Kamari Stephens Re-enters Transfer Portal

FAMU defensive linemen re-enters the transfer portal after returning to the Rattlers in May.

Kamari Stephens is back — — in the NCAA transfer portal.

Stephens, the former Florida A&M defensive lineman, first entered the transfer portal but decided to return to the Rattlers football program in May.  Florida A&M will be without their All-SWAC defensive linemen for the season opener against Jackson State in the Orange Blossom Classic on Sunday, Sept. 3.

The Stephens news surprised many FAMU and HBCU football fans.  Usually, once a player decides to return to a school after being in the portal, it's a foregone conclusion that the player will remain in the program.  He's tested the waters once before and, for one reason or another, chose to stay in Tallahassee.  

Earlier on Monday, FAMU announced the former Rattler was to represent FAMU at the 2023 SWAC Football Media Day on Tues., July 25, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Coach Simmons will have less than two months to replace Kamari Stephens' production.  The team is facing pressure to address the departure of a key defensive player.  In 2022, Stephens led the SWAC with ten sacks.  The team has lost its top pass rushers without Stephens and former Rattler Isaiah Land in the lineup. 

All-SWAC linebacker Isaiah Major is expected to be the center of attention for the Rattlers' defense.  The 6-1 and 230-pound defender had an impressive performance last season with four sacks, 83 tackles, 13.5 tackles for losses, two passes defended, and a fumble recovery.  The Oklahoma City product was the team's top tackler and ranked 8th in the SWAC.