FAMU football QB Armond Parker starting vs Alabama A&M in SWAC opener

Per the team-provided depth chart to the media, the true freshman is starting at quarterback for the Rattlers in Saturday's Southwestern Athletic Conference opener on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium . James Hayes is the backup, and Dustin Fletcher , last week's starter, isn't listed.

The Locust Grove, Georgia, native is the Rattlers' third starting quarterback of the season as injuries have caused a carousel at the position. He opened the season as the third string.

FAMU football hosts Tennessee State in HBCU matchup | Our top photos

At quarterback last week against Tennessee State , Fletcher hurt his thumb in the second quarter while replacing original starter Isaiah Knowles, who had a season-ending thumb injury . At his exit, Fletcher was 6-for-11 passing for 48 yards, threw a touchdown, and rushed for 28 yards. He was on track for a good performance before being forced to leave the game. When the Tallahassee Democrat attended FAMU's Wednesday practice , Fletcher was dressed in his jersey and shorts, but not practicing.

Parker checked in the Tennessee State game and completed 14 of 25 pass attempts for 267 yards, threw two touchdowns, and tossed a 61-yard pick-six in the 29-26 loss for the Rattlers . Fresh out of high school, he proved he was capable of running head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr.'s offense and built on his Most Improved Player award during spring football camp this April.

FAMU-Alabama A&M is being televised on SWAC TV and kicks off at 7 p.m. 96.1 JAMZ will also have radio commentary by FAMU Hall of Fame quarterback Albert Chester and school alumnus Bryan Fulford.

Florida A&M (1-3) vs Alabama A&M (3-1) ― Week 4, SWAC

Where: Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida

Florida A&M football scores and full 2026 schedule

Saturday, Aug. 29: FAMU 20, Albany State 7

Sunday, Sept. 6 (Orange Blossom Classic): South Carolina State 31, FAMU 13

Saturday, Sept. 19: Tennessee State 29, FAMU 26

Saturday, Sept. 26: vs. Alabama A&M (SWAC), 7 p.m., SWAC TV

Saturday, Oct. 10: at Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO

Saturday, Oct. 17: at Jackson State (SWAC), 3 p.m., ESPN Network

Saturday, Oct. 24: vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC/Homecoming), 3 p.m., HBCU GO

Saturday, Oct. 31: vs. Southern (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO

Saturday, Nov. 7: at Alcorn State (SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TV

Saturday, Nov. 14: vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC), 3 p.m., SWAC TV

Saturday, Nov. 21: vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic), 3:30 p.m., ESPN+

Gerald Thomas, III, is a multi-time national award-winning reporter for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat under the USA TODAY Network.

Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee .