If you’re trying to keep up with the florida a&m basketball schedule, you’ve probably noticed things look a little different this year. There is a specific kind of electricity humming around the Al Lawson Center that hasn't been there in a while.
It’s the Charlie Ward effect.
Yes, that Charlie Ward. The Heisman winner. The New York Knicks legend. The man who basically defined Florida State athletics in the 90s is now the one drawing up plays for the Rattlers. Honestly, it’s one of the most fascinating storylines in HBCU sports right now, but it also makes the 2025-26 schedule a gauntlet. Ward didn't come here to play a soft schedule; he came to build a program that can handle the bright lights of the SWAC and beyond.
Making Sense of the Florida A&M Basketball Schedule
Navigating a college hoops calendar is always a bit of a mess, especially when you're dealing with a mix of high-major "guarantee games" and the grind of conference play. FAMU started this season with a brutal road stretch that would make most teams crumble. We're talking trips to South Florida, UCF, and Georgia all before the Thanksgiving leftovers were even cold.
The strategy is pretty clear: get the young guys used to hostile environments early.
If you look at the remaining dates for January and February 2026, the focus shifts entirely. The "money games" are mostly over, and now it's about survival in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
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Upcoming Key Matchups for the Rattlers
The meat of the season is happening right now. If you're planning your weekends, these are the dates that actually matter for the standings:
- January 17, 2026: At Arkansas-Pine Bluff. It’s a 5:30 PM CST tip-off at H.O. Clemmons Arena. Road wins in this league are like gold.
- January 19, 2026: At Mississippi Valley State. A quick turnaround for a Monday night clash in Itta Bena.
- January 24, 2026: Home vs. Alcorn State. This is a Saturday afternoon game (3:00 PM) and usually brings a decent crowd to the Lawson Center.
- January 26, 2026: Home vs. Jackson State. Monday night hoops under the lights in Tallahassee.
- January 31, 2026: At Alabama A&M. The Rattlers head to Huntsville to close out the month.
February doesn't get any easier. You've got Alabama State on the road (Feb 2) followed by a massive home stand against the Texas schools—Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M—on February 7 and 9.
The Charlie Ward Era and Home Court Advantage
Why does the florida a&m basketball schedule feel more "must-watch" lately? Because the home games are actually becoming events again. Ward has emphasized a "P.A.C.E." philosophy—Preparation, Accountability, Competitive Spirit, and Effort. You can see it in how they play. They might not always have the most height, but they're scrappy.
Take the January 10 win over Southern University. FAMU won that game 67-59. It wasn't the prettiest offensive display, but the defense was suffocating. That's the hallmark of this new era. They’re 4-9 overall as of mid-January, which sounds "meh" on paper, but when you realize they've already played Georgia Tech, TCU, and Florida State, that record starts to look a lot more respectable.
The Lawson Center is where they thrive. They recently put together a four-game home winning streak. If you're a student or a local, those Saturday/Monday doubleheaders are basically the social hub of the weekend.
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How to Actually Watch the Games
This is where fans usually get frustrated. HBCU games aren't always on the main ESPN channel. You sort of have to be a detective.
Most of the home games are streamed through SWAC TV or the university’s own athletic portal. For the bigger matchups, you’ll find them on ESPN+. Honestly, if you don't have an ESPN+ subscription by now and you're a mid-major sports fan, you're doing it wrong. It’s basically the only way to see the Rattlers when they travel to places like Pine Bluff or Itta Bena.
Radio is still a thing, too. Local Tallahassee stations often carry the play-by-play, which is great if you're stuck in traffic on Monroe Street during tip-off.
A Roster Built for the Long Haul
You can’t talk about the schedule without talking about who is actually playing. This isn't just a bunch of random transfers. Anquan Boldin Jr. (yes, son of the NFL great) has been a spark plug for this team. He’s joined by guys like Jaquan Sanders and Tyler Shirley who have had to carry a heavy load with the tough non-conference slate.
They have size with 6'11" Miles Ndalama and 6'11" Tuscan Onuoha, but the SWAC is a guard-oriented league. It’s fast. It’s physical. The schedule reflects that, with a lot of back-to-back games that test a team's depth and conditioning.
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What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception about the florida a&m basketball schedule is that the early season losses mean the team is bad.
It’s the opposite.
HBCU programs often take "buy games" against Power 5 schools to fund the athletic department. It’s a reality of the business. When FAMU loses to a school like UCF or Georgia, they aren't just getting a paycheck; they're getting a masterclass in high-level execution. By the time they hit the Bethune-Cookman rivalry games or the SWAC tournament in March, they’ve seen everything. They aren't scared of a press or a fast break because they've already faced the best in the country.
Actionable Steps for Rattler Fans
If you want to support the team and stay on top of the schedule, here is what you actually need to do:
- Download the FAMU Athletics App: It’s the most reliable place for last-minute time changes. Seriously, tip-off times in the SWAC move around more than a freshman on move-in day.
- Sync the Calendar: Most people try to remember the dates. Don't. Go to the official FAMU sports site and use the "Add to Calendar" feature so you get a ping on your phone an hour before the Alcorn State or Jackson State games start.
- Check the "What to Wear" Promos: FAMU is big on themed nights. For example, the Southern game was "Green Out" and Junior Basketball Night. Don't be the person showing up in orange when everyone else is in black or green.
- Follow the SWAC Standings: The schedule only matters in the context of the tournament. The goal is to be in the top eight to make it to Atlanta in March for the SWAC Basketball Tournament.
The road to the Big Dance for the Rattlers is narrow, but with Charlie Ward at the helm, the path is at least clear. Every game on that schedule is a brick in the foundation of what they're trying to build in Tallahassee.
Whether you're watching from the stands at the Al Lawson Center or screaming at a choppy stream on your laptop, this 2025-26 season is proving that FAMU basketball is finally worth the entry price again. Keep an eye on those February home games; that's where the season will be won or lost.
Next Steps for the Season: Mark your calendars for the regular-season finale on March 5, 2026. It's the ultimate rivalry game against Bethune-Cookman at home. This game usually determines seeding for the SWAC Tournament, which kicks off in Atlanta on March 9. If the Rattlers can protect home court through February, that March 5th game will be the biggest night in Tallahassee basketball in over a decade.