Legendary HBCU quarterback to coach against alma mater in 2025

Albany State coach Quinn Gray is set to begin his third season leading the Ramsstarting the season against the institution where he became a legendary HBCU quarterback. Per FBS schedules, Albany State is set to visit Florida A&M on September 3, which it will be Gray’s first time coaching against his alma mater.

During his time at Florida A&M, he played under iconic Rattlers coach Billy Joe, who introduced an innovative Gulf Coast offense. This powerful, pass-heavy system became a cornerstone of the team’s success throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, helping to define an era of Rattler football dominance.

By the time his college career ended, he had cemented his place in FAMU history as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards (7,378), passing attempts (1,113), completions (562) and touchdown passes (57). Among his many accomplishments was setting the single-game record for most pass attempts with 65 against North Carolina A&T in 2001.

He also delivered some of the most impressive passing performances in FAMU history, including three of the top 10 single-game passing yards: 407 yards against South Carolina State in 2001, 390 yards against Morgan State in 2000 and 388 yards against Bethune -Cookman that same year.

As the starting quarterback, he led Florida A&M to back-to-back MEAC championships in 2000 (9-3) and 2001 (7-4), leading the team to back-to-back playoff appearances. His impact spanned four straight NCAA playoff series from 1998-2001, including a standout role in the 1999 season in which the Rattlers advanced to the national semifinals in an unforgettable playoff trip.

now, Quinn Gray leads Albany State and has achieved success in his mandate. His team managed to win the SIAC Championship in his first season with the team, losing to the Benedict College Tigers led by Chanice Berry. Although the Rams suffered some setbacks that prevented them from making it to the SIAC Championship again, such as losses to Savannah State and eventual SIAC Champion Miles College, they still finished their conference slate at 6-2.

Gray’s homecoming to Florida A&M should be an interesting one, and he will surely try to leave Bragg Memorial Stadium with one of the biggest losses in Albany State history.