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Miami Herald
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
FCS football likely moving to 12 game schedule
FCS football programs, including many HBCU schools, are one step closer to expanding their regular-season schedule to 12 games starting in 2026. The NCAA FCS Oversight Committee recently approved a key recommendation that would make the 12-game schedule standard every year. What's Changing for FCS Football? Currently, FCS football teams play either 11 or 12 games depending on the calendar. When there are 13 weeks between Labor Day weekend and the FCS playoff selection show - typically aired the Sunday before Thanksgiving - teams are allowed to play 12 games. In years with only 12 weeks, teams play 11. Under the new proposal, FCS programs would shift to a consistent 13-week schedule. The season would begin annually on the final Thursday in August, giving teams the opportunity to play 12 regular-season games every year. Why the Change Matters for HBCU football The committee cited the importance of aligning FCS football with FBS standards. FBS teams have played a consistent 12-game schedule since 2006, regardless of calendar shifts. "Standardizing the start date and number of contests in FCS football enhances the overall experience and provides FCS football student-athletes with the opportunity to participate in the same number of regular-season contests as FBS football student-athletes, regardless of the calendar year," the committee stated in its report. Impact on HBCU Football Programs This change will have a significant impact on HBCU football programs, many of which compete at the FCS level in conferences such as the SWAC and MEAC. These programs often build their schedules around major classics, rivalry games, and revenue-generating matchups against FBS opponents. A guaranteed 12-game schedule every year could offer more flexibility for: Scheduling marquee events like the Bayou Classic, Florida Classic, and Magic City ClassicIncreasing revenue opportunities through additional home games or high-profile matchupsEnhancing exposure and recruiting by ensuring more consistent national and regional visibility This change could also help level the playing field, allowing HBCUs more chances to match the scheduling advantages already enjoyed by FBS and some FCS peers. What Happens Next? The final decision will be made at the upcoming NCAA Division I Council meeting next month. Approval is expected, which would make the 12-game FCS football schedule official starting with the 2026 season. The post FCS football likely moving to 12 game schedule appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
FAMU football to open 2025 season with ESPN games vs Howard, FAU
Florida A&M football will begin its 2025 season with two nationally-televised games. The Rattlers' Week 1 game versus Howard in the Orange Blossom Classic will be on ESPNU, with a start time scheduled for 4 p.m. at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. Advertisement This year's Orange Blossom Classic marks FAMU's return to the historic HBCU football game after the Rattlers opted out of game in 2024. The Rattlers last played in the Orange Blossom Classic in 2023, beating the Jackson State Tigers, 28-10. North Carolina Central and Alabama State played in the 2024 Orange Blossom Classic. The FAMU versus Howard Orange Blossom Classic matchup is a rematch of the 2023 Celebration Bowl, the de facto Black College National Championship game. FAMU thrillingly outlasted Howard 30-26. The Orange Blossom Classic is also a homecoming for second-year FAMU head football coach James Colzie III, a Miami native. Dec 16, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers offensive lineman Kardell Thomas (58) talks to Howard Bison defensive lineman Jamel Stewart (96) in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports In Week 2, FAMU travels to Boca Raton to face Football Bowl Subdivision team Florida Atlantic Owls on Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium. That game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start and will be carried on ESPN Plus. Advertisement The Rattlers and Owls have only met once, which ended in FAU trouncing FAMU 38-8 at Bragg Memorial Stadium in 2004. The Rattlers will play 12 regular season games in 2025 after finishing 7-5 last year. Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Garden's 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, 6 p.m. Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC) Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― at Mississippi Valley State (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming) Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC) Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC) Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC) 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 (If Necessary) All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time. Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. Follow his award-winning coverage on and contact him via email at GDThomas@ or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football scheduled for ESPN games vs Howard, Florida Atlantic
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
FAMU football gets commitment from Jett Peddy, star JUCO QB from California
The Jett has landed. On Thursday, May 29, Florida A&M football got a commitment from Long Beach City College quarterback Jett Peddy. The Torrance, California native announced his decision to join the Rattlers on X/Twitter days after visiting FAMU's campus last weekend. A star in junior college, Peddy was named to last year's Southern California Football Association National Division All-Central League first team. Advertisement As a sophomore, Peddy passed for 2,706 yards on a 59 percent clip for the 6-5 Long Beach City Vikings during the 2024 season. The 6-foot-2 right-handed quarterback led the league with 270.6 passing yards per game and 23 touchdowns against five interceptions. Peddy is FAMU's fifth quarterback pickup this offseason, joining RJ Johnson III, RJ Mayes, Tyler Jefferson, and Roman Purcell. The Rattlers' returning quarterbacks include Traven Green and Bryson Martin. Jett Peddy announced his commitment to Florida A&M football on social media on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The right-handed all-conference quarterback is transferring from Long Beach City College, a junior college in California. FAMU football will open its 2025 season against the Howard Bison in the Orange Blossom Classic at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPU. Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Garden's 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, 6 p.m. Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC) Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― at Mississippi Valley State (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming) Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC) Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC) Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC) 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) Advertisement All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time. Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. Follow his award-winning coverage on and contact him via email at GDThomas@ or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida A&M football: Jett Peddy, star junior college QB, commits
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Georgia football's future schedule
The Georgia Bulldogs have a pretty enticing future schedule. Georgia will some of the nation's elite college football programs over the years if things go as planned. The Bulldogs are scheduled to play Power Four schools like NC State, Louisville, Ohio State, Clemson and Florida State over the next decade. Of course, Georgia is also set to continue its annual rivalry with Georgia Tech through the 2037 season. Advertisement Georgia's future schedule is subject to change (including the dates and locations). The biggest factor impacting UGA's future nonconference schedule is if the SEC expands to nine conference game. The SEC currently plays eight conference games with one permanent opponent. Georgia's permanent SEC opponent is the Florida Gators. The Georgia-Florida schedule will be held in different locations starting in 2026 due to stadium major renovations taking place in Jacksonville. Conference realignment can also always impact future schedules. Since this article focuses on Georgia's future schedule, we don't have UGA's 2025 schedule included. If you wish to look at Georgia's 2025 schedule, then we've included it below. Georgia football's 2025 schedule Advertisement As of late March, 2025 Georgia and the SEC don't know the 2026 conference schedule, so Georgia's entire future schedule revolves around nonconference games. Remember, Georgia is still guaranteed to play Florida every year. What opponents does Georgia football have scheduled for the future? 2026 schedule Nov 30, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals running back Maurice Turner (4) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images Sept. 12: Western Kentucky (home) Sept. 19: Louisville Cardinals (away) Nov. 28: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (home) Georgia and the SEC still have an eight-game conference schedule, so UGA could add a nonconference game in 2026 or maybe the SEC will expand to nine-game conference slate. 2027 schedule Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Ja'Khi Douglas (0) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Terrell Foster (30) during the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports Sept. 4: Florida State Seminoles (away) Sept. 18: Louisville Cardinals (home) Nov. 27: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (away) If Georgia's schedule remains as it currently is in 2027, then the Dawgs would face three ACC opponents and (at least) 11 Power Four opponents during the regular season. 2028 schedule Bethune-Cookman’s Dennis Palmer (34) falls to the ground while trying to follow offensive lineman Vincent Forney (64) during the Florida Classic between Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M and at Camping World Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Sept. 9: Florida A&M Rattlers (home) Sept. 16: Florida State Seminoles (home) Nov. 25: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (home) Advertisement Georgia is in line to have a lot of home games in 2028. Of course, the Florida State series could be moved to a neutral site. 2029 schedule Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney greets Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Malkai Starks (24) after the 2024 Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Sept. 15: Clemson Tigers (away) Nov. 24: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (away) Clemson and Georgia are scheduled to play each other in the regular season in 2029 for the first time since the 2024 season opener. The Georgia-Clemson game could easily be moved to a neutral site. 2030 schedule ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 31: Marvin Jones Jr. #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after a missed field goal by the Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) Aug. 31: Clemson Tigers (home) Sept. 7: North Carolina A&T Aggies (home) Sept. 14: Ohio State Buckeyes (home) Nov. 30: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (home) It'd be surprising to see Georgia have four nonconference home games, but man this would be a fun schedule. Ohio State has never played in Sanford Stadium. 2031 schedule ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Haynes King #10 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets rushes in for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Athens, Georgia. Aug. 30: Ohio State Buckeyes (away) Sept. 6: Western Carolina Catamounts (home) Nov. 29: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (away) UGA has also never played at Ohio State. This would be a really awesome road game for Dawgs fans and the weather in Ohio is better in the summer than in the winter, so that's a plus. 2032 schedule AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Texas defeated Clemson 38-24. (Photo by) Sept. 4: Clemson Tigers (home) Nov. 27: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (home) Advertisement Georgia plays its two top ACC rivals in 2032. UGA is set to play Clemson four times between 2029 and 2033. 