The Florida A&M Rattlers, the defending HBCU national champions, will enter the 2024 season as the top-ranked team in the Preseason HBCU FCS Coaches Poll, released Thursday by Boxtorow. 

  

The Rattlers, who clinched the top spot last year, received 11 of 18 first place votes.

As they gear up for the new season, the Rattlers face several challenges. James Colzie steps in as head coach, succeeding Willie Simmons, who left for a position as running backs coach at Duke. 

Additionally, first team All-SWAC quarterback Jeremy Moussa has exhausted his eligibility, leaving a gap at the pivotal position. However, the Rattlers’ defense remains a strong suit, bolstered by the return of HBCU All-American defensive back Kendall Bohler, who has been named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List.

North Carolina Central, the 2022 MEAC champions and last year’s HBCU national champions, begins the season ranked No. 2. The Eagles also are grappling with quarterback uncertainty following the departure of HBCU Offensive Player of the Year Davius Richard. Walker Harris, who appeared in all 12 games last season and threw five touchdown passes without an interception, will start at quarterback.

North Carolina Central earned two first place votes.

Defending MEAC champions Howard, who finished second in last year’s final poll, are ranked No. 3. They are followed by Alcorn State at No. 4 and Alabama State at No. 5. Each of these teams received one first place vote.

The Preseason HBCU FCS Coaches Poll, now in its 16th year, is conducted by Boxtorow, a nationally syndicated sports talk show and is voted on by HBCU Football Championship Subdivision coaches.