Florida A&M Unveils Challenging 2026 Football Schedule

New head coach Quinn Gray faces tough tests against Albany State, South Carolina State, and Tennessee State.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:15am

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Florida A&M University announced its 2026 football schedule, which features several high-profile matchups for new head coach Quinn Gray in his debut season. The Rattlers will open against Gray's former team, Albany State, followed by a potential Celebration Bowl preview against reigning MEAC champion South Carolina State. FAMU will also renew its rivalry with Tennessee State, which has dominated the series in recent years.

Why it matters

The challenging non-conference slate will test Gray's ability to quickly turn around the FAMU program and position the Rattlers as a contender in the SWAC. Matchups against Albany State, South Carolina State, and Tennessee State will showcase FAMU's talent and provide an early barometer of the team's progress under the new coaching staff.

The details

Florida A&M opens the season on August 29 against Albany State, where Gray served as head coach for the previous three seasons. The Rattlers then face South Carolina State on September 6 in the Orange Blossom Classic, a potential Celebration Bowl preview. FAMU will also renew its rivalry with Tennessee State on September 13, a series the Tigers have dominated in recent years. The Rattlers' SWAC schedule includes road trips to Alabama State and Jackson State, as well as a home game against Southern University.

  • The 2026 season opener against Albany State is set for August 29.
  • The Orange Blossom Classic matchup with South Carolina State will take place on September 6.
  • The rivalry game against Tennessee State is scheduled for September 13.
  • FAMU will travel to Alabama State on October 10 and Jackson State on October 17.
  • Southern University will visit Tallahassee on October 31.

The players

Quinn Gray

The new head coach of Florida A&M University, who previously served as the head coach at Albany State.

Chennis Berry

The head coach of South Carolina State University, the reigning two-time MEAC champion and winner of the 2025 Celebration Bowl.

Tennessee State

The longtime rival of Florida A&M, having beaten the Rattlers in the last six matchups between the two teams.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The challenging non-conference schedule will provide an early test for new Florida A&M head coach Quinn Gray, as he looks to quickly turn around the program and position the Rattlers as a contender in the SWAC. Matchups against Albany State, South Carolina State, and Tennessee State will showcase FAMU's talent and give an early indication of the team's progress under the new coaching staff.