Date/Time: Saturday, September 13 – 7:00 PM
Location: Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium
Broadcast: SWAC TV | 96.1 JAMZ
Game Theme: ORANGE takeover
 
Game Preview: Florida A&M vs. Albany State
 
A&M will try to steady its season Saturday night when it hosts Albany State at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. as the Rattlers look to shake off an 0-2 start and recapture the form that carried them to a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship a year ago.
 
Back at Bragg
 
The return to Tallahassee is a welcome one. Playing in front of a home crowd offers FAMU a chance to reset and draw on the atmosphere that helped fuel last year's championship run. Colzie emphasized that Bragg Memorial must be a place where opponents feel pressure every snap.
 
Taking Care of the Football
 
Florida A&M has been flawless in ball security — literally. The Rattlers rank No. 1 nationally in both turnovers lost and interceptions thrown, with zero giveaways through two games. That discipline has produced a +0.50 turnover margin, tied for 23rd nationally and third best in the SWAC.
 
For head coach James Colzie III, that stat line isn't just encouraging — it's evidence of a team laying the right foundation.
 
Defense Built on Toughness                                                    
The Rattlers' defense has been most impressive up front. Ranked second in the SWAC and 35th nationally in rushing defense, FAMU is allowing just 121.5 yards per game on the ground, forcing opponents to rely on lower-percentage throws.
 
Linebacker Jason Riles Jr. has been the heartbeat of the unit, sitting second in the SWAC with 5.5 solo tackles per game and tied for the league lead in forced fumbles. His physical presence has set the tone for a defense that has already proven it can control the trenches.
 
In the secondary, Ah'mare Lee has emerged as a playmaker, tied for second in the SWAC in interceptions. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Antonio Camon has provided steady pressure, contributing tackles for loss and a sack to spark the front line.
 
On third downs, the defense has been consistent, ranking top 50 nationally and fifth in the SWAC by holding opponents to a 37.9% conversion rate. That's the kind of situational toughness that wins close games in conference play.
 
Special Teams Shining Bright
 
Special teams are often overlooked, but they have been a weapon in Tallahassee. Punter Bobby Engstler has been among the best in the nation, averaging 45.3 yards per punt — tops in the SWAC and 12th nationally. That kind of field-position control gives the Rattlers a hidden advantage every Saturday.
 
The return game has been steady with Jalen Rogers, who ranks second in the SWAC in punt returns at 6.4 yards per attempt. And kicker Daniel Porto has given FAMU scoring reliability, hitting 75% of his field goal attempts and ranking third in the league with 1.5 makes per game.
 
Offensive Playmakers Emerging
 
Though the overall offensive output is still developing, several bright spots stand out. Running back Jamal Hailey has been a consistent contributor, ranking top five in the SWAC in receptions per game (4.0). His versatility out of the backfield makes him a dual-threat option, capable of extending drives as both a runner and receiver.
 
The Rattlers also rank third in the conference in yards per completion (11.39), showing that when the passing game connects, it has explosive potential. Wide receiver Jalen Rogers has added to that punch with over 13 yards per catch, giving the offense a reliable downfield option.
 
Even in the trenches, the offense has excelled. FAMU ranks second nationally in fewest tackles for loss allowed (4.0 per game) — proof that the line is keeping the unit on schedule and preventing negative plays that derail drives.
Disciplined and Steady
 
Perhaps the most encouraging sign for FAMU is its discipline across the board. The Rattlers rank third in the SWAC in fewest penalties per game (6.0) and average only 53 penalty yards per contest. Combined with their elite ball security, those numbers show a program that doesn't give away free yards or possessions — critical in a conference where margins are often razor-thin.
 
Time of possession has also been a strength. At nearly 32 minutes per game, FAMU ranks third in the SWAC and 32nd nationally. That ball control not only keeps the defense fresh but also wears down opposing defenses — a formula that grows more powerful deep into the season.
The Big Picture
 
Florida A&M's start may not reflect its championship pedigree yet, but the stats highlight a team built for resilience. Elite turnover discipline, a top-tier run defense, one of the nation's best punters, and versatile offensive weapons like Hailey and Rogers provide a blueprint for success once the Rattlers hit their stride.
 
And with conference play approaching, Florida A&M's foundation suggests the Rattlers are far closer to being contenders than their record might indicate.
 
96.1 JAMZ Radio Home for Rattler Football
 
Florida A&M University football fans will have a new way to follow the Rattlers this season. Local station 96.1 Jamz has been named the official radio home of FAMU football, bringing live game-day broadcasts to listeners across the region.
 
The partnership was made possible with the support of the 220 Quarterback Club, a longtime booster organization dedicated to advancing Florida A&M athletics.
 
Four Named to Black College Football Player of the Year Watch List
 
Davion Westmoreland, defensive lineman — In the 2024 season, Westmoreland, a graduate senior, recorded 33 tackles, including 8 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 3 quarterback hurries, with a standout performance in the season finale featuring 5 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2 sacks.
 
