Arkansas State Well-Represented on National Preseason Award Watch Lists

The buzz around Arkansas State football is getting louder — and for good reason. Heading into the 2025 season, several Red Wolves have landed on national preseason award watch lists, putting A-State squarely in the national spotlight.

At the front of the charge is Corey Rucker, the veteran wide receiver who’s become a household name in Jonesboro. Rucker isn’t just one of the best playmakers in the Sun Belt — he’s one of the best in the country. He’s on the Maxwell Award watch list for College Player of the Year, the Biletnikoff Award list for the nation’s top receiver, and has also been recognized off the field with nominations for both the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and the Wuerffel Trophy for community service and academics. Few players can make highlight-reel catches on Saturday and then make an impact in their community on Sunday — Rucker can do both.

In the backfield, Ja’Quez Cross is drawing his own national attention. The electric senior from Hampton, Ark., made the Doak Walker Award watch list for the nation’s top running back, while also being recognized for the Paul Hornung Award, honoring the most versatile player in college football. Fans know Cross as a do-it-all weapon who can break a big run, catch passes out of the backfield, and flip a game with his speed on special teams.

And don’t forget about special teams — Clune Van Andel is carrying the torch for the Red Wolves’ kicking game. The junior from Grand Rapids, Mich., earned a spot on the Lou Groza Award watch list, which goes to the best kicker in the nation. Every time he lines up for a field goal, fans know points are coming.

Altogether, Arkansas State placed three players on seven national watch lists, ranking the Red Wolves among the most recognized teams in the Sun Belt. That’s more than some of the league’s traditional powerhouses — and it’s a clear sign that head coach Butch Jones and his squad are ready to make noise in 2025.