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Team Information
| Ground | Centennial Bank Stadium |
| City | Jonesboro, Arkansas |
| Conference | Sun Belt, West Division |
| Nickname | Red Wolves |
Arkansas State Red Wolves Football News
About Arkansas State Red Wolves Football
The Arkansas State Red Wolves football team, representing Arkansas State University in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) competition, boasts a proud history dating back to its founding in 1911. They've been a steadfast member of the Sun Belt Conference since 2001 and play their home games at Centennial Bank Stadium, guided by Head Coach Butch Jones.
The Red Wolves have a remarkable track record with 12 conference championships, the most recent of which was secured in 2016. Additionally, they hold claim to a national championship, earned in 1970 at the NCAA College Division level.
A noteworthy transition occurred in 2008 when the team rebranded from the Indians to the Red Wolves, marking a significant shift in their identity.
The school itself was established in 1909, with football making its debut just two years later. World War I briefly interrupted the football program in 1918, but they made a triumphant return and later joined the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference in 1929. After a period of independence, they achieved regional recognition from 1951 to 1953, participating in four post-season bowl games.
| Name of the team | Arkansas State Red Wolves |
| First season | 1911 |
| Athletic director | Jeff Purinton |
| Head coach | Butch Jones |
| Stadium | Centennial Bank Stadium (capacity: 30,964) |
| Field surface | Pro Green |
| Location | Jonesboro, Arkansas |
| NCAA division | Division I FBS |
| Conference | Sun Belt Conference |
| Division | West |
| Claimed national titles | Div. II: 1 (1970) |
| Conference titles | 12 |
| Rivalries | Memphis |
| Fight song | ASU Loyalty |
| Mascot | Howl |
Arkansas State Red Wolves Football Introduction
The Arkansas State Red Wolves football team, representing Arkansas State University in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) competition, carries a rich history of gridiron excellence. Established in 1911, they've been a proud member of the Sun Belt Conference since 2001 and have left an indelible mark on the world of college football.
In their storied history, the Red Wolves have secured an impressive 12 conference championships, with their most recent triumph occurring in 2016. Their legacy also includes a national championship earned in 1970 at the NCAA College Division level.
The team's home turf, Centennial Bank Stadium, has witnessed countless thrilling moments. Originally known as Indian Stadium, it underwent a name change to ASU Stadium in 2007 and later became Liberty Bank Stadium in 2012. The current name, Centennial Bank Stadium, reflects its association with Home BancShares. With a seating capacity of 30,406 since 2015, this stadium in Jonesboro, Arkansas, has been the backdrop for the Red Wolves' remarkable journey.
Arkansas State Red Wolves Football History
The history of Arkansas State Red Wolves football is a testament to their resilience and transformation. The team's journey began in 1911, enduring a temporary disbandment during World War I in 1918. They played without a conference affiliation until 1929, when they joined the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference. A significant phase saw them compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) from 1937 to 1953.
The 1950s under Coach Forrest England marked a regional football power, with appearances in four postseason bowl games from 1951 to 1953. In 1953, they moved to the NCAA College Division, navigating a series of head coaching changes. A golden era dawned in 1963 when Bennie Ellender led the team, culminating in an undefeated 11-0 College Division National Championship in 1970.
Transitioning from Division II to Division I in 1973, they recorded an undefeated season in 1975, yet without a national championship. The Independence Bowl was subsequently created due to this inequity.
The 1980s under Larry Lacewell saw success in Division I-AA, reaching the national championship game in 1986. The 1990s posed challenges during the transition to Division I FBS, marked by coaching changes and conferences.
In 2001, they joined the Sun Belt Conference, a pivotal moment in their journey. Steve Roberts took over as head coach in 2002, leading the team to its first bowl game in 2005.
In 2008, the Red Wolves adopted the Red Wolves mascot, ushering in a new era of success. The 2023 Arkansas State Red Wolves, led by Head Coach Butch Jones in his third season, will represent the university in the Sun Belt Conference. They will call Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, Arkansas, their home. The previous season (2022) saw the Red Wolves finish with a 3–9 record (1–7 in conference), marking the third consecutive year without an invitation to postseason competition. This history of resilience and adaptation exemplifies their determination to excel in collegiate football.
