Deion Sanders is entering his third year as coach of Jackson State, and the hype around the program has never been higher. The Tigers will open their season against Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic, which was renewed in 2021 after a 43-year hiatus. Jackson State won that game 7-6.
Last year, the Rattlers finished the year 9-3, 7-1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Their one loss, of course, came in that game against the Tigers, so they'll look to avenge it.
FAMU, however, started the season embroiled in controversy. It looked as if it wouldn't be able to field a team against North Carolina in Week 0 because 20 players were academically ineligible. The team is now at odds with the university, which it says doesn't provide proper support. The eligibility issues will continue to plague the Rattlers against Jackson State.
Jackson State, meanwhile, went 11-2 last year and will look to build on that after a monster recruiting offseason. Top recruit Travis Hunter shocked the world by signing with Sanders' Tigers, and nothing about the preseason has lowered what were already lofty expectations. Jackson State is looking to become a national powerhouse under Sanders, and its brand is already established. We'll what it does with a schedule that includes regular appearances on national television.
Here's what to know about Jackson State vs. Florida A&M.
MORE: Watch Jackson State vs. Florida A&M live with fuboTV (free trial)
The meeting between Jackson State and Florida A&M will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2. Tiffany Greene, Jay Walker and Jalyn Johnson will be on the call from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
You can also stream the game live on the ESPN App or with fuboTV, which offers a free trial.
Jackson State vs. Florida A&M will kick off at 3 p.m. ET from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
* SWAC game
* SWAC game