Florida A&M is set to open the 2026 season with an extended stay in South Florida, turning the first two weeks into a strategic road swing centered in Miami. Last season, Florida A&M Rattlers opened against the Howard Bison in the Orange Blossom Classic, then traveled north the following week to face Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton—just an hour from Miami. The Rattlers are then expected to remain in Miami before taking on the Miami Hurricanes on Thursday, Sept. 10. Sources told HBCU Gameday that Florida A&M will stay in Miami during the interim week rather than making a quick return to Tallahassee. While the Marching “100” is contractually part of the Orange Blossom Classic, it remains unclear whether the band will also stay for the Miami game.