Quarterback Race, Defensive Improvement Lead Arkansas State’s Summer Questions

Justin Manning Photo

Arkansas State completed spring football practice with a large group of newcomers, a new offensive coordinator and no clear public answer at the most important position on the field.

Those uncertainties will follow the Red Wolves into the summer as they prepare for their sixth season under coach Butch Jones.

Arkansas State returns 10 starters — seven on offense and three on defense — from a team that finished 7-6 overall and 5-3 in Sun Belt Conference play in 2025. The Red Wolves also return 41 letterwinners, but much of the roster has been reshaped by a recruiting class that included 46 players who were available for spring practice.

The Red Wolves ended spring camp with a 77-play Pack Day Spring Game that featured team periods, individual matchups, a quarterback challenge and a kicking competition.

Spring practice provided the coaching staff with its first extended evaluation of the rebuilt roster. It did not settle every position battle or answer whether Arkansas State can take another step in a competitive Sun Belt West Division.

Here are some of the primary questions facing the Red Wolves during the summer.