Arkansas State Red Wolves Football Coach
Butch Jones, the current head coach of the Arkansas State Red Wolves football team, took over on December 12, 2020, marking a new chapter in the program's history. Jones, born on January 17, 1968, is an accomplished figure in American football. He played college football at Ferris State University and later made a name for himself as a coach. Prior to leading the Red Wolves, Jones served as the head coach at Central Michigan University (2007-2009), the University of Cincinnati (2010-2012), and the University of Tennessee (2013-2017). He also contributed as a special assistant and offensive analyst at the University of Alabama (2018-2020).
| Tenure | Coach |
| 1. 1911–1912 | F. T. Parks |
| 2. 1913 | Clinton Young |
| 3. 1914–1917 | Earl W. Brannon |
| 4. 1919–1921 | Foy Hammons |
| 5. 1922–1923 | Tom Dandelet |
| 6. 1924 | Bill Stanley |
| 7. 1925–1930 | Herbert Schwartz |
| 8. 1931–1932 | Jack Dale |
| 9. 1933 | Elza T. Renfro |
| 10. 1934–1935 | Tommy Mills |
| 11. 1936–1938 | Leslie Speck |
| 12. 1939–1941 | Bill Adams |
| 13. 1945 | Ike Tomlinson |
| 14. 1946–1953 | Forrest England |
| 15. 1954 | Glen Harmeson |
| 16. 1955–1957 | Gene Harlow |
| 17. 1958–1959 | Hugh Taylor |
| 18. 1960–1962 | King Block |
| 19. 1963–1970 | Bennie Ellender |
| 20. 1971–1978 | Bill Davidson |
| 21. 1979–1989 | Larry Lacewell |
| 22. 1990–1991 | Al Kincaid |
| 23. 1992 | Ray Perkins |
| 24. 1993–1996 | John Bobo |
| 25. 1997–2001 | Joe Hollis |
| 26. 2002–2010 | Steve Roberts |
| 27. 2011 | Hugh Freeze |
| 28. 2011 | David Gunn‡ |
| 29. 2012 | Gus Malzahn |
| 30. 2012 | John Thompson‡ |
| 31. 2013 | Bryan Harsin |
| 32. 2013 | John Thompson‡ |
| 33. 2014–2020 | Blake Anderson |
| 34. 2021–present | Butch Jones |
Arkansas State Red Wolves Football Stadium: Centennial Bank Stadium
Centennial Bank Stadium, located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, stands as the revered home of the Arkansas State Red Wolves football team. Originally inaugurated in 1974, it underwent multiple phases of development, eventually accommodating a seating capacity of 30,406 since 2015.
This stadium has undergone several name changes over the years. It was initially christened Indian Stadium, in homage to the university's former mascot, before becoming ASU Stadium in 2007. A significant milestone arrived in 2012 when Liberty Bank of Arkansas's generous donation led to its renaming as Liberty Bank Stadium. Finally, in 2014, it adopted its current name, Centennial Bank Stadium, following Home BancShares' acquisition of Liberty Bank.
Centennial Bank Stadium is renowned for its modern amenities, featuring a multi-level press box, coaching booths, broadcasting stations, video control facilities, suites, and expansive club areas. Renovations added 42 loge boxes, 20 suites, a spacious club zone, and 344 club seats, enhancing the overall fan experience and revenue-generating potential.
With its rich history, continuous expansion, and contemporary facilities, Centennial Bank Stadium holds a special place as a pivotal venue for the Arkansas State University football program.
Arkansas State Red Wolves Football Rivals
The Arkansas State Red Wolves Football team shares a storied rivalry with the Memphis Tigers, dating back to their first encounter in 1914. This matchup is not only the oldest but also one of the most frequently played series for both teams. Memorable moments have marked their clashes, including a record-breaking game in 2004 when Memphis triumphed 47-35 in front of a crowd of 30,427 at Indian Stadium. In 2006, the Red Wolves secured a thrilling 26-23 win at the Liberty Bowl Stadium in Memphis, ending a ten-game losing streak. The rivalry intensified in 2007 when Arkansas State staged a remarkable second-half comeback, defeating Memphis 35-31 after trailing 31-6 at halftime. Although Memphis leads the series 30-24-5, the tradition continues with games scheduled from 2020 to 2023.
