Miami Hurricanes Week 2 Preview: Florida A&M Rattlers

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Miami, Florida – The Miami Hurricanes stormed out with a statement win to open the season and will now face the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Hard Rock. FAMU beat Albany State 20-7 in their first game but will play on four days’ rest after a 31-13 loss to South Carolina State in the Orange Blossom Classic. They will also be without their starting quarterback, Isaiah Knowles, who suffered a season-ending injury. Knowles sustained a broken thumb during Sunday’s contest. The loss is a major blow for first-year head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. UM won the last meeting 56-9 on September 7, 2024, marking 11 straight victories. Florida A&M’s lone win was 16-13 on October 6, 1979, the first game ever played between the programs.

Malachi and Darian are your Offensive Players of the Game for Week One! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/szR7sIrLJU

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 6, 2026

Coach Gray is anchoring a brand-new era that includes several new hires such as defensive coordinator Ryan Lewis Sr. The Canes are 53-and-a-half-point favorites for week two, guaranteeing that UM will make substitutions by the start of the fourth quarter, if not sooner. FAMU’s defense will face the greatest test of its entire schedule, and the backup signal caller will have his hands full trying to put together productive drives. Regardless of the outcome, this provides coach Mario Cristobal the opportunity to give the second and third stringers some snaps.

Florida A&M

Dustin Fletcher

The graduate transfer from The Citadel is now the next man up. Knowles completed 21 of 45 passing attempts for 284 yards and a touchdown before his injury. He spent three seasons at Albany State earning back-to-back SIAC Offensive Player of the Year honors (2024 and 2025). In 2025, Knowles recorded 2,151 yards and 18 touchdowns, adding eight more scores on the ground. Dustin Fletcher, meanwhile, completed six of eight passes for 68 yards when he took over versus the Bulldogs. Fletcher has limited playing time, as he has been a backup throughout his collegiate career. 2023 was his largest sample size, when he completed 22 of 36 passes for 211 yards, including a TD and INT.

Justin Bostic

Despite their 31-13 L to SC State, FAMU DB Justin Bostic recorded 2 INT’s including a pick 6 for the Rattlers @JustinBostic7 @FAMU_FB pic.twitter.com/vPoT2gKTgp

— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) September 7, 2026

This defensive back is coming off a pretty good game against South Carolina State. Justin Bostic made two interceptions, including an 80-yard pick-six. The redshirt junior has 9 tackles, six solo, so far and will be aiming to build further momentum. The West Palm Beach native was a three-star recruit out of Palm Beach Central High School, cited for his football IQ and versatility in coverage. He’s about to get a taste of Miami’s high-flying offense.

Nay’Ron Jenkins

Florida A&M (LB) Nay'Ron Jenkins with a big defensive game against Albany State
* 5 tackles with 1 tackle for loss
📷Reginald Christinan pic.twitter.com/2Mzjqww2w2

— HBCU Premier Sports More (@HBCUSports1) September 16, 2025

Linebacker Nay’Ron Jenkins gained an additional year of eligibility thanks to the NCAA’s age-based “5-for-5” ruling that was passed in June. Jenkins is a key part of Florida A&M’s defense, tallying 145 career tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, five pass deflections, an interception, and a forced fumble. He was the Rattlers’ second-leading tackler in 2025 behind Jason Riles Jr.

Miami Hurricanes

Malachi Toney

MALACHI TONEY JUST STARTED HIS SOPHOMORE SEASON OFF WITH A MONSTER GAME AGAINST STANFORD.

12 REC, 233 YDS, 3 TD

Early Heisman favorite? pic.twitter.com/ZzeLINPVm6

— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) September 5, 2026

What a start for the Heisman candidate. Malachi Toney broke the single-game receiving yards record, totaling 12 receptions for 234 yards and three TDs. He’s a year older, a year wiser, and ready to build on his memorable freshman season toward winning a Natty. His chemistry with Darian Mensah has been absolutely stellar, and I can’t wait to see how he does going forward. You might see an encore performance against FAMU’s secondary. Toney should score at least twice with 150+ receiving yards.

Javian Mallory

Javian Mallory is hard to bring down. pic.twitter.com/nlsKCfxtD7

— Liam Hickey (@liamhickeytv) April 18, 2026

Color me intrigued. Javian Mallory’s small sample size of three carries for 31 yards should open him up to more activity versus the Rattlers. As I said, the starters should begin rotating out during the third quarter, roughly. The Ft. Lauderdale native can show off his quickness and versatility, giving the top brass a better idea of where the blue-chip, four-star belongs in the grand scheme.

Bryce Fitzgerald

2026 Top ACC Returners to Watch: 𝐁𝐫𝐲𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐳𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐝 🙌@BryceFitzgera1 was tied among Power 4 leaders with six INTs in 2025 (two vs. Texas A&M). He ranked 5th among ACC safeties with a PFF defensive grade of 80.7@CanesFootball | @MiamiHurricanes | #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/38uHXB9d3f

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) August 25, 2026

The ballhawk had a relatively quiet start to the campaign. This will be temporary. Bryce Fitzgerald led the team in interceptions (6), and he’s likely the one to nab the first pick. Fitzgerald is part of the greater effort to improve in INTs and begin forcing turnovers. Despite the convincing win, Miami came away without any takeaways, something essential for any CFP team.

Prediction

Miami is running away with this one no matter who FAMU’s QB is. This will be another lopsided win. The matchup offers more opportunity to shake off rust and gauge the depth pieces (Javian Mallory and Luke Nickel). UM is rolling 55-6.

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