2033 schedule ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs hugs head coach Brent Key of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets after the Bulldogs 44-42 victory in eighth overtime at Sanford Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by) Sept. 3: Clemson Tigers (away) Sept. 17: NC State Wolfpack (home) Nov. 26: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (away) Georgia is scheduled to play a trio of ACC opponents in 2033. The Dawgs would probably add a non-Power Four opponent to this schedule if the SEC stays at eight conference games per season. 2034 schedule Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts during the third quarter against the Texas Longhorns on October 19, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Sept. 17: NC State Wolfpack (away) Nov. 25: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (home) Georgia is 6-1-1 against NC State in school history, but has not played the Wolfpack since 1973. 2035 and beyond schedules Dec 27, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) looks to throw against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half of the 2024 Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Georgia Tech is the only team on Georgia's future schedule beyond 2034. Georgia is scheduled to play Tech through 2037. All of UGA's future scheduled games are according to This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: UGA football's future scheduled opponents from 2026-2037
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
James Colzie III, FAMU football learning from 'past mistakes' during 2025 spring practices
It's still early, but James Colzie III likes who his second Florida A&M football team is shaping up to be. The Rattlers' head coach proctored his fourth out of 15 spring practices on Friday as his team began incorporating shoulder pads this week. What stands out to Colzie in FAMU football's formative days of spring camp is the squad's quality of players and the healthy mesh of personalities. Florida A&M head coach James Colzie III looks on during the Rattlers' first spring football practice of 2025 on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, March 7, 2025. 'We got some talented guys on the field, and I think we're a lot closer as a football team right now than we were at this stage last year,' Colzie told the Tallahassee Democrat after Friday's practice. Advertisement 'We got some guys who can do some good things once they get the ball in their hands. And we got some guys on defense flying around and adjusting to some of the new schemes that we're running.' Talent isn't everything, however. Colzie is urging his team to play cohesive and heady football, which was his pre-practice message to his team on Friday. Colzie spoke of the FAMU being plagued with unsportsmanlike penalties in 2024, a season that saw them finish with a 7-5 record. The Rattlers were the 11th most penalized team in the nation last year, losing 73 yards per game from flags. 'I just think that as a football team and the veterans that we have, we just have to learn from past mistakes. We can't repeat those. Sometimes those mistakes were small, but at times, they were big and cost us drives, points, and ultimately football games,' Colzie explained. Advertisement 'If we can learn from some of the undisciplined things we did last year, that will help us as a football team,' Colzie later added. Rattlers running back Thad Franklin Jr. says he and his FAMU football teammates are absorbing Colzie's lessons. They know they're good players. Florida A&M running back Thad Franklin Jr. goes through drills during the Rattlers' first spring football practice of 2025 on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, March 7, 2025. But directing their energy correctly will increase the Rattlers' chances of competing for a Black College Football National Championship and ascending on the Football Championship Subdivision rankings when the regular season begins in August. 'I like what I've been seeing. We're way better and talented than last year,' said Franklin, the single-game rushing yard record holder (195) for the Florida Classic. 'We're just working on being disciplined now because that hurt us last year.' 'We're where I want to be': FAMU football finishes first two weeks of spring camp FAMU has completed its second week of spring football camp. Advertisement Next week, the Rattlers will practice on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Thursday will be FAMU's first of three spring scrimmages. It's an opportunity for players to respond to game-like settings under promoted offensive coordinator Henry Burris, first-year special teams coordinator Kevin Weston, and a modified defensive staff. 'Our guys are learning the new things on the offense and defensive side ― not necessarily schematically, but new coaching styles,' Colzie said. 'We're where I want to be and steadily improving daily.' Spring camp success hinges on how well the Rattlers practice, with three and a half weeks left until the final meeting on Wednesday, April 16. Advertisement FAMU's Orange and Green Spring Game is on Saturday, April 12, at 4 p.m., on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium. 'Just come every day ready to practice and give 100 percent effort,' Franklin said. 'That's all [Colzie] asks from us. As long we do that, he takes care of us.' Florida A&M Football Remaining Spring Practice Schedule Florida A&M quarterbacks drop back to pass during the Rattlers' first spring football practice of 2025 on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, March 7, 2025. Tuesday, March 25 Thursday, March 27 ― Scrimmage Friday, March 28 Tuesday, April 1 Thursday, April 3 ― Scrimmage Friday, April 4 Tuesday, April 8 Thursday, April 10 Saturday, April 12 ― Orange and Green Spring Game Monday, April 14 Wednesday, April 16 Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. Follow his award-winning coverage on and contact him via email at GDThomas@ or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football, James Colzie correcting past mishaps during 2025 spring camp
