As Florida A&M’s football team returns to the field following its bye week, the Rattlers head into a high-stakes road stretch. 

For the back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference matchups, Florida A&M will serve as the featured opponent for both Alabama State and Jackson State’s homecomings before returning to Bragg Memorial Stadium for their own homecoming against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 

Florida A&M has gotten off to a slow start after falling 40-21 to Alabama A&M University in its conference opener, marking the Bulldogs’ first win against the Rattlers since 1979. 

With disappointment and concerns growing about the capacity of this year’s football team, the team has used its bye week to regroup and make necessary changes both on and off the field. 

Head Coach Quinn Gray Sr. said in a presser this week, “We changed our thought process in terms of how we practice and things of that magnitude, and with that, we saw a different energy that was brought to practice,” after being asked about how the team has rejuvenated during the bye week and any noticeable changes. 

Alabama State’s starting quarterback, Andrew Body, is out indefinitely following a wrist injury after the three-game series against Troy University. True freshman Aaron Frye will step up as the Hornets’ quarterback for their homecoming game this weekend. 

Florida A&M’s starting quarterback, Isaiah Knowles, is out for the remainder of the season following a thumb injury during week 1 in the Orange Blossom Classic. Graduate transfer Dustin Fletcher stepped up as quarterback before facing a hand injury during Week 3’s game against Tennessee State University.  

While his status remains unclear, true freshman Armond Parker will continue to step up as the Rattlers’ quarterback. 

“I make sure we have great attention to detail and energy during practice,” Parker said. “I focus on what I have to do and stay confident that my coach is putting me in the right position.” 

With the stakes high as the Rattlers step into the intense environment, fans are eager to see the battle between both teams’ offenses, led by true freshmen. 

For the Rattlers’ “dark cloud” defense, setting the tone on the road starts with physicality, discipline and mental toughness. Going up against the SWAC’s top two defensive units—No. 1 Alabama State and No. 2 Jackson State—in consecutive road games leaves zero room for error. 

Defensive Coordinator and linebackers Coach Ryan Lewis emphasized the importance of maintaining high energy and executing at a high level, particularly during critical fourth-quarter drives. 

“The key is preparation on how you prepare to be in that situation,” Lewis said. “There’s nothing new under the sun with football, but some things other people do you can learn from them.” 

Lewis previously served as the defensive coordinator at Alabama State for three seasons. He led the Hornets’ defense to rank No. 1 in the SWAC each season and among the nation’s top five in defensive units for two seasons. 

With seven games remaining in the 2026 season, the Rattlers still have time to change direction. 

Gray remains among those within the program who believe the Rattlers can make the shift, beginning with how they approach the upcoming games. 

“It’s not about beating them. It’s about beating the you that keeps beating you,” Gray said. “We’ve been doing too many things that beat ourselves, versus allowing ourselves to focus on the things that’ll beat somebody else.” 

Despite the adversities they have faced, the focus inside the program remains on improvement, consistency and taking advantage of the opportunities still ahead. 

The Hornets of Alabama State will host the Rattlers on Friday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m. in Montgomery, Alabama. 

Following this game, the Tigers of Jackson State will host the Rattlers on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m. in Jackson, Mississippi, for their homecoming.