The Arkansas State Red Wolves have built a proud legacy in NCAA athletics, excelling in both Arkansas Red Wolves football and Arkansas State Red Wolves basketball. Known for their competitive spirit and consistent success, the Red Wolves have earned conference titles, produced star athletes, and established themselves as one of the most respected programs in college sports.
College Sports Established
1909
Location
Jonesboro, Arkansas
College Name
Arkansas State University
Collegiate History
1975 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1991 - Present / Sun Belt Conference
1963 - 1991 / Southland Conference
Nickname
Red Wolves - The Arkansas State Red Wolves are a beloved college sports team whose nickname has become synonymous with strength and determination. But where did the Red Wolves' nickname come from?
Arkansas State Red Wolves Origin
The story of the Arkansas State Red Wolves began in 1924 when the school was known as Arkansas State Teachers College (ASTC). At that time, students wanted to change their mascot from an owl to something more fierce and powerful. After much discussion, they decided on “Red Wolf” – a nod to both Native American culture as well as local wildlife. The name also represented resilience; red wolves were once thought extinct but have since returned after being reintroduced into some areas of North America recently.
In 1931, ASTC officially changed its name to Arkansas State University (ASU) but kept its beloved mascot intact - solidifying it for generations of fans who would cheer them on at sporting events nationwide! Since then, ASU's teams have been known by many names, including Indians & Cardinals, before settling back onto ‘Red Wolves’ in 2008 when they joined NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Conference USA (now Sun Belt).
Today ASU proudly displays its iconic logo featuring two red wolves howling at each other while standing atop an outline map of state boundaries - reinforcing not only their commitment towards academic excellence but also honoring those who came before us with this unique moniker: The mighty Arkansas State University Red Wolves!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1911
- 1925
- 2007
- 2008
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Arkansas State Football Team beginning
Arkansas State first fielded a football team in 1911. Since then the team has compiled six conference championships and one College Division (now NCAA Division II) football championship. The team was briefly discontinued during the First and Second World Wars. In 1953, the Indians moved from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), ... -
Arkansas State’s first baseball Game
The Arkansas State Red Wolves baseball team (formerly the Arkansas State Indians) is a varsity intercollegiate athletic team of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, United States. The team is a member of the Sun Belt Conference, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division I. Arkansas State’s first baseball team was fielded in 1925. The team plays ... -
Red Wolves (Howl) Mascot Selection
A panel selecting the new nickname first narrowed the list down to twelve finalists: A’s, Black Wolves, Red Wolves, Diamonds, Express, Mallards, Mustangs, Red Dragons, Red Storm, Ridge Runners, Ridge Riders and Thunderbirds. A meeting was held on December 3, 2007, to review the list, which was narrowed in January 2008 to Red Wolves, Ridge Riders or Express Train. On ... -
Coach John Brady
On March 19, 2008, Arkansas State named John Brady as the university’s 15th head basketball coach. Brady had previously coached at Louisiana State University, taking the Tigers to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament in 2006. Brady is the only head basketball coach in the Sun Belt Conference with Final Four experience. Brady resigned following the 2015–2016 season.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Arkansas State Red Wolves History
The Arkansas State Red Wolves have a proud and competitive legacy in NCAA athletics, especially recognized for their fierce rivalry with the UL Monroe Warhawks. The program’s roots date back to 1909, when the university was founded as an agricultural school. Over time, the Red Wolves established strong traditions in Arkansas Red Wolves football, Arkansas State Red Wolves basketball, baseball, and track & field.
The 1971–72 season marked a major milestone as Arkansas State transitioned to NCAA Division I athletics. Competing against powerhouse programs like Alabama and LSU helped the Arkansas Red Wolves football program develop into a respected competitor. The team’s growth continued through the decades, achieving numerous bowl appearances, including four straight from 2011 to 2014 under head coach Hugh Freeze, who later moved to Ole Miss. These seasons solidified Arkansas State’s reputation as a consistent and disciplined football force.
On the court, Arkansas State Red Wolves basketball has also thrived. Since the early 2000s, the Red Wolves have earned multiple NCAA tournament appearances, highlighted by a memorable Sweet Sixteen run in 2006–07 led by head coach John Brady, a former LSU coach. Under current head coach Mike Balado, the program continues to shine, winning the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in 2018–19 and multiple regular-season championships in 2010–11, 2012–13, 2015–16, and 2017–18.
Red Wolves Achievements
In addition to their football and basketball success, the Red Wolves have developed strong baseball and track programs that have produced All-Americans and professional-level talent. The athletic department’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field has helped maintain the school’s national reputation.
Today, the Arkansas State Red Wolves remain a dominant force within the Sun Belt Conference, achieving consistent success in Arkansas Red Wolves football and Arkansas State Red Wolves basketball. With a passionate fan base, modern facilities, and a strong athletic culture, Arkansas State continues to build on its rich legacy while setting new standards for future generations of student-athletes.
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