Forget the records. Forget the stats. Today, all that matters is bragging rights, tradition, and a whole lot of soul.
The 2025 Florida Blue Florida Classic isn’t just a game—it’s a spectacle. This afternoon at 3:30pm at Camping World Stadium, the FAMU Rattlers and Bethune-Cookman Wildcats will renew one of college football’s most electric rivalries. And this year, it’s a clash of contrasting identities: FAMU’s cold, calculated efficiency vs. Bethune-Cookman’s high-flying, high-risk flair.
FAMU comes into the game 5-5 overall/4-2 in SWAC, having won nine the of the last 11 meetings with Bethune-Cookman. The Rattlers average 22.6 points per game while allowing 33.3.
Bethune-Cookman sits at 5-6 an 4-3 in the SWAC, boasting one of the conference's more productive but a defense the surrenders 32.6 points per game.
The Rattlers: Built to grind
FAMU doesn’t beat itself. With just six turnovers all season—and only one lost fumble—the Rattlers are masters of ball security. QB R.J. Johnson isn’t just a thrower; he’s a surgeon. With a 149.2 efficiency rating and a receiving corps featuring deep-threat Kenari Wilcher (15.97 yards per catch), this offense can strike fast and often.
But the real secret weapon? Special teams. Kicker Daniel Porto is generally money inside the 35, and punter Bobby Engstler tilts the field with a 43.6-yard average. In a game often decided by hidden yardage, that’s a nightmare for any opponent.
The Wildcats: Live by the big play
Bethune-Cookman doesn’t do boring. With Cam’Ron Ransom slinging it to receivers like Maleek Huggins (808 yards, 7 TDs) and special teams ace Javon Ross—who’s tied for the national lead with two kick return TDs—the Wildcats are always one snap from fireworks.
But their defense has been a leaky ship all year. They’re giving up nearly 255 passing yards per game and can’t get stops in the red zone. If FAMU controls tempo, the Wildcats could be in for a long afternoon.
The X-Factor: Whose script prevails?
If Bethune-Cookman turns this into a track meet, they’ve got the jets to keep up. But if FAMU dominates time of possession, avoids mistakes, and lets its special teams shine, the Rattlers could pull away late.
One thing’s for sure: with the bands roaring, the stands shaking, and decades of pride on the line—this is more than football. This is history.