The Sun Belt Conference Media Days have kicked off with head coaches releasing their 2025 preseason poll. Arkansas State is projected to finish third in the Sun Belt West Division, securing 64 points and one first-place vote. Louisiana leads the division with 86 points and six first-place votes, followed by Texas State with 78 points and six first-place votes. The West Division is rounded out by South Alabama, Southern Miss, Troy, and ULM.
Arkansas State, under Head Coach Butch Jones, is seeing a consistent rise, with consecutive bowl appearances and a victory in the 2024 68 Ventures Bowl. They are among the four FBS programs that have improved their regular season win total each year since 2022.
In the East Division, James Madison is the clear favorite, garnering 94 points and 11 first-place votes. They are followed by Georgia Southern, which received 76 points and one first-place vote, and App State with 60 points. Coastal Carolina, Old Dominion, Marshall, and Georgia State complete the standings.
The 2025 Sun Belt Preseason Coaches Poll is as follows:
East Division:
- James Madison – 94 points (11 first-place votes)
- Georgia Southern – 76 points (1 first-place vote)
- App State – 60 points
- Coastal Carolina – 49 points (1 first-place vote)
- Old Dominion – 48 points
- Marshall – 42 points (1 first-place vote)
- Georgia State – 23 points
West Division:
- Louisiana – 86 points (6 first-place votes)
- Texas State – 78 points (6 first-place votes)
- Arkansas State – 64 points (1 first-place vote)
- South Alabama – 50 points (1 first-place vote)
- Southern Miss – 47 points
- Troy – 43 points
- ULM – 24 points
Arkansas State’s 2025 season opener is set for August 30 at home against Southeast Missouri. During Sun Belt Media Days, Arkansas State will be featured on Wednesday, with Head Coach Butch Jones, quarterback Jaylen Raynor, and safety Brandon Barnes scheduled to speak at 10:30 a.m. The event will be streamed live on ESPN+.
