Date/Time: Saturday, September 6 – 6:00 PM ET
Location: Schellenberger Field – Boca Raton, Fla.
Broadcast: ESPN+ | Rattler Sports Network

Game Preview: Florida A&M at Florida Atlantic

The Florida A&M Rattlers travel to Boca Raton this weekend with an opportunity to make a statement against Florida Atlantic. While FAU plays at the FBS level, the matchup highlights two programs in very different places: the Owls are under a brand-new head coach still searching for an identity, while the Rattlers bring in one of the most experienced rosters in HBCU football, led by a defensive unit that already ranks among the best in the nation

FAMU's 2025 campaign opened with a hard-fought loss to Howard in the Orange Blossom Classic, but the performance also reinforced the program's defensive pedigree and potential to contend once again for a SWAC championship. Against FAU, the Rattlers once again step into a showcase game — one that could send a clear message to the rest of the country that FAMU is ready to battle toe-to-toe with higher-division competition.

Head Coach James Colzie III: Building a Defensive Identity

Now in his second full season as head coach, James Colzie III has continued the proud defensive tradition at FAMU. Since joining the program in 2022, Colzie has helped oversee a defense that has consistently ranked among the top 25 nationally in multiple categories.

Strength on Defense: A Top-15 National Unit

The numbers speak volumes: FAMU ranks 14th nationally in total defense. The Rattlers have depth at every level, starting with the defensive front.

Davion Westmoreland (DL) – A preseason All-SWAC selection and NFL prospect, Westmoreland sets the tone with his size and quickness off the edge. Nick Dimitris (DT) and Cameron Donald (DT) anchor the middle, combining size (both near 300 pounds) with experience.

Nay'Ron Jenkins (LB) – Another preseason All-SWAC pick, Jenkins is a tackling machine and vocal leader of the linebacker corps.

TJ Huggins (DB) – A senior cornerback with size (6-3) and athleticism, Huggins headlines a secondary that allowed the 28th-fewest passing yards in FCS last season.

This defense thrives on disruption and discipline. While FAU's quarterbacks combined for over 270 passing yards in their opener, they also threw six interceptions — an area where FAMU's ball-hawking secondary is primed to capitalize.

Offensive Potential: Ground Game and Young Quarterback

The Rattlers' offense is built around balance and physicality, with a powerful offensive line and versatile skill players.

Quarterbacks: Sophomore RJ Johnson III showed poise in his first start, passing for 183 yards with no interceptions. His ability to spread the ball to multiple receivers — including Jalen Rogers (4 receptions, 51 yards) and Kenari Wilcher (2 receptions, 40 yards) — gives FAMU an emerging aerial threat.

Running Backs: The duo of Thad Franklin Jr. and Levontai Summersett offers both power and agility. Franklin, a preseason All-SWAC first-team selection, can wear down defenses, while Summersett averaged over 4 yards per carry in the opener.

Offensive Line: Few units in the SWAC are as experienced. Preseason All-SWAC picks Charles Davis and Ashton Grable, alongside veterans like Elijah Philippe and Chris Williams, form a wall up front. This group gives FAMU a chance to control the line of scrimmage against an FAU defense that ranks just 66th in rushing defense and 112th in passing yards allowed. If the line establishes early dominance, Johnson and the backfield could find plenty of room to work with.

Special Teams: A Hidden Advantage

Special teams may tilt this matchup. FAMU ranks 25th nationally in kickoff returns and inside the top third for punt returns. Bobby Engstler, gives the Rattlers consistency and the ability to pin opponents deep. In the Orange Blossom Classic, he averaged 46.7 yards per punt, including pinning the opponent within its 20-yard line twice.

Daniel Porto adds reliability in the kicking game, giving FAMU confidence in close-score situations. He went 3-for-4 with a long of 37 in the OBC. Meanwhile, FAU sits in the bottom half nationally in both punt returns and net punting, making this a clear opportunity for the Rattlers to gain an edge.

Keys to Victory
Dominate Defensively: If the Rattlers continue their top 15 defensive form, they can frustrate FAU's quarterbacks and force turnovers.

Control the Clock: FAMU ranks 20th nationally in time of possession, a stat that can keep FAU's offense on the sidelines and wear down their defense.

Win Special Teams: Field position and hidden yardage could be decisive; the Rattlers' edge here is significant.

Protect the Football: Johnson's clean game against Howard (no interceptions) must continue. Winning the turnover battle will be critical against an FAU team ranked dead last in turnover margin.

Historical Context: Looking to Flip the Script

The series history is short — just one prior meeting, a 38-8 FAU win in 2004. FAMU has an experienced coaching staff, and one of the most respected defenses in FCS football. FAU, meanwhile, is still adjusting under first-year head coach Zach Kittley, who dropped his debut last week.

Final Outlook

This is more than just Game 2 of the season for Florida A&M — it's a chance to show that the Rattlers' championship culture travels beyond the SWAC. With a dominant defense, a powerful offensive line, and a knack for winning the hidden battles of special teams and turnovers, FAMU is well-positioned to compete — and even come away with a signature win.

Rattler Nation should expect a hungry, disciplined, and confident team to take the field in Boca Raton. If FAMU plays to its strengths, the Orange and Green could very well leave South Florida with a program-defining victory.

Florida Atlantic Owls

Florida Atlantic (0–1) opened its 2025 campaign with a tough 39–7 loss on the road at Maryland.

Offensive Outlook
The passing game showed volume and potential. QB Caden Veltkamp completed 30 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown, finding his rhythm with short and intermediate throws despite four interceptions

Wide receiver Easton Messer was a workhorse, hauling in 15 receptions for 87 yards, while WR Asaad Waseem provided the game's highlight for FAU with a 27-yard touchdown grab among his 70 yards receiving. The run game was led by Gemari Sands (44 yards, 4.9 avg.), who showed burst with a long of 23.

Defensive Outlook
Though the defense gave up points in bunches, Leon Hart Jr. anchored the unit with 11 total tackles (6 solo), while Terez Reid added 5 stops and a pass breakup. The Owls forced Maryland into just 5-of-17 third-down conversions, showing their ability to get off the field when in favorable situations.

Special Teams
Returner Jayshon Platt provided a spark, averaging 23.3 yards per kickoff return with a long of 35, helping flip field position. Punter Logan Lupo was solid, averaging 40.5 yards on his two punts.

Outlook
While turnovers (six interceptions) ultimately derailed their upset bid, the Owls outgained Maryland in first downs (23–22) and controlled the ball for over 30 minutes.