The FAMU Rattler football team, the defending HBCU national champions, have secured the top position in the Preseason BOXTOROW HBCU FCS Coaches Poll , released on Thursday. The Rattlers, who dominated the 2023 season, are projected to continue their reign at the pinnacle of HBCU football in the 2024 season.
The Rattlers' received 11 of the 18 first place votes, and have established themselves as the team to beat, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
As the 2024 season approaches, the Rattlers will be under the microscope, with expectations high for them to defend their title. The new coaching staff, led by James Colzie, will be tasked with integrating new talent and strategies while maintaining the winning culture that has become synonymous with FAMU football, under former coach Willie Simmons who departed for Duke in January.
Roster wise, one of the most significant departures is that of first team All-SWAC quarterback Jeremy Moussa, who has exhausted his eligibility. Moussa's leadership and skill on the field will be sorely missed, leaving a gap that the Rattlers must address as they seek a new starting quarterback.
Defensively, the Rattlers prowess remains intact, with HBCU All-American defensive back Kendall Bohler returning. Bohler's recent inclusion in the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch list highlights his talent and the strength of the Rattlers' defense.
With the preseason poll setting the tone, the Rattlers are well-positioned to make another run at the championship, but only time will tell if they can secure their legacy as one of the greatest teams in HBCU history.
2024 Preseason HBCU FCS Coaches Poll
No.|Team | W-L| Pts2023 | Final Rank
1 Florida A&M (11) 12-1 158 1
2 North Carolina Central (2) 9-3 143 3
3 Howard (1) 6-6 140 2
4 Alcorn State (1) 7-4 126 4
5 Alabama State (1) 7-4 90 7
6 Prairie View A&M 6-6 80 5
7 Jackson State 7-4 79 6
8 Tennessee State (1) 6-5 43 8
9 Morgan State 4-6 40 10
10 Southern 6-5 39 9
Others receiving votes: South Carolina State (5-6) 24, Alabama A&M (5-6) (1) 11, Grambling (5-6) 11, Norfolk State (3-8) 5, Hampton (5-6) 3.
No.|Team | W-L| Pts2023 | Final Rank
1 Florida A&M (11) 12-1 158 1
2 North Carolina Central (2) 9-3 143 3
3 Howard (1) 6-6 140 2
4 Alcorn State (1) 7-4 126 4
5 Alabama State (1) 7-4 90 7
6 Prairie View A&M 6-6 80 5
7 Jackson State 7-4 79 6
8 Tennessee State (1) 6-5 43 8
9 Morgan State 4-6 40 10
10 Southern 6-5 39 9
Others receiving votes: South Carolina State (5-6) 24, Alabama A&M (5-6) (1) 11, Grambling (5-6) 11, Norfolk State (3-8) 5, Hampton (5-6) 3.