FAMU football 2025 season: 5 new stars who will rise for the Rattlers this year
That means new stars will soon be born for Florida A&M during its 12-game regular season schedule, which starts with the Howard Bison at Miami's Orange Blossom Classic on Saturday, Aug. 30.
The Rattlers have players that've never gotten any preseason or postseason Southwestern Athletic Conference recognition, but have the potential to shine this year.
Here are some FAMU football players who could become fan favorites and top players for the Rattlers.
Levontai 'Bo' Summersett, Running Back, Redshirt Sophomore
Bo Summersett was FAMU's second-leading rusher last season behind Preseason All-SWAC First Team running back Thad Franklin Jr.
In 2024, Summersett had 66 carries for 497 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The rising redshirt sophomore averaged an impressive 7.5 yards per carry last year.
Since Franklin is returning, Summersett may not be the Rattlers' leading ball carrier this season. However, he could continue to cement himself as the next FAMU star running back for when he becomes an upperclassman in 2026.
Goldie Lawrence, Wide Receiver, Sophomore
Entering this season, FAMU lost its top three receivers in Jamari Gassett to graduate, and Quan Lee and Koby Gross to the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Goldie Lawrence was fourth in receiving production for the Rattlers last year, with 21 catches for 251 yards and a touchdown in 11 games after transferring to FAMU from Florida State.
Lawrence, at 6-foot, 190 pounds, is the most game-experienced receiver on the FAMU roster, and will likely command attention from opposing defenses.
Antonio Camon, Defensive Lineman, Redshirt Sophomore
Antonio Camon didn't get much playing time with the Rattlers last season after transferring from the Power Four ranks at Pitt.
But big things are expected for the rising redshirt sophomore.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound pass rusher performed well during spring practice and earned a starting spot on the Rattlers' ever-changing depth chart. Furthermore, Camon collected a few sacks during FAMU football's Orange and Green Spring this April.
Nick Dimitris, Defensive Lineman, Redshirt Senior
Nick Dimitris could play a prominent role in replacing FAMU's former All-SWAC defensive tackle James Ash, who transferred to Auburn.
At 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, Dimitris didn't get much run last season after joining the Rattlers from the UNLV Runnin' Rebels.
However, his measurables and offseason progression could place him in a prominent role for the Rattlers as they look to correct their run defense this season.
Brian Norris Jr., Linebacker, Graduate Student
Brian Norris Jr. was one of FAMU football's biggest gets out of the transfer portal last season.
But after suffering a season-ending injury during training camp, the former South Florida Bulls linebacker never got an opportunity to play in 2024.
Norris has returned to the field and participated in FAMU's spring practice this year.
Norris isn't the typical FBS-to-FCS transfer. He got some playing time at USF, tallying 47 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in 34 games from 2019 to 2023.
Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule
Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium), 4 p.m., ESPNU
Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., ESPN Plus
Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State, 7 p.m., SWAC TV
Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK
Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO
Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC/at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium), 4 p.m., SWAC TV
Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central, 3 p.m., HBCU GO
Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m., ESPN Plus
Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC), 5 p.m., SWAC TV
Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m., ESPN Network
Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO
Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TV
Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium)
Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary)
Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary)
Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary)
Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game at Nashville's FirstBank Stadium (If Necessary)This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football 2025 season: Goldie Lawrence, others on track to stardom
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