Arkansas State Picked Third in SBC West in 2025 Preseason Coaches Poll
As Sun Belt Conference Media Days get underway this week, the league’s head coaches have released their 2025 preseason poll, selecting Arkansas State to finish third in the Sun Belt West Division.
The Red Wolves earned 64 points and one first-place vote, finishing behind Louisiana (86 points, 6 first-place votes) and Texas State (78 points, 6 first-place votes). South Alabama, Southern Miss, Troy, and ULM round out the West Division projections.
A-State continues to build momentum under Head Coach Butch Jones, coming off back-to-back bowl appearances, including a win in the 2024 68 Ventures Bowl. The Red Wolves are also one of only four FBS programs to increase their regular season win total every year since 2022.
In the East Division, James Madison was the overwhelming favorite, earning 94 points and 11 first-place votes, followed by Georgia Southern (76 points, 1 first-place vote) and App State (60 points). Coastal Carolina, Old Dominion, Marshall, and Georgia State round out the division standings.
2025 Sun Belt Preseason Coaches Poll
East Division
James Madison – 94 points (11)
Georgia Southern – 76 points (1)
App State – 60 points
Coastal Carolina – 49 points (1)
Old Dominion – 48 points
Marshall – 42 points (1)
Georgia State – 23 points
West Division
Louisiana – 86 points (6)
Texas State – 78 points (6)
Arkansas State – 64 points (1)
South Alabama – 50 points (1)
Southern Miss – 47 points
Troy – 43 points
ULM – 24 points
Arkansas State will open its 2025 campaign on August 30 at home against Southeast Missouri. Sun Belt Media Days begin Tuesday and will feature A-State on Wednesday, with Head Coach Butch Jones, quarterback Jaylen Raynor, and safety Brandon Barnes speaking at 10:30 a.m., streaming live on ESPN+.