Florida A&M Rattlers at Texas Longhorns

Location: Austin, Texas -- Gregory Gymnasium
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (7:00 PM Central)
Watch: ESPN +

AUSTIN, Texas -- Florida A&M enters its matchup with Texas looking to turn defensive grit into a statement upset, leaning on one of the nation's most efficient hitters and a top-tier blocking unit to challenge the high-powered Longhorns' attack.

1. Blocking: FAMU is Elite—Texas is Not

Florida A&M's most obvious weapon is its dominant blocking presence.

• Team Blocks Per Set: 2.27 (2nd in SWAC, 109th nationally)
• Total Blocks: 257 — tied for 1st in their conference and among the nation's better totals.

Meanwhile, Texas ranks only:

• 178th nationally in blocks per set (2.07)
• 13th in the SEC in blocking

This matchup gives the Rattlers a real chance to disrupt the Longhorn offense at the net.

And leading the charge is star middle blocker Farah Farooq, who is having an All-American–caliber season:

• 31st nationally in hitting percentage (.390)
• 109th nationally in total blocks (119)
• 1st in SWAC hitting percentage

Farooq matches up favorably even against Texas's elite attackers. Any team facing Texas must slow down Torrey Stafford and Cari Spears—few have the personnel to do it, but FAMU actually does.

2. Florida A&M Controls Opponents Better Than Texas Does

Texas has the reputation of a defensive juggernaut, but Florida A&M's numbers are quietly excellent:

• Opponents' Hitting % Allowed: 0.175 ? 26th nationally, 2nd in SWAC

Texas?

• Allows 0.202, ranking 133rd nationally.

This is a massive gap. Florida A&M's defensive discipline forces long rallies, frustration, and errors—an effective formula against a high-octane Texas team that prefers rhythm and quick kills.

If the Rattlers force this match into grind-it-out volleyball, the Longhorns will be uncomfortable.

3. Service Pressure: A Hidden Equalizer

Florida A&M's serving is one of the most underrated strengths in this matchup.

• Team Service Aces: 180 — 3rd in the SWAC, 81st nationally

Texas, in contrast:

• 112 team aces, ranking 329th nationally.

That is a staggering difference.

Against a team like Texas that thrives on perfect first contact, Florida A&M's aggressive serving could throw off passing rhythms, slow down the Texas middle attack, and force predictable sets—giving Farooq and the blockers easy reads.

FAMU doesn't just serve well—they serve with purpose.

4. The X-Factor: FAMU's Defensive Grit vs. Texas's Efficiency

Texas is a high-efficiency attack:

• #1 in NCAA in kills per set (14.88)
• #1 in assists per set (13.93)
• #4 in hitting percentage (.310)

That's elite.

But Florida A&M has already shown an ability to neutralize elite hitters, reflected in its top-30 national defensive efficiency. Texas has not faced many teams with this statistical profile: a team that blocks well and keeps opposing hitters below .180 on average.
FAMU's defensive volume is solid too:

• 257 total blocks (stronger raw output than Texas's 201)
• 1,487 digs, better than Texas's 1,347 despite fewer matches and rallies played

This speaks to a team identity built on grit, grinding, and extending plays. Texas runs fast—FAMU makes opponents play long. Styles make fights, and this style favors Florida A&M.

5. Florida A&M Has the Best Individual Hitter in the Building

Yes—the best hitter in this match is wearing orange and green.

Farah Farooq:

• .390 hitting percentage ? 31st nationally
• Beats Texas's top hitter Ayden Ames (.386)
• Beats Texas's Torrey Stafford (.350)

When it comes to pure efficiency, Farooq is the most unstoppable attacker on either roster.

If FAMU gets her involved early and often, Texas will have to shift blockers—opening windows for LaDonna Trantham (2.96 kills/set) and other Rattler attackers.

Farooq alone is the kind of stabilizing force who can keep FAMU trading punches long enough to force a pressure-filled match.

Final Outlook

Texas will enter as the favorite, but Florida A&M has real, data-backed advantages that few opponents can claim:

• Better defense
• Better serving
• Better blocking
• The most efficient hitter on the court
• A disruptive style that Texas does not enjoy playing against