Arkansas State Red Wolves Football Record and stats
Conference championships
| Year | Conference | Overall Record | Conference Record | Coach |
| 1968 | Southland Conference | 7–3–1 | 3–0–1 | Bennie Ellender |
| 1969 | Southland Conference | 8–1–1 | 4–0 | Bennie Ellender |
| 1970 | Southland Conference | 11–0 | 4–0 | Bennie Ellender |
| 1975 | Southland Conference | 11–0 | 5–0 | Bill Davidson |
| 1978 | Southland Conference | 7–4 | Bill Davidson | |
| 1985 | Southland Conference | 9–4 | 5–1 | Larry Lacewell |
| 1986 | Southland Conference | 12–2–1 | 5–0 | Larry Lacewell |
| 2011 | Sun Belt Conference | 10–3 | 8–0 | Hugh Freeze |
| 2012 | Sun Belt Conference | 10–3 | 7–1 | Gus Malzahn |
| 2013 | Sun Belt Conference | 8–5 | 5–2 | Bryan Harsin |
| 2015 | Sun Belt Conference | 9–4 | 8–0 | Blake Anderson |
| 2016† | Sun Belt Conference | 8–5 | 7–1 | Blake Anderson |
Arkansas State Red Wolves Football Roster
The Arkansas State Red Wolves Football roster is a diverse assembly of talent, with players hailing from various hometowns and representing different classes. At quarterback, the team boasts young prospects like Jaxon Dailey from Pleasant Hill, IA, and Christian Hunt from Redondo Beach, CA. Will Prichard, a freshman from Lake Worth, FL, adds depth to this position, along with the talented Jaylen Raynor from Kernersville, NC. Senior J.T. Shrout from Santa Clarita, CA, brings experience to the QB position.
In the running back corps, the Red Wolves showcase a mix of newcomers and seasoned players. Kam Boyd, a freshman from Jackson, TN, displays his agility alongside sophomores like Ja'Quez Cross from Hampton, AR, and Mike Sharpe II from Pinson, AL. Cedric Hawkins, another freshman from Stuttgart, AR, adds to the team's depth. The senior presence is felt with Brian Snead, a powerful back from Tampa, FL, who brings his expertise to the field.
This diverse roster highlights the team's commitment to nurturing young talent while maintaining a balanced mix of experienced players. It's a promising ensemble that aims to make its mark on the gridiron for the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
Arkansas State Red Wolves Football Schedule
The Arkansas State Red Wolves Football team commenced its 2023 season with two challenging matchups, ending in two losses. In their season opener, they faced off against the Oklahoma Sooners, enduring a formidable 73-0 defeat. Following this tough start, they encountered the Memphis Tigers, with the outcome once again favoring their opponents in a 37-3 loss.
As the season unfolds, the Red Wolves are striving to regain momentum and secure victories. Their upcoming schedule presents opportunities for redemption, with games against Stony Brook, Southern Mississippi, UMass, Troy, Coastal Carolina, UL-Monroe, Louisiana, South Alabama, Texas State, and Marshall. Each of these matchups offers a chance for the team to showcase their skills, improve their record, and aim for success in the remainder of the season.
FAQs
A. The Arkansas State Red Wolves football team was founded in 1911. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and have been a member of the Sun Belt Conference since 2001.
A. The Red Wolves have won 12 conference championships in their history. Their most recent conference championship was secured in 2016.
A. Certainly, the stadium, originally known as Indian Stadium, underwent several name changes. It was named ASU Stadium in 2007 and later became Liberty Bank Stadium in 2012. In 2014, it adopted its current name, Centennial Bank Stadium.
A. The current head coach is Butch Jones, who took over on December 12, 2020, ushering in a new era for the team.
A. The rivalry dates back to 1914 and has seen memorable moments, including a record-breaking game in 2004 when Memphis won 47-35. In 2006, the Red Wolves secured a thrilling 26-23 win in Memphis, ending a ten-game losing streak.
A. The roster features a mix of young talents and experienced players. Notable names include quarterbacks J.T. Shrout and Jaxon Dailey, as well as running back Brian Snead, among others.
