Florida A&M University football will receive a substantial $720,000 payout for facing the University of Miami Hurricanes on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The game contract, obtained through a public records request by the Tallahassee Democrat, reveals that the legendary FAMU Marching 100 band will also receive $40,000 for their attendance at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
This significant financial boost exemplifies how smaller college football programs supplement their athletics budgets through what the industry calls “money games.” For FAMU, a member of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision and the Southwestern Athletic Conference, these matchups against powerhouse programs provide crucial funding while offering student-athletes the experience of competing against elite competition.
FAMU Football Payout Details
“Every game on our schedule matters. We respect every opponent that comes into Hard Rock Stadium.”
The $720,000 guarantee for the Rattlers represents a $20,000 increase from their previous meeting with Miami in 2024, when FAMU earned $700,000 for their participation. Both games were part of a two-game agreement signed between the schools in 2020, demonstrating a continued relationship between the two Florida institutions.
The additional $40,000 allocated for the Marching 100 recognizes the band’s national prominence and their role in creating an electric game-day atmosphere. Known as one of the most celebrated marching bands in the country, the Marching 100 brings significant entertainment value beyond the football action on the field.
For FAMU’s athletics department, the combined $760,000 total from this single game represents a major revenue injection that can support scholarships, facilities, and various athletic programs throughout the academic year.
Miami Hurricanes: A Powerhouse Opponent
The Miami Hurricanes enter this matchup as the No. 7 ranked team in the nation according to USA TODAY. Head coach Mario Cristobal’s squad carries impressive credentials as the reigning College Football Playoff runner-up, having lost to Indiana in the national championship game this past January.
Miami’s offense features All-ACC quarterback Darian Mensah, who transferred from Duke this season, and sophomore wide receiver Malachi Toney. Toney made history in the Hurricanes’ Week 1 victory, a 45-6 road win at Stanford, where he set the program’s single-game receiving yards record with 234 yards, adding 12 receptions and three touchdowns.
The Hurricanes (1-0) represent perhaps the most formidable opponent in FAMU program history, making this a truly David-versus-Goliath matchup that will test every aspect of the Rattlers’ preparation and execution.
FAMU Rattlers Season Outlook
The Rattlers enter this contest with a 1-1 record following a challenging start to their 2026 campaign. FAMU opened the season with a 20-7 victory over Albany State on August 29, but suffered a 31-13 loss to South Carolina State at the Orange Blossom Classic on September 6 at Hard Rock Stadium.
In that loss to the defending Black College Football National Champion and nationally ranked FCS team, FAMU struggled to establish line-of-scrimmage leverage and stop the run. The offense also failed to find its rhythm throughout the contest.
Defensive back Justin Bostic emerged as the top performer with six tackles, two interceptions, and an impressive 80-yard pick-six. His playmaking ability will be crucial as FAMU faces Miami’s high-powered offense.
Quarterback Situation Raises Concerns
A significant concern heading into the Miami game involves FAMU’s quarterback position. Starter Isaiah Knowles left the Orange Blossom Classic with an injury to his right throwing hand, leaving his availability for the Hurricanes game uncertain.
Backup Dustin Fletcher stepped in and performed admirably, completing 6-of-8 passes for 68 yards. If Knowles cannot play, Fletcher will face the daunting task of leading the offense against one of the nation’s top defenses in his first potential start.
First-year head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr., a legendary Rattler quarterback himself, must prepare his team for either scenario as they face this unprecedented challenge.
Game Information and Broadcast Details
The FAMU vs Miami matchup is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. Eastern Time at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The game will be broadcast on the ACC Network and can also be heard on 96.1 JAMZ.
For fans in the Miami area and throughout Florida, this game offers a unique opportunity to witness an HBCU program compete against one of college football’s most storied programs. The atmosphere at Hard Rock Stadium promises to be electric, especially with the Marching 100 in attendance.
FAMU currently sits at No. 8 in the USA TODAY HBCU football rankings, reflecting their status as one of the top historically Black college football programs in the nation.
Remaining FAMU Football Schedule
Following the Miami game, the Rattlers will focus on their Southwestern Athletic Conference schedule. Their next home game comes on September 19 against Tennessee State at 7 p.m. on HBCU GO.
Key conference matchups include:
- September 26: vs. Alabama A&M (SWAC), 7 p.m., SWAC TV
- October 10: at Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m., HBCU GO
- October 17: at Jackson State (SWAC), 3 p.m., ESPN Network
- October 24: vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC/Homecoming), 3 p.m., HBCU GO
The season culminates with the Florida Classic against Bethune-Cookman on November 21 at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN+, one of the most celebrated rivalry games in HBCU football history.
Significance for HBCU Athletics
Games like FAMU versus Miami carry importance beyond the financial benefits. They provide national exposure for HBCU programs and their student-athletes, many of whom have NFL aspirations. The visibility that comes from competing on the ACC Network against a top-10 program creates opportunities for recognition that might otherwise be difficult to achieve.
The $720,000 payout also demonstrates the ongoing relationship between FBS programs and HBCUs, a partnership that benefits both sides. While Miami gets a home game and maintains competitive readiness, FAMU receives substantial funding and a marquee opponent that generates excitement among fans and recruits alike.
For the Latino community in South Florida and across the United States, this game represents an opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of HBCU football, including the incomparable halftime performance by the Marching 100.
How much will FAMU receive for playing Miami?
FAMU will receive a $720,000 payout for the football game, plus an additional $40,000 for the Marching 100 band’s attendance, totaling $760,000.
When and where is the FAMU vs Miami game?
The game takes place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It will be broadcast on ACC Network.
What is FAMU’s current record?
FAMU enters the Miami game with a 1-1 record after defeating Albany State 20-7 and losing to South Carolina State 31-13 at the Orange Blossom Classic.
Kickoff between Florida A&M and the No. 7 Miami Hurricanes is set for Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time at Hard Rock Stadium, with live coverage on the ACC Network.
