The Arkansas State Red Wolves have something rarely found in the modern Sun Belt: a returning QB 1, a returning WR1, and a returning RB1. Experience at the skill positions help when you’re breaking in new pieces on the offensive line – at least, I assume so. I’m not a football coach.
Suffice to say, Jaylen Raynor (6’0″, 202-pounds) is back behind center, his starting status secure after two solid seasons as the Red Wolves signal caller. Moreover, he’s a different Jaylen Raynor – older as a junior, a bit wiser after experiencing a season inflated by overly lofty preseason expectations. You may recall that Rayner entered his 2024 sophomore the SBC Freshman Player of the Year after lighting up the gridiron with both his arm and speed.
But while 2024 was a good season for Raynor, it wasn’t a magic season either, spoiled by too many interceptions (10) and not enough production on the ground (three touchdowns, 387 yards rushing). Two high-profile tests against Michigan and Iowa State did not go well: he passed for just 140 yards against the Wolverines, and a mere 68 yards versus the Cyclones. Early in the season, he seemed easily flustered and chased from the pocket, under-tossed balls, and couldn’t find much synergy with his WR1, Corey Rucker. He threw half of his picks for the year (5) in his first four games. What set Raynor apart his freshman season was his consistent ability to throw catchable balls. Last year, his receivers had to work too hard, especially on downfield plays.
After a phone call from Jon Gruden(!), Raynor settled in and became a far more effective quarterback. Moving forward to his junior year, Raynor is a valued commodity on a G5 roster: an experienced hand with a deep knowledge of the playbook and an intimate understanding of the whims that govern his head coach. For added flavor, Raynor spent a second off-season at the Manning Passing Academy, tossing pigskin with guys like Chandler Morris (Virginia), Arch Manning (Texas) and two QBs he’ll oppose this year, Taylen Green (Arkansas) and Rocco Becht (Iowa State).
Is this Raynor’s year? He certainly has enough weapons with which to distribute big plays. Sure, some of effectiveness will be dictated by how well the offensive line performs, but ultimately, Jaylen Raynor’s success will be determined by Jaylen Raynor. Will he enter the season fully prepared? Will he be in sync with his receivers? Has he developed more arm strength? Is he more willing to run when the defense offers the space? I don’t know. I’m not a football coach or a soothsayer.
What About Those 2024 Red Wolves?
At first glance, an 8-5 season offers many good vibes for Arkansas State fans. The eight victories was a two-win improvement over last season, and the most since 2019. The Bowl victory in 2024 was opposite to the Bowl loss in 2023. And quite frankly, when a fan base endures a 2-10 season as recently as four seasons ago, eight wins feel like a national championship.
But if you want to get picky about 2024, there’s plenty of pick to pluck. For example, the Red Wolves opened the year at home by squeaking by FCS Central Arkansas (34-31) and barely handling 3-9 Tulsa (28-24). This was followed by a decent road loss to Michigan (28-18) and a blowout defeat to Iowa State (52-7). While the Red Wolves did take care of business against pesky foes like South Alabama, ULM, Georgia State, Southern Miss and Troy, Arkansas State fared poorly against the Sun Belt’s better teams, losing convincingly to Louisiana and Texas State. The regular season ended with a dispiriting home loss to Old Dominion, who racked up a program record 406 rush yards on the A-State defense.
The season was both expected in that Arkansas State defeated the foes they were supposed to defeat, but unusual in that many of those victories were the result of fourth quarter comebacks and near full collapses. Bill Connelly, the wonk analyst for ESPN, summed the season best:
Fans were treated to five home wins, all in dramatic fashion; it was the kind of season that can rekindle interest. It was also almost impossible to replicate. SP+ basically saw a four-win team that accidentally won eight games, and then that team lost about 17 starters.
Those italics are mine. Connelly essentially states that the season was more or less a big anomaly unsupported by data. More traditional data points undergird Connelly’s assertion. Red Wolves total offense finished the season ranked 68th nationally, while its total defense landed at a dispiriting 128th. Despite upgrades to the offense line and some talented RBs, the team finished just 78th for rushing, and the pass game wasn’t much better at 67th. Only ULM and Southern Miss fielded worse scoring offenses in the Sun Belt than Arkansas State.