TJ Huggins, defensive back — A redshirt junior, Huggins led the Rattlers in 2024 with 3 interceptions and 7 pass breakups. His season stats include 12 solo tackles, 3 interceptions, and 7 passes defended.
 
Nay'Ron Jenkins, linebacker — As a junior linebacker, Jenkins logged 38 solo tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 interception during the 2024 season.
Thad Franklin Jr., running back — The senior running back carried the ball 120 times for 653 yards, scoring 5 touchdowns, and averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2024.
 
Background on the award
 
The Black College Football Player of the Year Award, commonly associated with the Deacon Jones Trophy, honors the most outstanding HBCU football player, based on both past performance and projected impact for the upcoming season. This year's watch list highlights top contenders across HBCU programs.

Finalists will be named after the regular season concludes, and the award winner is typically unveiled during the halftime of the subsequent HBCU Legacy Bowl, which will air live on the NFL Network.
 
FAMU's representation—spanning the defensive line, secondary, linebacker unit, and offense—reflects the depth and versatility of talent across the roster.
 
FAMU's Jameel Sanders Named to 2025 Aeneas Williams Award Preseason Watch List
 
Florida A&M senior cornerback Jameel Sanders has been named to the 2025 Aeneas Williams Award Preseason Watch List, placing him among the nation's top defensive backs in HBCU Division I football.
 
The award, presented by the Chickasaw Nation and administered by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, honors the best defensive back in HBCU football based on on-field performance, athletic ability, and character. It is named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams, a Southern University walk-on who became one of the NFL's all-time greats.
 
Sanders' recognition comes after a standout 2024 season in which he emerged as one of the Rattlers' most reliable defenders. Known for his tight coverage, quick instincts, and ability to make plays in critical moments, Sanders was a key part of a Florida A&M secondary that consistently ranked among the best in the SWAC.
 
The Aeneas Williams Award is entering its fourth year and has quickly become one of the most prestigious honors in HBCU football. The preseason watch list includes only 15 players nationwide, highlighting Sanders' impact and national respect among his peers.
 
Important dates for the award include the announcement of semifinalists on Nov. 4, finalists on Dec. 2, and the winner on Dec. 11. The award will be officially presented at the Aeneas Williams Award Banquet in Oklahoma City on Feb. 10, 2026, in conjunction with the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet.
 
For Sanders, this preseason nod is both a personal honor and a reflection of Florida A&M's continued tradition of producing elite defensive talent. If his senior season matches the level of play he's shown throughout his career, he could very well find himself in Oklahoma City accepting the trophy.
 
Florida A&M well-represented on 2025 Preseason HBCU All-America team
 
Florida A&M is once again proving why it remains one of the premier programs in HBCU football, placing five players on the 2025 HBCU college football Preseason All-America team presented by BOXTOROW. The Rattlers' strong showing is second only to defending national champion Jackson State.
 
Leading the way on offense is running back Thad Franklin, Jr., a graduate student from West Palm Beach, Fla., who returns after a stellar 2024 season. Joining him in the trenches are two standout offensive linemen: Charles Davis, a redshirt senior from Marianna, Fla., and Ashton Grable, a redshirt junior from Gordon, Ga. Their presence up front is expected to anchor one of the most powerful offensive fronts in the SWAC.
 
On defense, Davion Westmoreland, a graduate defensive lineman from Griffin, Ga., earns preseason honors after being a disruptive force for opposing quarterbacks last year. In the secondary, veteran defensive back TJ Huggins, a redshirt senior from Miami, Fla., brings leadership and proven ball-hawking ability to the Rattlers' defensive backfield.
 
Florida A&M also has one player receiving honorable mention: Nay'Ron Jenkins, a defensive lineman who continues to make a name for himself as a rising star in the program.
 
In total, 14 programs are represented among the 30 preseason selections, with the Rattlers cementing their place among the nation's elite HBCU teams. BOXTOROW has named All-America teams since 2007, with voting conducted by national media who cover HBCU football.
 
Grable and Huggins Named to HBCU National Player of the Year Watch List
 
Senior offensive lineman Ashton Grable and senior defensive back TJ Huggins were selected to the HBCU National Player of the Year Watch List.
 
Ashton Grable, Florida A&M, OL, R-Sr., 6-4, 315
 
2025 Stats Perform Preseason All-America third team. … Selected to the 2024 All-SWAC first team, gaining similar honors this preseason. … Anchored FAMU's O-line to a No. 3 ranking in the SWAC in offensive yards per game.
 
TJ Huggins, Florida A&M, DB, R-Sr., 6-3, 185
 
2025 SWAC preseason first team. … FAMU is known for outstanding defensive backs. In 2024, Huggins led the Rattlers in interceptions with three and pass breakups with seven.