The Rattlers are headed again to Atlanta. In a daring transfer introduced on the FAMU Nationwide Alumni Affiliation Conference in Frisco, Texas. FAMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Angela Suggs revealed that the October 4, 2025, matchup between Florida A&M and Mississippi Valley State has been relocated from Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena, Mississippi, to the intense lights of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the NFL residence of the Atlanta Falcons.
“They determined they have been coming to FAMU, Georgia ? also called Atlanta,” Suggs stated throughout the AD’s Breakfast on Might 30. “So as soon as October 4, we received’t be in Itta Bena, Mississippi. We’ll play Mississippi Valley State College within the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.”
The change in venue means the Rattlers will make one more high-profile look within the ATL—a metropolis that’s been good to FAMU in recent times. In 2023, the Rattlers captured their first-ever Celebration Bowl title with an exciting 30-26 win over Howard. FAMU clinched its sixteenth HBCU soccer championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In 2024, they edged Norfolk State 24-23 within the MEAC/SWAC Problem at Middle Parc Stadium, the previous residence of the Atlanta Braves.
However this yr’s recreation comes with an added edge.
Revenge Sport
Final season, MVSU shocked the HBCU soccer world by pulling off one of many largest upsets in current reminiscence—snapping FAMU’s 23-game residence win streak at Bragg Memorial Stadium. That streak dated again over 5 seasons. Much more beautiful? It was Valley’s solely win of the 2024 season.
The October 4 rematch now will get a a lot greater stage—and an opportunity for FAMU to settle the rating.
Including one other layer of intrigue: each head coaches share Florida State bloodlines. MVSU’s Terrell Buckley, a Jim Thorpe Award winner and former NFL standout, starred at cornerback for the Seminoles from 1989 to 1991. FAMU’s James Colzie III adopted a couple of years later, suiting up in garnet and gold from 1993 to 1996.
Buckley is coming into his first season main the Delta Devils, and Colzie is moving into yr two because the chief of the Rattler soccer program.
With storylines stacked, a revenge narrative in play, and two former FSU corners going head-to-head on NFL turf, this HBCU conflict guarantees fireworks. And Atlanta—aka FAMU, Georgia—is prepared for the present.
