FAMU Football’s Quarterback Depth Creates Fierce Competition for 2025 Starting Role

A high-powered offense starts with a strong leader under center — and Florida A&M University (FAMU) is making sure it has plenty of options at quarterback heading into the 2025 season.

This offseason, the Rattlers have overhauled their QB room, adding five new faces to the mix. The group includes transfers RJ Johnson III (Toledo), Tyler Jefferson (Central Michigan), Jett Peddy (Long Beach City College), and Lawrence Wright IV, along with incoming freshman RJ Mayes from Marianna High School. These newcomers will join returning quarterbacks Traven Green and Bryson Martin, giving FAMU a total of seven players vying for the starting spot.

A Legacy to Uphold

Whoever wins the job will have big shoes to fill. The Rattlers have seen standout quarterback play in recent years, with Jeremy Moussa (2022–2023) and Daniel Richardson (2024) both earning recognition as two of the top signal-callers in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and receiving HBCU All-American honorable mentions. The expectation is that the next man up will continue that tradition of excellence.

The quarterback competition will come to a head on August 30, when FAMU kicks off its 2025 season against Howard in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Until then, head coach James Colzie III and his staff will be evaluating talent closely in practices and fall camp.

Meet the Quarterbacks Competing for the Starting Job

RJ Johnson III (Transfer – Toledo)

• Classification: Redshirt Sophomore
• Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
• Height/Weight: 6’2”, 210 lbs
• 2024 Stats: Did not play
  Johnson brings good size and a Power Five frame to FAMU. Though he didn’t see action last season at Toledo, his physical tools and leadership potential make him an intriguing candidate.

Tyler Jefferson (Transfer – Central Michigan)

• Classification: Redshirt Sophomore
• Hometown: High Springs, Florida
• Height/Weight: 6’0”, 235 lbs
• 2024 Stats: 27 completions on 58 attempts (47%), 286 passing yards, 1 interception; 43 carries for 282 rushing yards and 1 touchdown
  Jefferson is a dual-threat quarterback with college playing experience. Though his passing numbers were modest last season, he’s shown he can make plays on the ground and could thrive in an offense that takes advantage of his mobility.

Jett Peddy (Transfer – Long Beach City College)

• Classification: Redshirt Junior
• Hometown: Clearwater, Florida
• Height/Weight: 6’3”, 195 lbs
• 2024 Stats: 1 completion on 1 attempt for 6 yards
  Peddy has limited stats from last season, but he has the size and arm strength that coaches often covet. With more reps and familiarity with the offense, he could be a sleeper in this QB race.

Lawrence Wright IV (Transfer)

• Classification: Redshirt Freshman
• Hometown: Rockledge, Florida
• Height/Weight: 6’2”, 170 lbs
• 2024 Stats: Did not play
  Wright arrives with four years of eligibility and plenty of potential. While he has yet to see game action, his presence in the QB room gives FAMU a long-term developmental option.

RJ Mayes (Freshman – Marianna High School)

• Classification: True Freshman
• Hometown: Marianna, Florida
• Height/Weight: 5’10”, 150 lbs
• 2024 High School Stats: 106 completions on 170 attempts (62%), 1,678 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 5 interceptions; 46 carries for 382 yards and 5 touchdowns
  Mayes is the only high school signee in the class and brings impressive production from his senior season. Though slightly undersized by college standards, his accuracy and dual-threat capability could make him a future star.

Returning Players

Traven Green and Bryson Martin return for another season with the Rattlers, and while they may not have logged significant playing time last year, their familiarity with the program gives them a valuable edge during camp.

The Road Ahead

With such a crowded and talented quarterback room, the Rattlers have the luxury of depth — but also the challenge of making the right choice. Coach Colzie and offensive coordinator (TBD) will need to carefully evaluate not just arm talent and mobility, but also leadership, decision-making, and poise under pressure.

The offensive scheme may also play a major role in determining who wins the job. Will FAMU opt for a traditional pocket passer, a dual-threat playmaker, or perhaps rotate quarterbacks depending on game situations?

No matter who takes the first snap in late August, the Rattlers appear well-positioned to continue their recent success on offense. With a strong supporting cast and multiple quarterbacks capable of leading the charge, the battle for QB1 will be one of the most compelling storylines of FAMU’s offseason.

Bottom Line:
FAMU’s quarterback depth is not just insurance — it’s opportunity. The competition is wide open, and whoever seizes it will have the chance to lead one of the SWAC’s premier programs into another promising season.