Bethune-Cookman names FAMU transfer Tyler Jefferson as starting QB

Bethune-Cookman named Florida A&M transfer Tyler Jefferson as the starting quarterback on Aug. 28, per the team’s X account.

Jefferson, a redshirt junior, spent his first two seasons of college ball at Central Michigan before transferring to the Rattlers in 2025. Jefferson ventured to the other side of the Florida Classic in the offseason and won the starting job over returning redshirt senior Amari Jones.

Jefferson made three starts in seven appearances for the Chippewas in 2024, when he finished the season 27 for 58 for 286 yards and an interception. Jefferson ran the ball 43 times for 233 yards and another score that same year.

Tyler Jefferson. QB1.#𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙨 | #𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙮𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧pic.twitter.com/z5mNpwqjqO

The former Rattler hardly saw action in 2025, recording a combined four rushes for two yards in a pair of appearances.

Jefferson’s three previous starts were against Eastern Michigan, Miami (Ohio) and Bowling Green, but he’ll have a step up in competition in his first start in maroon and gold. He’ll be tasked with navigating UCF’s defense in the Wildcats’ season opener on Sept. 3 in Orlando.

The announcement signifies confidence in Jefferson’s abilities as head coach Raymond Woodie Jr. hasn’t been afraid to play the quarterback-by-committee game in the past. Bethune-Cookman rotated between Cam’Ron Ransom and Timmy McClain last season.

Should Jefferson be productive in the starting role, his first full season as a Division I starting quarterback will end against his former Florida A&M teammates in the Florida Classic on Nov. 21.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Bethune-Cookman names FAMU transfer Tyler Jefferson as starting QB