Bethune-Cookman. 

It’s not just athletics on this episode, comedian and FAMU alum Roy Wood Jr. tells us about his new show on CNN and hosting this year’s White House correspondents dinner.

The conversation wraps up with a look ahead to the basketball season and a highlight on women’s volleyball

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The fourth quarter saw momentum swing dramatically in Jackson State’s favor. After struggling to move the ball, Jackson State capitalized on a critical mistake by Florida A&M. With 3:34 left in the game, FAMU quarterback Daniel Richardson fumbled on a sack, and JSU’s Phillip Webb scooped it up, returning it 32 yards for a touchdown. The score shifted the game in JSU’s favor, putting it up 28-21.

The pressure mounted for Florida A&M as it attempted to answer back. However, on its next possession, another costly turnover sealed their fate. Richardson completed a short pass to Karter Johnson, but Johnson fumbled, and Jackson State recovered at FAMU’s 18-yard line.

The Tigers quickly took advantage, with Emari Matthews capping off the short drive with a two-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 35-21 with just over a minute remaining.

Florida A&M, which had led 21-20 at the end of the third quarter, struggled to regain any offensive rhythm after those two key turnovers. Despite early success through the air, with Richardson throwing for three touchdowns, FAMU was unable to overcome Jackson State’s aggressive defense in the closing minutes.

Both HBCU squads came in nationally ranked in the AFCA Poll — FAMU 18th and JSU tied at no. 25.

With the win, Jackson State improves to 5-2 on the season, remaining undefeated in conference play, while Florida A&M falls to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in SWAC play. FAMU has lost three SWAC games since switching HBCU conferences from the MEAC — all of them to Jackson State.

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JACKSON, Miss. | Jackson State returns home for the first time in nearly a month, hosting a key Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) contest against No. 18 Florida A&M (FAMU) on Saturday afternoon in what might be the biggest HBCU football game of the year.
 
The game, which kicks off at 2:30 p.m., features a pair of nationally-ranked HBCU football teams as Jackson State (4-2, 2-0 SWAC) comes in this week at No. 25 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll presented by Hudl. The game will be one of three featuring ranked teams this weekend, with all three being conference games.
 
The last time the two teams played in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium came 10 years ago when Jackson State scored on the game’s final play for a 22-17 victory over FAMU. The two have met 22 times since 1961 with Jackson State holding a 12-8-2 lead in the series.
 
Jackson State enters the game as the top-scoring offense in the SWAC and in the top 15 in the country, averaging 35.5 points per game. They are also leading the conference in passing efficiency (169.19), tackles for loss (7.8), and kickoff returns (28.42) – they are also third in the nation in tackles for loss and kickoff returns. Meanwhile, they are in the top three in several other categories entering Saturday including total offense (394.0), scoring defense (24.2), total defense (306.2), rushing defense (120.5), and sacks per game (2.83).
 
Meanwhile, FAMU (3-2, 1-0 SWAC) is ranked in the top three in the SWAC in net punting (39.84) and punt returns (15.25).
 
Game Info – No. 25 Jackson State vs. No. 18 Florida A&M
Saturday, Oct. 19 | 2:30 p.m. | ESPNU | Jackson, Miss.

