Congrats are in order for Florida A&M University! The Rattlers are officially the 2023 HBCU Football National Champions, after their triumphant win (30-26) over HU Bison last Saturday.
After trailing HU for three quarters, FAMU QB, Jeremy Moussa threw two touchdown passes to Kevin Dean Jr. in the fourth quarter to take the lead.
FAMU cornerback Kendall Bohler intercepted HU QB Quinton Williams to seal their lead with less than five minutes left to play.
It has been a remarkable year for the FAMU Rattlers, who broke into the Top 100 National Public Universities at No.91 and No. 3 among all HBCUS, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, FAMU remains the top ranked public HBCU for the fifth consecutive year.
Kudos is also in order to Head Coach Willie Simmons on leading the Rattlers to a 12-1 overall record. The 2023 Celebration Bowl marked 45 years since the Rattlers won their FCS (I-AA) National Championship in 1978.
Coach Simmons has also witnessed his own share of historic wins, leading the only HBCU to have both SWAC and MEAC champ titles and marking his 45th win at FAMU, passing Rudy Hubbard for the most wins in their first five seasons.
“I know Coach Hubbard is smiling right now. I’m sure I have a text from him congratulating me. He’s been one of my biggest supporters…Just to be able to be mentioned in the same breath as Jake Gaither, Rudy Hubbard, Billy Joe, Ken Riley, or Joe Taylor, It’s truly special,” Coach Simmons said on Saturday.
“The team’s on field accomplishments serve as a wonderful coda to all the other great things that happen every day at FAMU. It has been a great year. Many thanks to our students, faculty, staff, fans, and supporters who helped us in so many ways during the season,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D.
FAMU’s SWAC title is now recognized amongst their 16 Black college football championships, eight MEAC titles, and 29 SIAC titles.
Congratulations to the Florida A&M Rattlers for their outstanding 2023 football season!
