When the Red Wolves take the field in the fall of 2026, they will do more than chase a win; they will step into a narrative that stretches back over four decades, celebrating moments that have defined Arkansas State football.
Celebrating the 1986 Champions
The 1986 squad, which posted a 12‑2‑1 record, captured the Southland Conference title and finished as the national runner‑up, a feat that still resonates in the halls of the stadium. That team, coached by Larry Lacewell and guided by offensive mastermind Steve Hales, featured a roster studded with talent: Bill Bergey, Ray Brown, Tim Langford, and many others who would later leave their mark in the NFL. Their dominance was underscored by 12 All‑Americans and 12 First‑Team All‑Southland selections, and they outscored playoff opponents 127‑31 on their way to the championship game.
The 40th anniversary of that historic season will be highlighted during the home game against Kennesaw State on September 26, 2026. Fans will see a special on‑field ceremony that pays tribute to the players, coaches, and staff who helped shape that era, including a reunion of many of the original roster members such as Butch Snider, Randy Barnhill, and Maurice Carthon.
The Old Warriors Cookout Turns 35
A beloved tradition that predates many of today’s players, the Old Warriors Cookout, founded by Tommy Walker, will celebrate its 35th consecutive gathering on the same September 26 date. What began as a modest gathering on September 21, 1991, has grown into a community event that draws more than 100 alumni, former teammates, and supporters each year. The cookout, now organized by the Old Warriors Foundation, serves as a prelude to the game and a chance for former athletes like Bill Davidson, Frank Farella, and Jerry Muckensturm to reconnect.
The festivities will also honor the 30th anniversary of the Ring of Honor, a distinction that recognizes the program’s most impactful contributors. The ceremony will take place during the November 7, 2026, matchup with ULM, where the first inductee, Calvin Harrell, will be remembered alongside later legends such as J.A. "Ike" Tomlinson and Bill Phillips. The Ring of Honor currently includes 15 former players and coaches, a testament to the lasting legacy of excellence that Arkansas State strives to uphold.
Beyond the on‑field tributes, the university is inviting supporters to secure their 2026 season tickets through the AStateRedWolves.com portal, ensuring that the celebrations can be shared by the broader fan base. Whether attending the game, joining the cookout, or simply following the story online, the upcoming season promises to be a landmark chapter in Red Wolf history, one that honors the past while looking ahead to future triumphs.