Game Notes

• Jackson State and Florida A&M have played 22 times with Jackson State holding a 12-8-2 lead all-time since 1961, including a 5-2-1 record all-time in Jackson. The two have met six times in Tallahassee (3-3) and eight times at neutral sites (4-3-1).
• Jackson State has played nine times on this date in history since the mid-1950s, playing against four different teams. The Tigers are 3-6 all-time on this date including winning HBCU football contests against Grambling State, Mississippi Valley State, and Southern. The last time Jackson State played on this date came back in 2019 against Mississippi Valley State, a 31-28 victory.
• Jackson State has played just two teams from the state of Florida in Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M. The Tigers are 20-10-2 including a 6-2 mark against Bethune-Cook­man.
• Jackon State has 10 players on the roster from the state of Florida including Stanley Cooks (Gainesville), Quaveon Davis (Port St. Lucie, Fla.), Xavion Davis (Port St. Lucie, Fla.), Joanes Fortilien (Orlando), Douglas Fowler (Dunnellon), Kai Gadson (Tampa), Marvin Landy (Lakeland), Sebastien Saint-Louis (Boca Raton), Earick Williams III (Hawthorne), and Bruno Zandamela (Clearwater).
• Travis Terrell Jr. and KJ Chisholm were each named honor­able mention performers by Stats Perform National Players of the Week. Terrell recorded 175 all-purpose yards in a 45-38 victory over Alabama A&M in the Gulf Coast Challenge on Sat­urday night in Mobile, earning him Honorable Mention Special Teams recognition. He returned a pair of kickoffs for a total of 113 yards, including a 96-yard touchdown in the opening quarter – his second in as many conference games and weeks. He also returned a pair of punts for 62 yards including one for 44 yards in the contest. Meanwhile, Chisholm finished with three tackles on the night including a pair of solo stops to earn Honorable Mention Freshman recognition. He also recorded a tackle for loss from his cornerback position and broke up a career-high four passes.
• Head coach T.C. Taylor has faced Florida A&M two times as a player and one time as a head coach entering Saturday.

Series History (since 1956)
Jackson State leads FAMU, 12-8-2
First Meeting: Dec. 9, 1961 – Florida A&M def. Jackson State, 14-8
Last Meeting: Sept. 3, 2023 – Florida A&M def. Jackson State, 28-10
Tallahassee: 3-3 | Jackson: 5-2-1 | Neutral: 4-3-1 | Streak: Florida A&M, W1

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Florida A&M University (FAMU) proudly announces alumna and FOX Sports Executive Vice President (Communications) Terri Hines as the keynote speaker for the 2024 HBCU Homecoming Convocation. The event, a highlight of The Experience – FAMU Homecoming 2024, will begin at 10:10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, in the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center, 1800 Althea Gibson Way. The event is free and open to the public.

One of the first persons of color ever to lead a communications division for any Fortune 500 sports media company, Hines is an award-winning marketer, corporate leader, board member and financial supporter of her HBCU, FAMU.

A School of Business and Industry (SBI) graduate during the tenure of the legendary Dean Sybil Mobley, Hines will be recognized for her philanthropy as her name is added to the FAMU SBI Big Board following the convocation.

FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., said Hines is a shining example of the incredible pathways that FAMU graduates blaze upon departing from the Highest of Seven Hills.

“Alumna Terri Hines honed her skills in the FAMU School of Business and Industry and leveraged that training into a phenomenal career at the top of the sports and entertainment industries, developing award-winning campaigns for iconic brands such as FOX Sports, Nike, Jordan Brand, Converse, and Nissan,” said Beard. “We look forward to hearing her inspiring message of triumph and perseverance that will resonate with FAMU students, alumni and friends alike.”

Hines serves as chief spokesperson responsible for leading the development of all communications, brand and social responsibility strategies for the sports television arm of the FOX Corporation. She leads strategic direction, corporate positioning and messaging; is senior advisor on crisis, culture, and social justice matters; and drives brand awareness that promotes, enhances and protects the FOX Sports brand.

Hines said she was honored beyond measure to be asked to address such an auspicious gathering at her HBCU Homecoming Convocation.

“FAMU is the place that raised me, that nurtured dreams and laid the educational foundation from which success was not only an expectation, but a requirement,” said Hines. “It is the place from which legacies are born and a place that I profoundly call home. So, to say, it is an esteemed honor to return to my beloved alma mater as this year’s Homecoming Convocation speaker, would be an understatement. My heart is full, and I look forward to greeting today’s students with a message of hope and inspiration during this most important time in our history.”

The HBCU alum joined FOX Sports in December 2016 following 10 years at NIKE, Inc. As vice president, Global Communications for the Converse brand for six years, she led brand communications, media relations, entertainment, corporate and internal strategies, as well as philanthropy for the Converse brand portfolio worldwide across key markets including North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Hines was an instrumental part of the brand’s billion-dollar growth through successful campaigns including the award-winning Converse Rubber Tracks and the historic launch of the Converse Chuck Taylor II.