How did Butch Jones win 8 games? Some of it was luck, such as the season opener that saw Raynor connect with Corey Rucker in the corner of the end zone to beat UCA. Against Tulsa, a 77 yard punt return TD from Courtney Jackson was the difference in defeating the Golden Hurricane. Many of the wins came courtesy of a low quality opponent: Southern Miss, Troy, and Georgia State were particularly disheveled foes, and the Red Wolves haven’t loss to the Warhawks since 2009. The Red Wolves didn’t record a truly quality win until defeating Bowling Green in the 68 Ventures Bowl.
So was it all just smoke and mirrors? Butch Jones often talks about how his teams must “learn how to win.” That means winning the games your supposed win, even if the victory isn’t pretty. Perhaps this season, the Red Wolves learn how to win in more convincing fashion.
Getting the Chemistry Between Jalen Raynor and Corey Rucker Right, (And Getting It Right Early)
The preseason hype piled upon last-year wide receiver Corey Rucker is gargantuan. This off season, he’s a Preseason First Team Sun Belt Wide Receiver, an All Sun Belt First Team Selection from Phil Steele and Athlon, and chiseled onto watch lists for the Biletnikoff, Wuerffel Trophy, Maxwell Award, the East-West Shrine Bowl and (because Corey Rucker’s such a nice guy) the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. At 6’0″ 213-pounds, Rucker isn’t bringing elite size to the gridiron, but he does have enough speed and wile to separate from Sun Belt defensive backs, and his hands are dripping in Inspector Gadget-grade glue. He is certified Go-To™ – a man who wins more 50% balls than he loses. When the game is on the line, the huddle dials up a Rucker #7 Special.
As we mentioned earlier, the Raynor-2-Rucker connection was slow to develop in 2024. There were moments of heroics for sure, but what the Red Wolves need most from Raynor-2-Rucker is consistency and reliability. The team cannot not wait for the fourth quarter for the the QB1 and QB2 to finally become tuned. The schedule doesn’t allow much time for messing around.
Under the Radar Guy: Jaylen Bonelli, Junior, Wide Receiver
With reliable targets like Adam Jones and Courtney Jackson departed to greater and better things, who’s stepping up to ride-and-die with Corey Rucker? Nana Burris (5’11” 195) from Stetson, Jordan Smart (5’10” 190) out of North Texas, and returning sophomores Chauncy Cobb (5’6″ 165) and Hunter Summer (6’3″ 161) are believed to be contributors, but Wagner transfer Jaylen Bonelli (5’1l” 197) is a sneaky guy to watch. Bonelli led Stetson last season with 789 receiving yards and six touchdowns, which is the kind of production Butch Jones would love to see bookended with Rucker.
Everybody in Jonesboro is Talking About the Run Game
The buzz out of camp is that the Red Wolves have a deep and talented running back room, but then again, the buzz out of camp last year was that the Red Wolves had a deep and talented running back room, and the run game finished 9th in the Sun Belt in 2024. At least it was an improvement…from tenth.
What’s different in 2025? Bruise-back Zak Wallace is gone, but multi-purpose back Ja’Quez Cross (5’9″ 190) is back and a season stronger, selected to the preseason Sun Belt Second Team. Also back, Cedric Hawkins (5’7″ 196), the Stuttgart Speedster who spent last season out with an injury. Hawkins flashed incredible potential as a freshman. A healthy Hawkins would be a handsome addition to the offense. Also making a return, sophomore Devin Spencer (5’8″ 185), whose shifty speed is raising eyebrows.
However, what’s really churning optimism is some of the squad’s imports. According to Cross, the new additions are providing a variety of options. “We have 10 guys who I feel like who can make a play at any time at any given moment. We’ve got a couple of rugged backs, we have a couple of speed bags and a couple of backs that can do both.”
Who are those “rugged backs?” Kenyon Clay (6’1″ 220) out of Southern Miss is likely one of those guys. Last season, Clay lead the Golden Eagles with seven rushing touchdowns. Also new and rugged to the team, Jacob Walker (5’11” 204) who led North Greenville University with 569 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Both guys will likely see significant touches behind Cross this season.
What Do We Know About the Offensive Line?
Last preseason, the Red Wolves offensive line unit was billed as one of the most experienced and talented the Red Wolves had fielded in many seasons. Sadly, the unit allowed more sacks than any Sun Belt team outside of Old Dominion and Southern Miss, and as we mentioned earlier, the run game ranked just 9th in the Sun Belt.
