Florida A&M head coach Charlie Ward has announced a sweeping overhaul of his men’s basketball roster, bringing in nine new athletes for the 2026‑27 campaign. The incoming class blends high‑school prospects, junior‑college standouts and transfers from the NCAA portal, signaling an aggressive push to reshape the team’s identity.
Roster Revamp Aims for Immediate Impact
Among the returning pieces, guard Antonio Baker Jr. remains the most experienced option, having posted a 9.9‑point average last season and finishing the year with 13.3 points over the final eight games. His steady presence provides a foundation for a squad that finished 14‑17 overall and reached the SWAC tournament semifinals under Ward’s first year.
The Rattlers closed the previous season with an 11‑7 record in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, a promising showing that set the stage for a rebound. Ward’s leadership helped the team secure a competitive conference slate despite the overall record.
New Additions and Their Profiles
The new signings bring a mix of skill sets. Chandler Davis, a 6‑foot‑5 guard from Hillsborough College, arrives after averaging 21.4 points, pulling down eight rebounds and dishing out 3.9 assists while shooting 43 percent from the field. Jayden Joseph, a 6‑foot‑2 guard from Gillion Academy, contributed five points per game alongside 1.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Both players are expected to add depth in the backcourt.
In the frontcourt, 6‑foot‑11 big men Tuscan Onuoha and the potential addition of Miles Ndalama could anchor the paint, provided they receive an NCAA waiver that would allow them to remain eligible. Their size and experience could prove pivotal in upcoming matchups.
The roster also welcomes other newcomers such as Jaden Kempson, Ralph Martino Jr., Alex Montes, Ja'Quavis Willford, Jakub Lomicka, Assane Mbaye, Joel Mokweza and Gerald Thomas, each bringing diverse backgrounds and skill sets that Ward hopes will translate into a more dynamic style of play.
With a blend of fresh talent and proven returners, the Rattlers aim to translate early‑season momentum into a competitive run in the SWAC and beyond. The upcoming season will be a litmus test for Ward’s vision of a faster, more versatile team.