Florida A&M Announces Tradition-Rich, High-Profile 2026 Football Schedule

Florida A&M unveiled a challenging and tradition-rich 2026 football schedule that blends classic rivalries, national showcases and a balanced mix of home and road tests, positioning the Rattlers for a high-profile fall in head coach Quinn Gray Sr.’s first full season at the helm.

The Rattlers will open the season at home on Aug. 29 against Albany State in Tallahassee, setting the tone for a schedule that features nine games in the state of Florida, including two of the most storied events in Black college football.

Florida A&M will travel south on Sept. 5 to face South Carolina State in the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami, renewing a matchup steeped in history on one of the sport’s most recognizable stages. Four days later, the Rattlers remain in Miami for a midweek showdown at Miami on Sept. 10, giving FAMU an early opportunity to test itself against an FBS opponent.

The home slate intensifies beginning Sept. 19, when Tennessee State visits Bragg Memorial Stadium, marking another chapter between two historic programs. Conference play begins at home on Sept. 26 against Alabama A&M before the Rattlers enjoy a bye week on Oct. 3.

Florida A&M then hits the road for a demanding two-game stretch, traveling to Alabama State on Oct. 10 in Montgomery and Jackson State on Oct. 17 in Jackson, Mississippi.

The Rattlers return home for back-to-back contests on Oct. 24 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Oct. 31 versus Southern, giving FAMU a chance to build momentum late in the season in front of the Orange and Green faithful.

November begins with a road trip to Alcorn State on Nov. 7 in Lorman, Mississippi, followed by a home finale against Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 14 in Tallahassee.

The regular season concludes on Nov. 21 with the Florida Classic against Bethune-Cookman in Orlando, the most anticipated rivalry game in HBCU football.

Season ticket information will be released at a later date.