The Florida Classic this year might be a toss-up.
Florida A&M enters the 2025 Florida Classic riding a four-game winning streak over Bethune-Cookman, but the Wildcats might be in the best position to finally topple the Rattlers.
Bethune-Cookman’s explosive offense gives the Wildcats real upset potential if the game turns into a shootout, but their defensive inconsistencies are hard to hide over four quarters.
But can B-CU actually do it?
Florida A&M comes in 5-5 overall and 4-2 in SWAC play, having won nine of the last 11 meetings with Bethune-Cookman. The Rattlers average 22.6 points per game while allowing 33.3.
Bethune-Cookman sits at 5-6 and 4-3 in the SWAC, boasting one of the conference’s most productive offenses but a defense that surrenders 32.6 points per game. The Wildcats have closed the season with high-scoring contests against Mississippi Valley State and Grambling State, reinforcing their identity as a big-play, offense-first team.The
The Florida A&M offense has been improving
Quarterback RJ Johnson has stabilized the Rattlers’ passing game, completing 65.8% of his throws for 2,086 yards and 14 touchdowns to help the Rattlers’ second-half resurgence.
On the perimeter, the Rattlers lean on Kenari Wilcher and Goldie Lawrence as primary explosive players. Wilcher has 31 catches for 495 yards (16 yards per catch) and three scores, while Lawrence adds 24 receptions for 355 yards and two touchdowns.
Tight end Miles Campbell gives FAMU a chain-moving option in the seams, which could further test a Bethune-Cookman secondary that has allowed over 360 total yards per game and has been vulnerable to breakdowns over the top.
Bethune-Cookman’s big-play attack presents a threat
Bethune-Cookman’s offense has been one of the SWAC’s most dynamic, ranking first in the league in total offense at 403.7 yards per game and first in passing at 236.4 yards per game.
Quarterback Cam’Ron Ransom has steered that surge, completing 63.6% of his passes for 1,743 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions, operating an attack built around tempo and vertical shots.
The Wildcats spread the ball across a deep skill group, but receiver and kick return man Javon Ross headlines the unit with 603 receiving yards and nearly 100 all-purpose yards per contest.
Ross has also tied for the national lead with two kickoff return touchdowns, giving B-CU a game-breaking element that can flip momentum instantly if FAMU’s coverage units lose integrity.
Who has the defensive edge?
Florida A&M’s defense has not dominated statistically, but it does boast standout play on the back end, led by cornerback Ah’mare Lee, who ranks among the SWAC leaders in passes defended. The Rattlers’ secondary faces a stiff challenge from one of the league’s top passing offenses.
Bethune-Cookman is second in the SWAC with 20 total sacks, but ranks last in passing defense, allowing 254 yards per game.
Prediction: Wildcats pull away late
Bethune-Cookman’s path to a win likely requires turning this into a track meet, hitting explosive plays while forcing FAMU to chase points instead of dictating tempo.
Florida A&M’s best script involves methodical drives from Johnson, chunk gains to Wilcher and Lawrence.
Given that Bethune-Cookman has a significantly better offense than the Rattlers, the Wildcats — for the first time in years — have their best shot at winning the Florida Classic.
Score: Bethune-Cookman 35, Florida A&M 24