Obviously, this wasn’t the trench production Butch Jones had hoped for. Nick Grimes takes over at offensive line/run game coordinator for the departed Andy Kwon this season, and he has plenty of beef to work with. Grimes retains the services of sophomore Mason Myers (6’4″ 298) at center, and game-experienced trench returners like Walker Davis (6’3″ 301), Noah Smith (6’7″ 304), Cameron Ambrose (6’4″ 295), Riley McGehee (6’6″ 307) and Tristan Smith (6’3″ 321) – plus several redshirt freshman who enjoyed a season of observation.
Grimes also benefits from some well-practice hands from the transfer portal. Will Saxon (6’3″ 309) was a nine-game starter for Southern Miss last year, Gabe Fortson (6’3″ 324) from Tulane, and Adam Hickerson (6’3″ 310) from Swanee. Saxon, the most experienced transfer and one of the roster’s most game-proven lineman, is expected to see a great deal of action.
Overall, the Red Wolves have 20 offensive linemen listed on the roster, the majority weighing north of 300 pounds and none listed under 6’3″. It’s a big line. But it was big last season. Can Grimes, the son of former Red Wolf and well-regarded position coach JB Grimes, finally deliver the right mix of linemen for Arkansas State?
Player to Watch: Nigel Nelson, Linebacker, Freshman
Did Butch Jones find himself another Javante Mackey?
The Red Wolves Are Still Required to Play Defense
The Red Wolves offense more or less looks ready to compete with anyone in the Sun Belt. But what about a defensive unit that finished a woeful 128th in total defense last season? After an unimpressive season in 2024, Rob Harley was replaced by linebackers coach Griff McCarley, and if there is anything to be said about the DC coaching position in Jonesboro, it’s that there is plenty of opportunity.
Only Georgia Southern allowed more passing yards than the Red Wolves 112th ranked passing defense. Only Southern Miss allowed more rushing yards than the Red Wolves 124th ranked rush defense. The unit had its shining moments last season, like limiting South Alabama to just 16 points. But the Red Wolves defense allowed 40+ points four time last season, and that makes those Ws too difficult to earn.
The Red Wolves only return 26% of its defense from last season, which depending on your mood could be a good thing. McCarley gets some familiar faces back, notably defensive lineman Ethan Hassler (6’2″ 242), SBC First Team defensive end Bryan Whitehead (6’1″ 265), defensive end Marcus Bradley (6’3″ 247) , linebacker Jordan Sample (6’2″ 223) and safety Brandon Barnes (6’1″ 183) – who Butch Jones likes so much he brought him to New Orleans for SBC Media Days.
Apart of those veterans, there’s a great deal of blank spaces. Linebacker/Defensive End Javante Mackey (6’1″ 245) is back, returned to Jonesboro after spending an injury addled year in Memphis. Mackey was an incredibly high-ceilinged talent during his freshman season at A-State, and if he has truly reinvented himself (he changed numbers from 24 to 8 to commemorate his move to defensive end), he will be a surprise gem in the Sun Belt.
There are additional imports of intrigue to consider. Cody Sigler (6’3″ 297) from West Alabama, Simion Thomas (6’3″ 291) from McNeese, and Gavin Ransaw (6’3 307) from Coastal Carolina are two big defensive tackles that may provide the brute physicality the team was sorely missing in the trench. Avante Dickerson, a cornerback from Utah State/Oregon, is a former 4-star prospect who brings a new perspective to the backfield. Aaron Alexander arrives from Michigan State and is a much needed contributor at linebacker. Lanky, 6’2″ redshirt senior corner Trenton Alan Yowe arrives from Appalachian State, and safety AG McGhee is a 12-game starter for SBC champion Marshall last year. There is no shortage of transfers with game experience on the Red Wolves defensive side.
It’s not all hired guns. Freshman are making their presence known on the practice field. Defensive tackle Ryan Reese (6’2″ 249) is a freshman Jones has mentioned by name. Also on the staff’s radar, 3-star linebacker Nigel Nelson (5’11” 226) and and converted wide receiver-to-safety Joe Drew (6’3″ 190). Jones is generally reluctant to rely on freshman, and he loves nothing better than handing newbies a redshirt, but you never know when Jones might toot the bugle.
So what to make of this defensive unit? Not a lot of Red Wolves game snaps, but Jones did amplify the size in the trenches over the off season, focusing on the defensive line and linebacker. Will the new additions and the new coordinator provide better results over last season? Honestly, the only trajectory available to Coach McCarley is up.
Let’s Talk About the Out-of-Conference!
It’s juicy. In Week 1, Arkansas State’s welcomes OVC champ Southeast Missouri for the opener, taking on newly minted starting quarterback Jax Leatherwood, a 6’8″ transfer from Nevada. The Red Hawks are expected to finish third this season in the OVC-Big South behind UT Martin and Tennessee Tech.
