Florida A&M Rattlers (0-0) - BOXTOROW: 6 - | AFCA: N/A - | STATS: N/A -
Head Coach: James Colzie III (Florida State, 1996
Career Record: 7-5 (2nd Season)
Record at FAMU: 7-5 (2nd Season)
Home: 0-0 | Road: 0-0 | Neutral: 0-0

Howard Bison (0-0) - BOXTOROW: N/A - | AFCA: N/A - | STATS: N/A -
Head Coach: Larry Scott (South Florida, 1999)
Career Record: 22-32 (7th season)
Record at Howard: 18-30 (6th season)
Home: 0-0 | Road: 0-0 | Neutral: 0-0

Series Breakdown
Overall: FAMU Leads, 30-11
First Meeting: FAMU won 9-0 (1933)
Last Meeting:  FAMU won 30-26 (2023)
Streak: FAMU, 2

TV: ESPNU
Radio: Rattler Sports Network

The Orange Blossom Classic
The 2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic will feature a highly anticipated rematch between the Florida A&M Rattlers and the Howard Bison on Saturday, August 30, at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast nationally on ESPNU.

FAMU has participated in the OBC 48 times, compiling a record of 27 wins, 21 losses, and 1 tie. The inaugural game in 1933 featured FAMU defeating Howard University 9–0 in Jacksonville, Florida. The OBC became a prominent postseason event for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from 1933 to 1978. After a hiatus, the classic was revived in 2021 and has since been held annually, with FAMU participating in several editions.

Coaching and Team Outlook
Colzie is joined by offensive coordinator Henry Burris (in his second year) and new co-offensive coordinator Cedric Williams. The trio is joined alongside first-year defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson.

Their blend of continuity and fresh leadership sets up a pivotal chapter for the program. The Rattlers were picked to finish in the SWAC East Division by the league's head coaches and sports information directors.

Returnees and Standouts
FAMU returns several preseason All-SWAC honorees: running back Thad Franklin Jr., offensive linemen Charles Davis and Ashton Grable, edge rusher Davion Westmoreland, linebacker Nay 'Ron Jenkins, defensive back TJ Huggins, plus defensive lineman James Gardner Jr. and defensive back Jameel Sanders on the second team.

This core gives FAMU a sturdy foundation entering Year 2 under Colzie.

Offensive Scheme
The Rattlers' offense will reflect the background of Henry Burris, the former CFL quarterback turned offensive coordinator and QBs coach, and Williams, a highly decorated offensive line coach. Burris and Williams favor spread system that emphasizes balance — quick-hitting passing concepts paired with a downhill run game.

Quarterbacks: The scheme leans on timing and decision-making, making the ongoing QB battle critical.  After a very competitive training camp, RJ Johnson and Jett Peddy competed for the QB1 role with Johnson earning the nod.

Running Game: Florida A&M's running game in 2025 aims to build upon a solid foundation established in 2024, with a trio of experienced backs leading the charge. The Rattlers' ground attack was a significant contributor to their offensive efforts last season, totaling 2,002 rushing yards on 367 attempts, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and 145.3 yards per game.

Thad Franklin Jr., the team's primary ball carrier, led the Rattlers in 2024 with 653 rushing yards on 119 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and contributing 5 rushing touchdowns. Complementing Franklin is Levontai Summersett. Summersett accumulated 497 rushing yards on 66 carries.

Wide Receivers: Goldie Lawrence, a sophomore, added depth in 2024 to the receiving corps with 21 receptions for 251 yards and 1 touchdown, averaging 12.0 yards per catch. His performance against South Carolina State, where he caught 6 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, showcased his potential to make big plays.

Ace Cobb, a junior, emerged as a deep threat with 12 receptions for 250 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 20.8 yards per catch. His ability to make explosive plays downfield added a new dimension to the Rattlers' offense.

Also expecting to earn playing time are Jalen Rogers and Kenari Wilcher. Rogers, a deep threat wide out, played two seasons at Tulane, catching 18 passes for 376 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 20.8 yards per reception. His ability to stretch the field and create big-play opportunities.

Wilcher saw limited action at Illinois over two seasons, totaling eight receptions for 71 yards. Though his production was modest, his size and route-running ability provide depth and versatility in the Rattlers' passing game, particularly in rotation and situational packages.

