Florida A&M Depth Chart Features Jacksonville Talent as Rattlers Prepare for 2026 Season
Tallahassee Fl-The Florida A&M Rattlers enter the 2026 football season with a new-look roster, a challenging schedule and plenty of experience across both sides of the football. Among the players expected to contribute are several Jacksonville-area products who are positioned to make their mark in Tallahassee.
FAMU finished the 2025 season 5-7 overall and 4-4 in SWAC play. Now, under head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr., the Rattlers are looking to take a major step forward in 2026. Gray is entering his first full season leading the program after previously serving as the head coach at Albany State.
The Rattlers’ 2026 schedule will test the team early and often. FAMU opens Aug. 29 against Albany State at Bragg Memorial Stadium before traveling to Miami Gardens for the Orange Blossom Classic against South Carolina State on Sept. 6. Four days later, the Rattlers face the University of Miami in a nationally prominent matchup.
FAMU then returns home to host Tennessee State on Sept. 19 and Alabama A&M on Sept. 26 before beginning a difficult stretch of SWAC competition. The Rattlers will travel to Alabama State and Jackson State in consecutive weeks before returning home for Homecoming against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Southern, Alcorn State and Mississippi Valley State follow before the season concludes against Bethune-Cookman in the Florida Classic on Nov. 21.
Jacksonville Presence on the Depth Chart
Jacksonville has always had a strong Jacksonville presence on the highest of seven hills. From Bob Hayes, to Albert Chester Sr and Albert Chester Jr. There’s George Webb and Bishop Bonnett, or even the late great Tommy Chandler. Many more have represented prominently, and on the supplied 2026 depth chart, several players listed in the two-deep chart could have opportunities to contribute this season.
Kieren Jackson — Wide Receiver, Z — First Team
Jacksonville native Kieren Jackson is listed as the starting Z receiver, giving him one of the most important positions in the Rattlers’ passing game. The official FAMU roster lists Jackson as a senior wide receiver, standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 165 pounds. He transferred to FAMU from Edward Waters, giving him experience playing college football in Jacksonville before moving to the Rattlers.
His position on the depth chart is significant. As the first-team Z receiver, Jackson is positioned to be part of the offense’s primary personnel group when FAMU opens the season. With graduate transfer Isaiah Knowles listed as the starting quarterback, Jackson could become an important target as the Rattlers work to establish their passing attack.
Tommy Bridgewater Jr. — Offensive Line, Center — Second Team
Another Jacksonville product on the chart is Tommy Bridgewater Jr., a First Coast High School graduate. Bridgewater is listed as the second-team center behind Tommy Bridgewater on the supplied depth chart, giving him an opportunity to compete for playing time along the offensive front.
The official roster lists Bridgewater as a redshirt senior offensive lineman at 6-foot-2 and 279 pounds. He has been part of the FAMU program for several seasons and played a career-high six games in 2025.
Bridgewater’s experience could become especially valuable as FAMU develops its offensive line under a new coaching staff and system.
Justin Squire — Tight End — Second Team
Mandarin High School product Justin Squire is another Jacksonville player featured on the supplied depth chart. Squire is listed as the second-team tight end behind Lawrence Wright.
The official FAMU roster lists Squire as a sophomore defensive lineman, so the depth chart reflects a different positional designation for him. He is 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds and has been with the Rattlers since arriving from Mandarin. FAMU notes that Squire did not play in games during his first two seasons, making 2026 an important opportunity to earn meaningful playing time.
That positional versatility could make Squire an intriguing player to watch during preseason camp and the early portion of the season.
Daylyn Diston graduated from Union County High School in 2023. He earned First-Team All-State honors and led the state in interceptions during his time. He began his collegiate career with the ECU Pirates. He played four games in 2023 to preserve his redshirt and remained on the roster through 2024 before transferring. Diston transferred to FAMU for the 2025 season. He played in two games, recording his first career tackles against Mississippi Valley State. He continues to add vital depth to the Rattlers’ secondary
A Season of Opportunity
The 2026 Rattlers have several storylines to follow, but the combination of a new head coach, a difficult schedule and experienced players creates an intriguing opportunity for FAMU.
The season begins with Albany State at home before FAMU faces South Carolina State and Miami in a four-day span. The matchup with Miami on Sept. 10 will be one of the most anticipated games on the schedule and will give the Rattlers an immediate measuring stick against an FBS opponent.
Conference play will be just as demanding. FAMU faces Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Jackson State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Southern, Alcorn State and Mississippi Valley State before the annual Florida Classic.
Jacksonville has always had a strong Famu alumni presence, and do doubt alot of the focus will be on the players who made their way from Northeast Florida to Tallahassee.
Jackson gives FAMU a Duval-Made senior positioned as a first-team receiver. Bridgewater brings veteran experience to the offensive line, while Squire represents an athletic Jacksonville product looking for his opportunity.
If those players can turn their positions on the depth chart into consistent production, they could become important pieces of a Rattlers team hoping to make a statement in 2026.
And with the Miami matchup, several major SWAC games and the Florida Classic awaiting them, there will be no shortage of opportunities for FAMU and its Jacksonville contingent to prove themselves.
