Football

FAMU Rattlers Gear Up for 2026 Season with New Coach and Key Players at SWAC Media Day

Coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr., quarterback Isaiah Knowles and edge rusher Antonio Camon Jr. headline the team's preseason media event.

The Florida A&M Rattlers are gearing up for a crucial 2026 campaign after finishing the 2025 season with a 5‑7 record, their first losing record since 2017. An NCAA Level II postseason ban tied to academic progress rate concerns means the team will be limited to a 12‑game regular schedule, but every game will still be broadcast live.

SWAC Media Day Highlights

At the recent SWAC Media Day, head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. joined senior quarterback Isaiah Knowles and edge rusher Antonio Camon Jr. to discuss the team’s outlook. Gray, who previously coached Knowles at Albany State, highlighted the chemistry that helped the pair secure back‑to‑back Offensive Player of the Year honors in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

The Rattlers open the season on August 29 against Albany State, a matchup that rekindles a rivalry that produced a SIAC title and a Division II Black College Football National Championship in 2025. All of FAMU’s games will be televised, giving fans across the country a chance to follow the squad’s progress.

Gray’s return to Tallahassee brings a sense of continuity and ambition. He was instrumental in convincing Camon, who initially entered the transfer portal, to stay and lead a defensive unit that recorded four sacks last season. Both players hail from Tampa, adding a local flavor to the roster.

Beyond the on‑field storylines, the team’s preparation reflects a broader push to restore the program’s national standing. With a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, the Rattlers hope to turn the page from last year’s setbacks and contend for a conference title.

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