The Washington, D.C., native also spent four years as director, Global Communications for NIKE’s Jordan Brand where she led communications and entertainment strategy, corporate responsibility and all brand events supporting the brand’s premium athletic footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. She also led top-notch campaign launches for Jordan’s high-profile athletes including Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Derek Jeter.

Prior to Nike, Hines spent several years at Nissan North America, Inc. in a variety of leadership roles marketing the Nissan and Infiniti brands. She also served as the executive director of the Nissan Foundation. Early in her career, she worked in digital sales for Kodak and in brand marketing for Volkswagen of America.

In addition to her bachelor’s in business administration from FAMU, Hines earned a master’s in communications from American University.

A trusted mentor to many young women in the sports industry and beyond, and a leader in her community, Hines is a National Board Trustee for Boys & Girls Clubs of America; a member of the Board of Directors for The LAGRANT Foundation; a member of the Board of Advisors for The Rape Foundation; a corporate advisor for the UCLA Center for Media, Entertainment and Sports; and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

A resident of Los Angeles, Terri Hines served as an associate producer for the award-winning feature documentary film directed by Nelson George, ‘A Ballerina’s Tale’, based on the journey of American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland, which first premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2015. She is currently working on an untitled book inspired by the legacy of the late women’s college basketball head coach Edwina Qualls.

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Both of those games were in August.  The next week, Sept. 7, FAMU would lose to the FBS No.6 team in the Miami Hurricanes. Following that week, FAMU had their first scheduled bye week. It would then travel to Troy University to play another FBS opponent.

The following week, Hurricane Helene ripped through the Big Bend with a real threat to hit Tallahassee directly.  FAMU then moved its game against Alabama A&M to Nov. 29, six days after the regular season would have normally ended at the Florida Blue Florida Classic.  This would represent the second week off and a blow to the possibility of building momentum.

The Rattlers get a win after an unexpected week off

FAMU would bounce back on Oct. 5 with a SWAC-opening win over Alabama State in Montgomery.  The Rattlers took on the job of homecoming spoilers and left town with a 28-13 win over the Hornets.

Then came what was expected to be their second bye week, Oct. 12.  

The timing of this bye with the way this season has gone is a detriment to the team.  They have yet to build momentum and going into the heart of the SWAC schedule, the team with so many new parts needs some continuity.

With a new head coach, two new coordinators, a new quarterback and several new parts, the Rattlers desperately need continuity heading into Jackson, MS.

The Jackson State offense has grown into one of the top offenses in all of the FCS and HBCU football.  With head coach TC Taylor taking over play-calling duties, JSU is scoring at a prolific rate.  It put up 58 points on Lane College, 33 points on Southern University, 43 points on Texas Southern and 45 points on Alabama A&M.  JSU knows how to score the ball.

FAMU vs JSU has SWAC postseason implications

This week’s game has been elevated to what many consider the top FCS game this weekend, in addition to being a marquee HBCU football matchup.  The Rattlers come in ranked at No.18 in the AFCA poll, while the Tigers enter the poll at No. 25.  It will definitely be a test as the Rattlers visit “The Vet” for the first time in almost a decade.

Fortunately for the Rattlers, the Tigers also had a bye this week.  This will lead to two well-prepared teams entering Saturday’s contest.  It is shaping up on paper to be the HBCU game of the year.  We’ll see if the reigning SWAC Champions can keep their roll going or is TC Taylor and the Tigers ready to take the baton.

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This year is no different.  While Florida A&M has had quite an interrupted season with three off weeks so far and a game scheduled for after the FBFC and Bethune-Cookman hasn’t had the season they expected, none of that matters when that coin goes up, the ball is placed on the tee, and the pigskin is hurled through the air.

The fans battle, the bands battle, families battle…it’s all-out war for those 60 minutes.

However, right before kickoff and right after kickoff, FAMU and Bethune-Cookman are family.  The universities partner for academic success.  When former FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson returned to FAMU after serving President Barack Obama on the NOAA staff, they shared parts of the $30 million grant he brought home with B-CU.  There is a pipeline to allow B-CU students entry into the FAMU College of Law.  There are several collaborations that extend beyond being business partners in the biggest institution-owned HBCU football classic in the world.

