Arkansas State football team hopes to capitalize on momentum heading into 2026 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Arkansas State football team hopes to capitalize on momentum heading into 2026 as it wrapped up the Sun Belt Football Media Days in New Orleans. Coach Butch Jones spoke Thursday at the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District with first-team preseason All-Sun Belt wide receiver Chauncy Cobb and safety Brandon Barnes. The Red Wolves enter the 2026 season after a 7-6 2025 campaign, capped by a 34-28 Xbox Bowl win over Missouri State. Jones said the program’s culture has stayed intact despite major roster turnover, with more than 60 new players and only 13 returning starters. Barnes highlighted team bonding through “Connection Saturday,” while Cobb, Tristian Smith, and Kenyon Clay lead key offensive returnees. The quarterback competition will be central after Jaylen Raynor transferred to Iowa State, with Ethan Crawford, Trey Owens, Drew Dickey, and Jeremy St-Hilaire all in the mix.