After being a staple in the Orange Blossom Classic since its founding in 1933, Florida A&M University played in its final Classic – for now, at least – on last Sunday, leaving fans to wonder whether the program could return in the future.
“The two [FAMU and the Orange Blossom Classic] are kind of synonymous even though they are two separate entities, because of our longstanding history with the game,” Florida A&M head coach Willie Simmons said during the news conference following FAMU’s 28-10 win over Jackson State. “FAMU football will continue to go on. … We won’t be in the game next year, but that’s not to say we won’t be in it in the future.”
The Rattlers are scheduled to begin their 2024 season in a Week 0 matchup against Norfolk State University in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta. Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, FAMU’s vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, decided in July not to extend the university’s participation in the annual Classic in Miami Gardens, Florida, declining a three-year contract offer that would pay $1.475 million to the program: $450,000 in 2024, $500,000 in 2025 and $525,000 in 2026.
Though the contract would have been profitable for the program, Sykes wants to honor those alumni and fans who purchase season tickets by trying to have the team play more home games.
Sykes said she is committed to giving Florida A&M supporters the best possible experience, regarding both fan availability and getting the best results for the program each season.
“We already have our opening game scheduled for next year in Atlanta,” Sykes said. “This year we had a schedule that was completed with two Division II games. Last year we had one Division II game, and we were [9-2] and left out of the [FCS] college football playoffs.
“I’m continuing to explore every possible option to make sure we can deliver a competitive schedule that will allow us to get to the Celebration Bowl, but in the case we don’t, we want to be able to finish the season ranked and [FCS] playoff eligible.”
Despite the Classic being a neutral site game, Florida A&M alumni have a strong presence in the South Florida area. The official attendance has yet to be released from this year’s game, but most of the attendees appeared to be FAMU supporters, cheering for the Rattlers and wearing orange and green attire.
The Rattlers also would lose the national media attention received due to the game being televised on ESPN, but Sykes hopes the move will prompt fans to invest in the athletic department’s new digital streaming network, Rattlers+.
Sykes’ decision surprised many fans, including some who didn’t learn until this year’s Classic that it would be the Rattlers’ last appearance in the game.
“It [Orange Blossom Classic] just brings back good memories.… When I was there [at FAMU] my freshman year, people used to dress up with their school outfits and travel down for the game,” Marcia Dupree, a 1978 Florida A&M graduate, said after learning of the university’s plans to exit the Classic. “It’s sad to see them not be in the game anymore. I hope they come back for the tradition.”