If you want to listen to a Red Wolves fan wax poetically, mention former Arkansas State quarterback Ryan Aplin, the architect of A-State’s iconic 45-0 trashing of Middle Tennessee in 2012. The win, fueled by 238 passing yards and four total touchdowns from Aplin, secured a Sun Belt championship for the Red Wolves and provided a satisfying kick in the music to the CUSA-bound Blue Raiders.

Twelve years later, Arkansas State has seen a small parade of tremendous quarterbacks lead the huddle – Fredi Knighten and Justice Hansen stand tall among them, with guys like Adam Kennedy, Layne Hatcher and Logan Bonner providing memorable moments. However, in the Butch Jones Era, quarterbacks have not been allowed to shine, due largely to an offensive line under major reconstruction. Hatcher never clicked with Jones. James Blackman, the Florida State transfer with a penchant for deep throws, never had time to unleash his bombs. Talented and highly regarded recruit Jaxon Dailey never seemed to find the flow.

In 2023, freshman Jaylen Raynor was a lightly recruited QB out of North Carolina who was biding his time behind Colorado transfer JT Shrout and Dailey, the incoming sophomore. Both QBs struggled out of the gate with losses to Oklahoma and Memphis. But when Stony Brook came to Jonesboro in Week 3, Raynor was handed the pill early in the third quarter, and he hasn’t dropped it since. Last season, Raynor compiled 2,550 passing yards and 22 total touchdowns to lead the Red Wolves to its first bowl appearance since 2019.

The Departures: Jaxon Dailey, Will Pritchard, and Christian Hunt

It’s common knowledge that the game of football is played with just one ball, and for QBs there’s never enough to go around. After seeing Raynor cement his place in the starting lineup, Dailey, Pritchard and Hunt sought their fortunes in the portal. Dailey has found a new home at Northern Iowa, Pritchard at Copiah Lincoln CC, and Hunt at Arizona State. All three are talented slingers whose departure has an unfortunate effect on depth and experience.

Standing Pat: Jaylen Raynor

The lone returner is the program’s starter. Raynor (6’0″ 201-pounds) can hurl the football, but he can also call his own number and run, putting up five touchdowns and 373 yards on the ground last season. Raynor’s rise has been noted by the conference when he was named the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year in 2023. Selected as the 2024 All Sun Belt Second Team Quarterback, the self-assured Raynor is positioned for a monster season behind a talented offensive line and a host of wide receiving weapons.

Portaling In: Aaron McLaughlin and Timmy McClain

Timmy McClain (South Florida/UCF, 6’1″ 192-pounds) led the Bulls in passing with 1,888 yards on 145 of 262 (55.3 percent) with a 116.8 rating before redshirting his next season after transferring to UCF. He’d start three games for the Knights, with a signature game against Villanova (20 of 28 for a career-high 321 yards). McClain, a redshirt junior, was a three star recruit and transfer who provides excellent padding between Raynor and injury.

Coming in beneath the radar is former North Carolina State commit Aaron McLaughlin (NC State/Jacksonville State 6’5″ 234-pounds), a three-star transfer from Jacksonville State who was listed as “one of the best athletic profiles at the quarterback position in the 2021 class” by 24/7. McLaughlin, whose size fits the Butch Jones QB profile, didn’t see much time for the Gamecocks, but his potential makes him a contender for #2.

NOTE: Since the original posting, McLaughlin has vanished from the Red Wolves roster

New Arrivals: Josh Flowers and Ty Miller

Josh Flowers (6’3″ 205-pounds) was the 3-star jewel of Butch Jones’ 2024 class. Yet another talent arriving to Jonesboro from Mobile, Flowers fielded offers from Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi State and Texas A&M before choosing the Red Wolves. He saw action as the #2 QB during this years A-State Spring Game, brining to bear a big frame and a big arm.

Ty Miller (6’1″ 200-pounds) is, well, something of a mystery arriving from Mocksville, North Carolina – the same state as Raynor.

The Verdict

It’s never great when the entire QB room (other than the starter) empties for a greener pasture. However, not only do the Red Wolves have the All Sun Belt Second Team QB at starter, they have a pair of experienced hands backing him up, and one of the best QB prospects in the Sun Belt waiting in the wings. Through recruiting a portal hunting, what started as a big question mark for Arkansas State has become a strength.

GRADE: B+