It may sound bold in July, but don’t dismiss the possibility that Arkansas State could be playing for a Sun Belt championship in December.
After years of rebuilding, Butch Jones appears to have assembled the deepest roster of his tenure, and national analysts are beginning to notice what Red Wolves fans have hoped for — the program may finally be ready to challenge for the top of the conference once again.
Several of the preseason publications project Arkansas State to finish among the Sun Belt contenders in 2026, and while the Red Wolves still have questions to answer before the season begins, there’s growing evidence this team has the pieces necessary to make a legitimate run at a conference title.
Here are five reasons why Arkansas State can compete for a Sun Belt championship this season.