FAMU football RB Jamal Hailey plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

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FAMU football RB Jamal Hailey plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

One of Florida A&M football’s offensive constants and fan favorites is set to hit the NCAA Transfer Portal.

On Dec. 10, running back Jamal Hailey announced on X/Twitter his intent to play elsewhere next season.

The redshirt senior cited “coaching changes” for his decision and said he’s “exploring new opportunities” when the transfer portal opens for entry for 14 days from Jan. 2, 2026, to Jan 16, 2026.

FAMU fired head coach James Colzie III on Dec. 8 after two seasons and a 12-12 record. That included the Rattlers going 5-7 in 2025, the program’s first losing season since 2017.

Offensive coordinator Henry Burris has been named the acting head coach.

Transferring to FAMU from Western Michigan ahead of the 2025 season, the fleet-footed Hailey was one of the Rattlers’ positives during their dismal year.

He jumped on the scene during the Rattlers’ Week 9 victory over the Southern Jaguars.

En route to a 43-35 FAMU victory, Hailey had 19 carries for 157 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Newcomer of the Week for the performance.

Another shining moment for Hailey was his 72-yard touchdown run against Bethune-Cookman in FAMU’s 38-34 loss in the Florida Classic. Hailey’s fourth-quarter score had given the Orange and Green a 27-24 advantage over the Wildcats with a little less than eight minutes left to play.

Florida A&M's Jamal Hailey (28) runs down the field with the ball during the game against Bethune-Cookman during the Florida Classic, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

Hailey completed the 2025 season with 84 carries for 516 rushing yards, 31 catches for 199 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns, six rushing, two receiving. He also returned seven kicks for 126 yards.

Hailey would have likely been FAMU’s top returning running back with the graduation of Thad Franklin Jr.

More key contributors set to explore the transfer portal are quarterback RJ Johnson III, defensive end Antonio Camon, and All-SWAC First Team kicker Daniel Porto.

Which FAMU football players have declared for the NCAA Transfer Portal?

NCAA Transfer Portal opens for entry on Jan. 2, 2026 until Jan. 16, 2026

  • RJ Johnson III, Quarterback
  • Jamal Hailey, Running Back
  • Ja’Cory Jordan, Wide Receiver
  • Goldie Lawrence, Wide Receiver
  • Miles Campbell, Tight End
  • Andrew Ritter, Tight End
  • Antonio Camon Jr., Defensive End
  • Ah’Mare Lee, Cornerback
  • Justin Bostic, Defensive Back
  • Daniel Porto, Kicker
  • Jack Carson-Wentz, Long Snapper

Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.

Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida A&M football RB Jamal Hailey plans to enter transfer portal

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