Latest news with #OrangeBlossomClassic
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
FAMU football, Howard to settle unfinished business in Orange Blossom Classic showdown
The Florida A&M and Howard football rivalry will turn a new page in three months. On Saturday, Aug. 30, the Rattlers and the Bison are set to face off in Week 1's Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium to kick off the 2025 season. Advertisement FAMU versus Howard is a rematch of the 2023 Celebration Bowl, which determined the Black College Football National Champion. The Rattlers won the nail-biter in Atlanta, 30-26, to capture the program's 16th Black College Football National Championship in December 2023. Two Florida A&M University flags fly in the pre-game tailgate area outside Hard Rock Stadium before the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens, Fla. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. Second-year FAMU head coach James Colzie III served as the Rattlers' assistant head coach and cornerbacks coach during the Celebration Bowl game two years ago. Howard's Larry Scott was in his fourth year leading the program during the Bison's Black College National Championship runner-up finish. This year's Orange Blossom Classic is also a nod to the game's beginnings when FAMU defeated Howard 9-6 in the 1933 inception. The teams also met in the 1974 Orange Blossom Classic, with FAMU beating Howard again, 17-13. Advertisement 'It's a chance to honor the legends who paved the way and allows us to write our chapter in the story of Black College Football,' Colzie said at the Orange Blossom Classic Kickoff Press Conference on Wednesday, May 21. 'Playing Howard is something we look forward to. Hopefully, we can bring that same excitement that we brought from the 2023 Celebration Bowl.' In the FAMU versus Howard Celebration Bowl matchup, the Bison allowed the Rattlers to storm back from a 14-0 deficit. All-time, the Rattlers lead the Bison 30-11 dating back to their first matchup in 1933. 'We're fired up. Revenge is the right word,' Scott said. 'We left some luggage in Atlanta, but lo and behold, American Airlines shifted to Miami, Florida, and we're here to pick it up.' Advertisement The Orange Blossom Classic ran from 1933 before being discontinued in 1978, and was considered the de facto Black College National Championship during its first run. The game was revived in 2021, when FAMU and Jackson State met for three consecutive seasons. Sep 7, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida A&M Rattlers head coach James Colzie III watches from the sideline against the Miami Hurricanes during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The Rattlers didn't participate in the 2024 Orange Blossom Classic, which saw Alabama State and North Carolina Central compete. However, FAMU still played in Miami last season, as it faced the Miami Hurricanes in a Week 2 guarantee game. FAMU has a large contingent of alums in Miami. Howard also has a fair number of graduates in the South Florida area. Advertisement 'This has been an ongoing process since we didn't play last year,' said Colzie, a Miami native. 'Our fanbase down here is going to be strong. Not playing in it last year, and then getting a chance to come back and play in it again ― it's for everybody affiliated with our university, having the opportunity to open up in South Florida. They want to make sure we come here win, play well, and then move on to the next week. 'Hopefully, we're able to provide that.' FAMU vs Howard in the Orange Blossom Classic a significant HBCU football matchup Florida A&M University's Marching 100 perform during halftime of the Orange Blossom Classic between Florida A&M University and Jackson State University at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. FAMU typically plays in multiple HBCU classic games per football season. Advertisement For example, the Rattlers participated in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and the Florida Classic last season. It will return to the usual Orange Blossom Classic and Florida Classic lineup this year. The Rattlers utilize those premium games as a recruiting tool. Colzie has brought about 30-35 new players to the team. 'Some of our guys chose FAMU to play in this game. We have some guys that aren't used to playing in this environment,' Colzie said. 'We're taking it day by day, getting our guys ready for the football game.' FAMU football returns from a 7-5 season in 2024. Howard went 4-8 last season. Both teams look to rebound this season and could meet for another Celebration Bowl matchup as FAMU represents the Southwestern Athletic Conference. In contrast, Howard looks to come out of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Advertisement And opening the 2025 season 1-0 could springboard FAMU or Howard into a successful year on the gridiron. 'It's going to be a great matchup of two teams fighting to win the first game of the year,' Colzie said. 'We got a pretty seasoned football team, and they're excited to play in this football game.' Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Garden's Hard Rock Stadium) Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC) Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― at Mississippi Valley State (SWAC) 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) 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) 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 vs Howard Orange Blossom Classic rivalry renewed
Yahoo
4 days ago
- 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
4 days ago
- 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
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU football could gain from NCAA schedule expansion
