The Florida A&M football program has long been examined for its academic standing, but the recent spring 2026 semester brought a turnaround that could redefine its narrative. The team recorded a 3.05 cumulative GPA, up from 2.57 the prior fall, signaling a measurable shift in student‑athlete performance.
A Record GPA
Forty‑one players earned academic honors, with four achieving a perfect 4.0 and landing on the Presidential List. Seven more secured Dean’s List status with GPAs between 3.5 and 3.99, while thirty others made the Honor Roll with scores from 3.0 to 3.49. This distribution reflects a depth of scholarly achievement across the roster.
The academic push coincides with NCAA Level‑Two sanctions that currently bar the team from postseason play in 2026. FAMU has met the governing body’s Academic Progress Rate requirement only twice in nineteen attempts, making the recent GPA surge a critical factor in avoiding further penalties.
Leadership and Legacy
At the helm of this transformation is Quinn Fordham Gray Sr., hired as head coach in December 2025. Under his guidance, the program has begun to align athletic ambition with academic rigor, a balance that could determine whether the team rebounds to championship contention or remains constrained by its historic academic challenges.
The roster’s academic accolades include a diverse set of student‑athletes such as Wyatt Crosby, Jaden Outar, Vinh Quain, Kyjuan Taylor Jr., Luke Collins, Jeremy Fishkin, Ryan Hall, James Hayes, Darrick McGhee, Corey Petty, Justin Squire, Emilio Bacardi, Armand Burris, Camarion Bush, Jordan Davis, Maliek Denmark, Jamal Hailey, DeRodrick Hepburn, Johnny Hutton, Isaiah Knowles, Jaquan Lee, Caleb McKenzie, Adrien Medine, Isaiah Morrison, Armond Parker, Gabriel Perez, Xavier Perkins, Porter Peterson, Willie Queen, Mazio Randall, Jayquan Ried, Andrew Ritter, Anthony Rosier, Levontai Summersett, Tyreik Thorpe, Gunnar Trout, Felipe Velandia, Dion Villiers, Myron Ward, Joseph Young, and Tamez Young. Their collective performance illustrates a culture shift that extends beyond the field.
Looking Ahead
If the upward trajectory continues, the program could leverage its improved academic profile to negotiate more favorable NCAA standing and reclaim a place in the championship conversation. The next semesters will test whether this momentum translates into sustained excellence both in the classroom and in competition.