HBCU News Spotlight:
- Discussions continue to secure a 2026 Rattler Sports Network radio package, despite no public agreement yet.
- Vice President and Director of Athletics John Davis never fully ruled out radio broadcasts, sources say.
- Time is tight; season opens Aug. 29 at Bragg Memorial Stadium, leaving roughly 10 days to finalize a deal.
- Radio tradition endures: broadcasts aired on WHBX 96.1 FM with commentators Bryan Fulford and Albert Chester.
Florida A&M football may not be headed for radio silence after all.
Sources tell HBCU Gameday that discussions surrounding a radio broadcast package for the 2026 season remain ongoing, despite earlier indications that the longtime Rattler Sports Network would not return this fall.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Vice President and Director of Athletics John Davis never completely ruled out radio broadcasts. Efforts to establish a package are ongoing, although FAMU Athletics has not publicly announced an agreement.
FAMU faces a race against the clock
Time is becoming a factor.
Florida A&M opens its season against Albany State on Aug. 29 at Bragg Memorial Stadium, leaving roughly 10 days to finalize a deal.
Radio has been part of the FAMU football experience for decades. Last season, O&G StrikeZone commentator Bryan Fulford handled play-by-play alongside FAMU Sports Hall of Famer and two-time national championship quarterback Albert Chester.
The broadcasts aired on WHBX 96.1 FM (96.1 Jamz), an important piece of the equation.
WHBX has been the top-rated station in the Tallahassee market in the most recently available ratings data, giving the Rattler Sports Network a significant local platform.
Radio decision fits into Davis’ larger FAMU vision
The situation also provides an early look at Davis’ approach to reshaping the business of FAMU Athletics.
During this summer’s “Strike Tour,” Davis discussed Vision 2030, a broader strategy centered around developing a sustainable business model that allows the athletic department to succeed consistently. The complete plan has not been publicly unveiled.
That approach has already drawn scrutiny following the revelation that FAMU released Georgia from a potential $650,000 contractual obligation connected to a canceled football game.
Now another financial decision involving a longstanding FAMU tradition is being watched closely.
Rattler Sports Network still has a pulse
The difference is that the radio story isn’t finished.
Sources tell HBCU Gameday that conversations are continuing and a 2026 Rattler Sports Network remains possible.
With kickoff approaching, FAMU is working against the clock.
But for Rattler fans accustomed to hearing their team on the radio, the signal may not be going dark after all.
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