Florida A&M opened its 2026 campaign with a 20‑7 victory over Albany State, a performance that highlighted both an early offensive spark and a suffocating defense.
The Rattlers struck first on their second drive when quarterback Isaiah Knowles connected with receiver Corey Petty on a one‑handed catch that capped a swift march into the end zone.
Later in the first quarter, on fourth‑and‑goal, Knowles found Jaquan Lee for the team’s opening touchdown, pushing the lead to 7‑0.
Defensive Masterclass
The defensive line set the tone early, generating pressure that resulted in a sack and a blocked punt, while the secondary limited Albany State’s rushing attack to just three yards.
At halftime, Jimmy Dawson’s pass rush forced a sack on Knowles, keeping the score unchanged and underscoring the Rattlers’ control of the line of scrimmage.
After the break, Florida A&M added two field goals before extending the lead with another touchdown, as Simion Hines’s timely block of a field‑goal attempt preserved the shutout early in the second half.
Albany State managed a late score, but the Rattlers’ defense held firm, finishing with a clean sheet and a 1‑0 record heading into a much‑anticipated clash with South Carolina State in the Orange Blossom Classic.