Rattlers appoint Isaiah Knowles as 2026 starter
Florida A&M announced that Isaiah Knowles will take the reins as the Rattlers’ starting quarterback for the 2026 campaign, a move that caps a rapid rise for the graduate transfer. Knowles arrives after two seasons in which he was named SIAC Offensive Player of the Year, led Albany State to a Black College Football National Championship in 2025, and amassed more than 5,000 passing yards with 50 touchdowns.
His journey to Tallahassee began in January when he followed head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. from Albany State to FAMU. The transition also sets up a narrative‑rich season opener on August 29, when the Rattlers will host the team where Knowles earned his accolades.
Season opener and offensive vision
The Rattlers will open the season against Albany State, a matchup that pits Knowles against his former program. Head coach Gray plans to run an uptempo, Gulf Coast‑style offense that leverages Knowles’s dual‑threat skill set, aiming to maximize the aggressive play‑calling that defined his tenure at Albany State.
Beyond the field, Knowles is pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies at FAMU and will wear jersey number 6, a tribute to his legacy with the Golden Rams. The quarterback room also includes freshman Armond Parker, as well as graduate students Dustin Fletcher and James Hayes, who will provide depth and competition throughout the season.
Depth chart and future outlook
In addition to Knowles, the Rattlers will rely on the experience of Dustin Fletcher and James Hayes, while Armond Parker brings fresh energy as a freshman. The coaching staff believes the blend of veteran savvy and youthful talent positions FAMU to compete strongly in the upcoming schedule, which includes road tests in Tampa and Miami Gardens before returning home to Tallahassee.