The classic is organized by the administration of both schools

B-CU and FAMU administrations combine with Florida Citrus Sports to form the Florida Classic Consortium. That unit makes all of the decisions about the game and all official ancillary events associated with Florida Classic Week.  The consortium represents major parts of the universities as although it is a football game that draws the people to Central Florida, there are a week of events that involve students, alumni, friends and fans.

There is a job fair, massive recruiting by both institutions, receptions, breakfasts, conferences and much more arranged by each school to capitalize off the influx of people who have traveled to Orlando.

The marching bands have their own showcase

On Friday, Nov. 22, Dr. Donovan Wells will display his Marching Wildcats and Dr. Shelby Chipman will do the same with his Marching “100.”  They square up at the Amway Center for one of the largest battle of the band showcases in the country.  High schools from all over the country flock to perform in the structured battle.  It’s a critical function for Wells and Chipman as their fight for the best instrumentalists goes as deep as the scuffle for the best football players.

The FBFC halftime show is the one time everyone at the Florida Blue Florida Classic is sitting still.  There is banter throughout the game and fraternizing under the stands during the football portion.  But, once the first 30 minutes of football are played, all attention is on midfield as the entrance of the drum majors leading two of the best bands in the entire country for a show that never disappoints.

Florida A&M Vice President and Director of Athletics Angela Suggs, far right, and 220 Quarterback Club CEO Dr. Jerrlyne Jackson, left, embrace B-CU head women’s volleyball coach Brittany Williams at a social for the players following their matches on Sunday in Tallahassee at The Lawson Center,

FAMU lends a hand in a time of need

Daytona Beach was flooded last week in the wake of hurricane Milton.  Ahead of the storm, the B-CU volleyball team evacuated to Tallahassee as they had a mid-week game against the Rattlers.  

With campus still uninhabitable, the Rattlers and Wildcats consulted with the SWAC and decided to host their home games for Oct. 13 and 14 in FAMU’s Lawson Center.

FAMU Vice President and Director of Athletics and her staff organized a dual home hosting for Sunday and Monday.  Southern University and Alcorn University would remain in Tallahassee as well, as opposed to their scheduled travel to Daytona Beach.

FAMU pulled out all stops to make it feel like a B-CU home game, besides the obvious orange and green of the Lawson Center arena.  The B-CU hype video was played and the team anthem “Let’s Go Wildcats” blared through the Lawson Center speakers as B-CU was introduced.  It’s something you would never expect from rivals, but FAMU and B-CU are so intertwined that it was what had to be done.

Again, that attitude will not exist for those 60 minutes on Nov. 23 at Camping World Stadium. The Florida Blue Florida Classic will be decided on the field and not before.  Numerous times the team highly-expected to win the game has gone down in defeat.  In the words of former NFL coach Herman Edwards “That’s why they play the game.”

For more information on the Florida Blue Florida Classic, got to FloridaClassic.org

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Jennings would not only be called up but also get five touches in the game. He had a long run of five yards, tallying 13 yards on the day. It was welcome exposure for the HBCU RB who has made his way through rookie camps, training camps, and the practice squad and finally got the opportunity to see time in a real NFL game.

The New England Patriots would lose to CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans, but that didn’t diminish Jennings’ excitement for making his debut in the league.  Jennings becomes the fourth active Rattler on NFL rosters, joining Markquese Bell (Dallas), Isaiah Land (Indianapolis), and recently activated Xavier Smith (Los Angeles Rams).  These four players were brought in under Willie Simmons and developed into NFL-caliber athletes.

Simmons is extremely proud of Jennings.  “If you looked up the word perseverance in the dictionary, you’d probably see a picture of Terrell Jennings.  If anyone knows his story, seeing where he came from and where he is today is truly remarkable.  I’m so proud he’s getting to live out his dream and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for him.” Jennings came to FAMU from Jacksonville where he had to battle for playing time.  

He would show signs of promise during his first three seasons, but it would be his senior season when he came into his own—a mature, leaner. And faster Jennings emerged and was a threat to run up the middle, to run around the end, and as a receiver out of the backfield.  He was a key component in the Rattlers’ 2023 Celebration Bowl Championship.

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