Then the Red Wolves play Arkansas.
Arkansas State next welcomes Iowa State to Jonesboro in Week 3 for a rematch against the Hawkeyes and starting QB Rocco Becht, who drilled the Red Wolves for 204 yards and two touchdowns in a 52-7 romp. Iowa State enters the season ranked #22 in the unnecessary AP Top 25 preseason poll.
Finally, the Red Wolves wrap up the OOC in Week 4 with a visit to Kennesaw to meet the Owls, currently in year two of its entry into FBS play with Conference USA. Kennesaw State is coming off an unspectacular 2-10 season and is expected to place dead last in 2025.
We’ll talk more about each game as they approach.
Three Sun Belt Games the Red Wolves Just Gotta Win
Texas State Bobcats, October 4th, Centennial Bank Stadium
Once a reliable Red Wolves punching bag, the Bobcats have been a barometer of the team’s abilities the last few seasons. If Arkansas State is going to win the SBC West, Butch Jones must unceremoniously dispatch Texas State and send them packing to the Pretend 12.
Troy Trojans, November 1st, Veterans Stadium
Last year, the Red Wolves put a pitiless thumping on the Trojans – for the first half. After jumping out to a 23-3 halftime lead, the Trojans suddenly clicked under new head coach Gerad Parker, and Troy outscored A-State 28-11 in the second half. The offensive burst wasn’t for the Trojans to earn the win, but the “moral victory” has given Troy a confidence boost the Red Wolves need to squash.
Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, November 20th, Centennial Bank Stadium
By the end of November, the Sun Belt West is gonna be an abattoir of carnage, with busted bodies twitching all over the gridiron. Hopefully, enough Red Wolves will be alive and kicking to take on the Sun Belt division champs. The Cajuns didn’t break much of a sweat destroy the Red Wolves in Lafayette last year. Butch Jones can’t allow that to happen twice.
Who Should I Follow for Penetrating Red Wolves Coverage?
For my money, you can’t go wrong with KAIT Channel 8 coverage with Charles McCary and Chris Hudgison. They’re happy to post video coverage and interviews on the KAIT site or on the AStateNation message board.
Speaking of AStateNation, Jeff Reed is an excellent follow with keen insight, and he has recently purchased a new baseball cap, so he looks sharp.
Kara Richey of the Workday Red Zone is an excellent source of day-to-day information. Access her encyclopedic mind after every game by listening to her Wolf Howls post game show (commonly misnomered as “Wolf House.”)
We butt heads repeatedly with the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and its coverage of Arkansas State, but that’s no fault of beat writer Mike Harley, who does a terrific job covering the team. He’s a great follow.
Luke Matheson has covered the Red Wolves for so long he has more A-State knowledge in his pinky then I possess in my entire body. The Voice of the Red Wolves, Matt Stolz, is all class and an essential follow. Also essential, JC the Red Wolves sideline analyst of host of the RWRC radio. Each of these guys are as dedicated and as professional as you’ll find in all of college football.
Of course, you can always follow me on Twitter and Bluesky or listen to my fabulous voice on FunBelt PC.
What’s the Bottom Line, Howlraiser?
Per tradition, I began the Red Wolves Football preview with neutral expectations, and I have finished the Red Wolves Football preview convinced of a pending 12-0 season. The offense has deep experience at the skill positions, the tight end position between Tyler Little (6’4″ 230) and Vanderbilt transfer Tyler Fortenberry (6’5″ 240) might be the surprise unit of the season, and the offensive line definitely has the size to compete. If Jaylen Raynor can build that special rapport with Corey Rucker early, and if the running back room is as good as it seems on paper, the Red Wolves are a legitimate contender in the Sun Belt.
I take that back. The Red Wolves are a Sun Belt contender if the defense is 20% better than it was last season – despite losing more than 70% of last year’s production. One of the defense’s weak-points last year was its depth on the defensive line. This season, 24 men on the roster are assigned a position in the trench. Butch Jones is clearly tired of being pushed around at the line of scrimmage.
The biggest question might be the pass defense. Red Wolves teams of the past mitigated weaknesses in the defensive backfield by applying havoc at and behind the scrimmage line. If that’s the plan for 2025, I like it and the Red Wolves chances.
Images are a mixture of Sun Belt Media, Red Wolves Media, my own photo stock, and an AI monstrosity.
Howlraiser 