FAMU football coach Colzie emphasizes need for NIL growth to compete in evolving landscape

FAMU head football coach James Colzie III addressed the urgency of bolstering Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) resources during a speech at the 220 Quarterback Club luncheon this past week, highlighting the program’s efforts to stay competitive amid rising challenges from rival programs like Jackson State.

While acknowledging that some FAMU players currently benefit from NIL opportunities, Colzie stressed the gap between the Rattlers’ resources and those of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs. “We know where we stand compared to some FBS schools. We always want—and hope to get—more,” he said.

The coach pointed to SWAC rival Jackson State as a case study in aggressive NIL investment. After winning the 2023 HBCU national championship, FAMU saw Jackson State double down on its NIL collective to retain and recruit talent. “They didn’t want to lose anybody, and they went full throttle,” Colzie said. While both programs still lost players to FBS offers, he emphasized that Jackson State’s proactive approach sets a benchmark.

FAMU, meanwhile, is working to ramp up its own NIL infrastructure. “We’re slowly but surely getting our collective going to stay in the game, but we need to step it up,” Colzie admitted. 

Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about FAMU’s appeal: “We’re still a hot brand. The first thing recruits ask about is our academics, but the second and third question is always, ‘What type of NIL do you have?’ Student athletes want to know if you can afford them.”

Colzie’s remarks underscore the shifting priorities in collegiate athletics, where NIL capabilities increasingly influence recruitment and retention. As FAMU aims to defend its championship legacy, the program’s ability to expand its NIL offerings may prove critical in maintaining its edge in the HBCU football arena.