Tight Ends: Miles Campbell is the veteran anchor of the TE room, expected to contribute to both blocking and passing downs. Under him, Guiseann Mirtil, Lawrence Wright, Andrew Ritter, and Jukil Whitehead bring size and flexibility.

Defensive Scheme
New defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson brings a reputation for aggressive, multiple fronts. He's coached at Power 4 stops (Cal, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech) and has experience blending 3-4, 4-3, and 4-2-5 looks depending on personnel.

Defensive Line: The line will again be anchored by preseason All-SWAC edge rusher Davion Westmoreland, a disruptive force who can line up in multiple spots. Westmoreland's speed and edge-setting ability make him a centerpiece of Thompson's attack. Inside, James Gardner Jr. provides a steady presence as a run-stuffer, creating space for linebackers to blitz and roam. Expect Thompson to use line stunts and twists to collapse the pocket.

Linebackers: In 2024, Jenkins proved his worth as a dynamic playmaker, finishing the year with 73 total tackles, comprising 38 solos and 35 assists, while also adding 3 sacks and 1 interception to his stat sheet. His ability to fill gaps, pursue ball-carriers, and contribute to the pass rush provides valuable flexibility for Thompson's aggressive, multiple-front schemes.
Rounding out the core are experienced transfers Brian Norris and Justice Cross. each expected to bring strong situational awareness and physicality to the unit.

Secondary: T.J. Huggins, a redshirt senior, led the Rattlers' defensive backs in 2024 with 3 interceptions and 7 pass breakups, contributing to a total of 12 solo tackles. His ball-hawking skills and coverage ability were instrumental in the team's defensive schemes.

Jameel Sanders, a redshirt junior, emerged as a key contributor in 2024. Over 12 games, he recorded 41 total tackles (23 solo), including 6.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery. Sanders' versatility and playmaking ability earned him a spot on the 2025 Aeneas Williams Award preseason watch list, recognizing him as one of the top defensive backs in the nation.

Special Teams
Transfers Daniel Porto and Emilio Barcardi will handle the place-kicking duties for the Rattlers, and transfer Booby Engstler and Alexander Davis are the punters. Transfer Carson Wentz is expected to be the long snapper.

Rogers and Wilcher are expected to be the primary punt returners, and Jamal Hailey and Wilcher will likely handle kickoff return duties.

Howard Preview
Howard was picked fifth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's preseason poll, totaled 33 points and even earned one first-place vote. Senior RB Eden James, senior DL Noah Miles, redshirt junior OL Tim Artis Jr. and junior DL Ishaun Abdul-Ali earned first-team All-MEAC honors, while QB Ja'Shawn Scroggins and RB/return specialist Anthony Reagan Jr. were named to the second team.

Senior running back Eden James was one of the Bison's most consistent offensive threats in 2024. He appeared in all 12 games, recording 422 rushing yards on 97 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt, and scoring three touchdowns. James also added 148 receiving yards, giving him 570 total yards of offense. His highlight performances included 107 rushing yards and a touchdown against Hampton, and a career-best 213 all-purpose yards—177 on the ground—against Northwestern.

On defense, senior lineman Noah Miles established himself as a force up front. In 11 games, he collected 35 total tackles, 21 of them solo, while leading the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He also contributed a pass breakup, a forced fumble and a blocked kick, earning him preseason All-MEAC and national FCS recognition heading into 2025.

At quarterback, Ja'Shawn Scroggins showcased dual-threat potential last season. He finished third on the team in rushing attempts with 104 carries, giving the Bison an added dimension in the ground game to complement his passing duties. Graduate transfer Tyriq Starks joins the quarterback room to add depth and experience, though he did not record notable statistics in 2024.

Other names to watch include senior linebacker Judah McJimpsey, a steady presence in the middle of the defense, and underclassmen Zuri Watson (defensive back), Travis Kerney (running back), KD Mosley (tight end) and Antonio Hunter (wide receiver), who are expected to provide depth and competition after limited action last fall.

Together, the mix of veterans with proven production and younger players eager to break through gives Howard a roster that blends stability with opportunity as the Bison prepare for a challenging 2025 campaign.