College Sports HBCU football could gain from NCAA schedule expansion A major shift could be on the horizon for HBCU football programs at the NCAA FCS Division I level. The NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Oversight Committee is recommending a change that would allow all FCS teams-including those in the MEAC and SWAC-to schedule 12 regular-season games every year beginning in 2026. Under current rules, teams are limited to 12 games only when the calendar includes 14 Saturdays between the end of August and late November, which hasn't been an issue recently-each season from 2015 through 2030 meets that condition. For HBCU football programs, this rule change could have immediate and long-term implications. The ability to schedule a 12th game each year opens more chances to secure guarantee games against FBS opponents, add showcase matchups, and maintain traditions that define the cultural fabric of HBCU football. However, the way this rule would impact each conference varies. The MEAC, which has a smaller number of football-playing members, typically operates with a lighter conference schedule, often leaving room for four or five non-conference games even under the current 11-game model. This flexibility has allowed programs like North Carolina Central and Howard to pursue national exposure through matchups against FBS schools or Ivy League opponents as well as games against historic rivals outside of the conference. A 12th game would offer even more space to explore additional rivalries, classics, or revenue opportunities-without disrupting conference standings or postseason plans. In contrast, the SWAC's structure presents a tighter scheduling situation. With two divisions and eight required conference games, plus a potential ninth game for the conference championship, many SWAC schools are already working within a packed calendar. Teams like Jackson State, Southern, and Grambling State often face difficult choices in trying to preserve traditional games like the Orange Blossom Classic or the Bayou Classic. The addition of a 12th regular-season slot could relieve that pressure, allowing schools to retain those marquee events while still fulfilling conference commitments and exploring high-value non-conference matchups. Alabama State quarterback Dematrius Davis eludes a Howard University defender in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. (082722) Steven J. Gaither The proposal would also bring an end to the use of Week Zero games by standardizing the start date of the FCS season. Under current rules, some programs have used legislated exceptions to play early-season games on the Saturday before Labor Day weekend. Starting in 2026, all FCS teams would instead begin competition on the Thursday 13 weeks before the FCS playoff bracket is released. This effectively eliminates Week 0 games, removing an exposure window. While this levels the calendar across the board, it also limits early visibility for programs that previously used that stage to launch their seasons. Coaches and players would also feel the effect. A longer schedule requires careful roster management, especially for programs working with limited depth. But it also provides more opportunities for players to showcase their talent, particularly in high-profile games that draw the attention of NFL scouts and media outlets. For athletic departments, this change means earlier planning around housing, travel, and academic support as the calendar expands. The next steps are critical. The recommendation will be presented to the NCAA Division I Council on May 15, with a final decision scheduled for June 24–25. If approved, the new 12-game schedule will go into effect beginning with the 2026 season. For HBCU football programs in the MEAC and SWAC, the proposed rule opens the door to expanded strategy, tradition preservation, and national visibility-all while reinforcing the cultural and financial importance of the HBCU football calendar. The post HBCU football could gain from NCAA schedule expansion appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025 This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 1:50 PM.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAMU football QB Junior Muratovic enters the NCAA Transfer Portal, TE Koby Gross re-enters
Longtime Florida A&M football backup quarterback Junior Muratovic has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. On Thursday, May 1, the rising redshirt senior posted his transfer portal submission provided to him by the university. FAMU quarterback Junior Muratovic (7) runs the ball during the Orange Blossom Classic between Florida A&M University and Jackson State University at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. Muratovic spent the 2021 to 2024 seasons with the Rattlers, getting two starts during his tenure. The Orlando native completed 53 of 104 passes (51 percent) for 500 yards and two touchdowns against six interceptions. Advertisement FAMU recently got a commitment from former Fordham quarterback CJ Montes, a Walter Payton Award Finalist in 2023, an honor given to the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision. Also, FAMU tight end Koby Gross has re-entered the transfer portal after announcing that he would return to the team last Sunday, April 27. Gross was an All-Southwestern Athletic Conference second-teamer for the Rattlers after hauling 24 receptions for 257 yards and three touchdowns. FAMU football opens its 2025 season versus the Howard Bison in the Orange Blossom Classic, which will be played at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium. Florida A&M Friday Sports Headlines Baseball thwarts Alabama A&M 17-2 in game one of the best-of-three SWAC series; game two Saturday Advertisement Women's tennis falls to Georgia 4-0 in the NCAA Tournament's Regional Round in Athens, Georgia 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 QB Junior Muratovic, TE Koby Gross in transfer portal
