The Florida A&M Rattlers fall at home to the Arkansas Pine-Bluff Golden Lions on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Photo Courtesy (D’Allo Wiley/FAMUAN)
“It’s heartbreaking,” Florida A&M alumna Germanie Bozeman said.
Florida A&M falls to 2-6 on the season after losing to Arkansas-Pine Bluff 31-28 during Florida A&M’s homecoming.
Saturday’s game ended a nine-year streak for Florida A&M, marking their first homecoming game loss since 2017.
The Rattlers and Golden Lions got off to a competitive start. UAPB led at halftime, 14-13.
A big fumble recovery on the kickoff return by defensive back Isiah Davis set up the Rattlers for a quick score to start the second half.
After a missed extra point, Florida A&M led 19-14. Arkansas-Pine Bluff responded by scoring 14 unanswered points to lead 28-14 at the top of the fourth quarter.
Florida A&M was able to cut the deficit to 28-22, but a crucial turnover on downs set up the Golden Lions for a field goal to extend the lead.
A 61-yard receiving touchdown by wide receiver Kieren Jackson and a stop by the defense gave Florida A&M an opportunity for a final offensive drive to win the game, but they were unable to capitalize and lost the game.
Despite the loss, the Florida A&M offense was able to keep up with the Golden Lions.
Florida A&M quarterback Armond Parker had his best performance of the season, throwing for 319 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. The freshman ran for 57 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Eight different Rattlers had receptions.
Kieren Jackson and wide receiver Corey Petty II led the receiving corps with 101 and 85 yards, respectively.
The defense did not hold up as well. Arkansas-Pine Bluff scored on each of their five trips to the red zone, including four touchdowns and the game-sealing field goal.
Florida A&M head coach, Quinn Gray Sr. took accountability for Saturday’s loss.
“I’m disappointed in our efforts as coaches today,” Gray said.
Florida A&M’s special teams unit continues to struggle into the latter half of the season.
The Rattlers missed a field goal before halftime and had an extra point blocked. This is the fourth of the past five games that Florida A&M has had a field goal or kick blocked.
“We need to go back and look at the personnel to make sure we got people that are physical in there to get the job done,” Gray said.
Florida A&M falls to 1-3 in conference and to the bottom of the SWAC East standings.
The Rattlers will host the Southern Jaguars on Oct. 31 at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.