The Arkansas State Red Wolves football program began in 1911. The team has had 26 head coaches and has played in more than 1,000 games in 112 seasons. Arkansas State's current head coach is Butch Jones, who was hired in 2020.
The Red Wolves have won 12 conference championships (including the 1970 NAIA national championship) and made 15 bowl appearances. The Red Wolves have also had a number of notable players, including:
- Bill Peterson was a quarterback for the Red Wolves from 1950 to 1952. He was a two-time All-American and led the Red Wolves to the 1952 NAIA national championship. Peterson went on to coach at Florida State, Arizona State, and Washington State.
- Terry Jones was a running back for the Red Wolves from 1979 to 1982. He was a two-time All-American and led the Red Wolves to the 1982 NAIA national championship. Jones went on to play in the NFL for the New York Giants and the Phoenix Cardinals.
- Ryan Aplin was a quarterback for the Red Wolves from 2009 to 2012. He was a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection and led the Red Wolves to a 10-win season in 2012. Aplin went on to play in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons.
