Homecoming Triumph: Florida A&M Dominates Texas Southern, Keeps SWAC Title Hopes Alive

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — There’s something magical about winning a Homecoming game, and Florida A&M delivered that magic Saturday at Bragg Memorial Stadium. The Rattlers put on a show, steamrolling Texas Southern 52-28 and keeping their dreams of a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) title very much alive.

FAMU Homecoming trying to remain undefeated at Bragg Memorial. Photo: Dez Barnes

A Dominant Start Under the Homecoming Lights

The Rattlers set the tone early, scoring 28 unanswered points before Texas Southern even had a chance to blink. Quarterback Daniel Richardson was on fire, throwing three touchdown passes in the first half alone. Richardson connected with Quan Lee, Koby Gross, and Jeremiah Pruitte for three quick scores, and FAMU’s crowd roared in approval. It was clear from the start that this was a night for the record books.

Texas Southern Tries to Fight Back — But FAMU Holds Strong

Early in the second half, Richardson found Kelvin Dean in the end zone for his fourth touchdown pass, extending FAMU’s lead to 28-0. Texas Southern tried to claw back, with quarterback Jace Wilson connecting on back-to-back touchdowns to cut the lead in half. But FAMU had an immediate answer when Robert Lockhart returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the stadium. Texas Southern’s Chaunzavia Lewis responded with a kickoff return touchdown of his own, but the Rattlers weren’t about to let their momentum slip away.

Richardson’s fifth and final touchdown pass, a 22-yard strike to Jaylen Ward, put the Rattlers comfortably back on top at 42-21. The team’s ground game kept the chains moving, racking up 236 rushing yards, and the defense held Texas Southern to just 53 passing yards.

Celebrating History at Bragg Memorial

Winning on Homecoming at Bragg is special—it’s more than just a game. It’s about tradition, community, and the powerful history that Florida A&M carries with pride. Seeing Bragg Memorial filled with fans, alumni, and future Rattlers cheering on their team is a reminder of the legacy FAMU athletes have built for decades. The energy was electric, and every play felt like it carried the weight of generations.

Opinion: The Rattlers’ Potential is Limitless

As the Rattlers stand 5-3 with a real shot at the SWAC title, it’s hard not to get excited. This team has talent, grit, and a deep bench of players who know how to perform under pressure. Daniel Richardson is proving he’s the quarterback who can lead this team to the top, and the entire offense has shown it can adapt and overcome. If they keep this fire going, there’s no reason the Rattlers can’t bring home a championship this season.

Homecoming wins are sweet, but a SWAC title? Now, that would be unforgettable.