Orange Blossom Classic Press Conference: FAMU and South Carolina State Emphasize Identity Ahead of Showdown

The 2026 Orange Blossom Classic is bringing two of HBCU football’s most recognizable programs to Miami Gardens, but Friday morning’s pregame press conference made clear that the matchup represents more than what will happen on the field.

Florida A&M University and South Carolina State University met with reporters Sept. 4 ahead of their Sunday showdown at Hard Rock Stadium. The press conference highlighted the history surrounding both institutions, the expectations attached to their programs and the national platform the Classic continues to provide HBCU football.

The Rattlers and Bulldogs enter the game with momentum after winning their season openers. FAMU defeated Albany State 20-7 in Tallahassee, while South Carolina State opened its season with an 87-0 victory over Savannah State.

For South Carolina State head coach Chennis Berry, the Classic is another opportunity to present the standard his program has established to a national audience. Berry has led the Bulldogs to consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships, two Celebration Bowl appearances and a 2025 HBCU national championship.

During the press conference, Hy-Lo News asked Berry what the Orange Blossom Classic stage means for South Carolina State and what he wants national viewers to understand about the program’s direction.

“We don’t chase success, we chase excellence, because we truly believe if you chase excellence, success will follow,” Berry said. “We feel like we have a program that young men are truly bought into.”

Berry said the pageantry, bands, legacies and traditions surrounding HBCU football make the opportunity special for his players. He also wants the Bulldogs to remain focused once they enter Hard Rock Stadium.

“The field is still going to be 100 yards long, 53 and a third wide,” Berry said. “It’s about going to execute for 60 minutes. Our young men are excited about this opportunity.”

South Carolina State is making its first appearance in the Classic since 1973. FAMU won that meeting 23-12.

Across the field, the game offers Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. an early opportunity to define a new era at his alma mater. Gray, a former FAMU quarterback and the school’s 20th head football coach, returned to Tallahassee after leading Albany State to a historic 2025 season.

Hy-Lo News asked Gray what he wants this year’s team to show about the identity of FAMU football when the Rattlers take the field. The question carries added weight for a coach who knows the program as both a former player and its current leader.

“Smart, fast, physical. That’s who we are,” Gray said. “That’s who we want the perception to be. When somebody watches us on film, the perception is that FAMU is a smart, fast, physical team.”

Gray said the players chose football as part of their journey and must bring the effort required to represent that identity.

Gray’s opening win offered an early look at that identity. FAMU’s defense recorded 10 sacks against Albany State, including three from defensive lineman Antonio Camon. The Rattlers limited the Golden Rams to seven points while giving their offense room to settle into the season.

“We’ll take the win,” Gray told reporters following the opener. “I tell our guys all the time that we can correct everything on Sunday except a loss.”

Quarterback Isaiah Knowles will be central to FAMU’s next test. The Albany State transfer completed 14 of 23 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown in his Rattlers debut without throwing an interception. Knowles followed Gray to FAMU after earning 2025 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors.

At Friday’s press conference, Hy-Lo News asked Knowles what he has focused on most while preparing to lead the offense on the Orange Blossom Classic stage. His leadership will be tested by a Bulldogs defense that held Savannah State to 117 total yards in its opener.

“Just making sure we’re all on the same page,” Knowles said. “Knowing exactly what we’re doing and knowing what the defense is running, too, will allow us to be successful.”

South Carolina State defensive end Jordan Dollard said setting the tone begins with respecting the talent across FAMU’s offense and remaining disciplined.

“They’ve got a good offensive line. They’ve got a good quarterback,” Dollard said. “They’re good all around. Good running backs, good receivers. So we just have to go out there and play hard.”

Dollard added that one of the most important responsibilities for the Bulldogs will be for each player to do his job and allow opportunities to come within the defense instead of trying to force a play.

The matchup also renews a coaching connection between Gray and Berry. The two previously met in the 2023 SIAC championship game when Berry coached Benedict and Gray led Albany State. Their paths now cross again with both leading Division I HBCU programs on one of the sport’s most visible stages.

Beyond the coaching matchup and early-season stakes, Sunday’s game will celebrate the traditions that surround both universities. FAMU’s Marching 100 and South Carolina State’s Marching 101 are scheduled to perform, adding another anticipated chapter to a weekend centered on HBCU culture.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The game will air nationally on ESPN.