FAMU football 2025 schedule: 5 biggest tests for the Rattlers this season
The Rattlers' 12-game regular season schedule features top HBCU football teams, the defending Black College National Champions, and other heated rivals.
The 2025 season kicks off when second-year head coach James Colzie III's Rattlers take on the Howard Bison at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium for the Orange Blossom Classic on Saturday, Aug. 30.
If FAMU football prevails in the crucial contests 2025 presents, it could prime the program for a run at the Southwestern Athletic Conference and Celebration Bowl this December or even the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
Let's look at FAMU's most pivotal games this fall.
Week 1: vs. Howard (in Miami), Aug. 30
Week 1's Orange Blossom Classic is a rematch of the 2023 Celebration Bowl, when FAMU, of the SWAC, defeated the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's Howard 30-26 to claim the Black College Football National Championship.
However, this year's Rattlers versus Bison matchup is far from its previous HBCU title game meeting.
It's a game where Colzie can have his first look at his second FAMU team and his offseason recruiting efforts while playing against one of HBCU's household names.
The Rattlers' quarterback battle could be settled in the season opener as FAMU has welcomed a handful of signal callers, such as Tyler Jefferson, RJ Johnson III, Jett Peddy, and others.
Week 5: vs Alabama State, Sept. 27
FAMU football opens its SWAC schedule with a Week 5 home duel versus Alabama State.
And when the Rattlers and Hornets meet, it's typically a competitive game. Last year, FAMU spoiled Alabama State's homecoming 28-13.
FAMU will likely be placed in a late-game situation versus Alabama State, where it will find out how it reacts in a down-to-the-wire situation.
The Alabama State defense could also be FAMU's offense's biggest test, as the Hornets generally have one of the best units in the FCS.
Week 7: vs North Carolina Central, Oct. 11
Taking a quick break from SWAC play, FAMU will have an HBCU football blueblood and former MEAC foe, North Carolina Central, in town.
NCCU has been one of Black College Football's top teams in recent years. The Eagles won the 2023 Celebration Bowl and appeared in the 2024 FCS playoffs.
Last season, the NCCU Eagles were one win shy from representing the MEAC in the Celebration Bowl, losing out on the opportunity to South Carolina State.
The Rattlers and Eagles haven't met since 2019. FAMU won that game 28-21.
And in 2025, after a six-year matchup hiatus, FAMU football has a chance to score a signature victory over one of HBCU's best.
And to make the FAMU versus NCCU even spicier, the Rattlers' co-offensive coordinator Cedric Williams and running backs coach Kevin Maurice were previously on the Eagles staff before joining the Rattlers this offseason.
Week 9: at Southern, Oct 25
FAMU versus Southern.
One of HBCU football's best rivalries.
The Rattlers will head to Baton Rouge to battle the Jaguars this time. And FAMU will be fresh off its homecoming game versus Alcorn State the previous week.
FAMU defeated Southern 24-6 last season, but the final score didn't dictate how close the game was.
In recent FAMU versus Southern games, the Rattlers have scraped by the Jaguars. The last time FAMU traveled to Southern, the Rattlers outlasted the Jaguars 26-19 in a back-and-forth game.
Southern is the defending SWAC West division champion. A win for FAMU could mean well for its chase for a SWAC and HBCU title.
Week 10: vs Jackson State, Nov. 1
FAMU versus Jackson State can make or break a season.
Since joining the SWAC in 2021, the winner of FAMU versus JSU has moved on to represent the SWAC in the Celebration Bowl. The Rattlers are 1-3 versus the Tigers since realigning to the SWAC, most recently losing at the JSU Tigers 35-21 last season.
After defeating FAMU in 2024, JSU claimed the SWAC and Black College National Championship.
If history is an indicator, FAMU trouncing the defending HBCU champions and brewing rivals could have the Rattlers on track to play in December's SWAC Championship game and Celebration Bowl.
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.
Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK
Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m.
Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC/at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium), 4 p.m.
Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central, 3 p.m.
Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m.
Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC)
Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m.
Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m.
Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC), 3 p.m.
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 schedule: 5 biggest challenges ahead for Rattlers
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