HBCU national champion Florida A&M ranked in preseason college football poll

Florida A&M football is coming off one of their most historic seasons after winning an HBCU National Championship.

And despite not being favored to win the SWAC East in 2024, the Rattlers earned respect elsewhere as they are ranked No. 20 in Lindy’s Sports preseason football poll.

“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 against Norfolk State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. For the first time since 2019 — the last year FAMU was in the MEAC — they will face the Spartans.

Florida A&M football enters the season with seven players selected for preseason All-SWAC honors.

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.

The Rattlers were also selected to finish second in the East Division behind Alabama State.