Courtesy of FAMU Athletics
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —— Florida A&M (FAMU) football is coming off one of their most historic seasons after finishing 12-1 for the second time in program history, winning their 16th HBCU National Championship and entering the season ranked 20th in Lindy’s Sports preseason ranking.
“It’s a testament to what the team accomplished last year and the recruiting the football staff did for this season,” said Head Coach James Colzie III. “Our goals are to be higher than that, and we can only show that on the field. I’m excited about the ranking, but our goals and expectations are to be higher than that once the season ends.”
The Rattlers open the season in 33 days versus Norfolk State in the official start of the HBCU football season, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The Rattlers will face the Spartans in week zero for the first time since the 2019 season.
![HBCU FAMU Lindy's Sports](https://hbcugameday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FAMU-Lindy.jpg?w=819&h=1024&crop=1)
About 2024 FAMU Rattlers
Florida A&M football enters the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) season with seven players selected for eight positions for preseason All-SWAC honors. The Rattlers were also selected to finish second in the East.
The Rattlers have four players make the All-SWAC First Team, led by defensive back Kendall Bohler and kicker Cameron Gillis, as they finished 2023 on the first team. Defensive back Deco Wilson joined Bohler on the First Team, and offensive lineman Ashton Grable moved up to the first team after finishing 2023 on the second team.
Joining the Preseason All-SWAC Second Team is Celebration Bowl Offensive MVP Kelvin Dean Jr. and wide receiver Jamari Gassett. On the defensive side of the ball, Allen Smith Jr. made the team. Gassett also made it as a return specialist.
About Lindy’s Sports
Lindy’s Sports is a US sports magazine and online publication founded in 1982. Lindy’s covers a variety of sports, including college and professional football, Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and hockey. The magazine also covers fantasy sports and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Lindy’s Sports features news, scores, columns, opinions, and expert analysis, as well as preseason previews and team analysis.