The South Alabama Jaguars (3-2) visit the Arkansas State Red Wolves (2-3) on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Centennial Bank Stadium, Jonesboro, AR. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, and the game airs on ESPN2. DraftKings lists the spread at ARST -1.5 with a total of 57.5; moneylines are South Alabama -102 · Arkansas State -118. Below is our South Alabama vs Arkansas State preview with the latest odds, point spread, moneyline, over/under, kickoff time, TV channel and where to watch, plus a look at each team’s season so far, head coach and key players. Lines may move before kickoff.
South Alabama vs Arkansas State Odds, Spread, Kickoff Time & TV
| Matchup detail | Line / info |
|---|---|
| Matchup | South Alabama at Arkansas State |
| Records | South Alabama 3-2 · Arkansas State 2-3 |
| Spread | ARST -1.5 |
| Moneyline | South Alabama -102 · Arkansas State -118 |
| Total | 57.5 |
| Venue | Centennial Bank Stadium, Jonesboro, AR |
| Date/Time | Thursday, October 8, 2026 · 7:30 PM ET |
| TV / How to Watch | ESPN2 |
| Head Coaches | South Alabama: HC Major Applewhite, OC Major Applewhite · Arkansas State: HC Butch Jones, OC Garrett Altman |
South Alabama Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The South Alabama Jaguars are 3-2 overall, 1-0 in Sun Belt play. Results to date: Sep 5 — W 39-14 vs SE Louisiana; Sep 12 — L 28-24 at Tulane; Sep 19 — W 41-36 vs Ohio; Sep 26 — L 45-21 at Kentucky; Oct 3 — W 52-35 vs UL Monroe. Most recently, South Alabama beat UL Monroe 52-35 at home. Through 5 games, South Alabama is averaging 35.4 points scored and 31.6 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Major Applewhite (head coach since 2024). Major Applewhite also serves as offensive coordinator. Defensive coordinators: Todd Orlando / Jason Washington.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Jared Hollins (QB) — 50/82, 779 yards, 6 TD, 2 INT
- Rushing leader: PJ Martin (RB) — 76 carries, 328 yards, 5 TD
- Receiving leader: Brendan Jenkins (WR) — 20 receptions, 319 yards, 3 TD
- Sacks leader: Stephen Johnson (DL) — 1.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Cole Blaylock (S) — 32 total tackles
Strengths: An offense scoring 35.4 points per game. Questions: A defense giving up 31.6 points per game.
Arkansas State Preview: Season So Far, Coach & Key Players
Season so far: The Arkansas State Red Wolves are 2-3 overall, 0-1 in Sun Belt play. Results to date: Sep 5 — L 42-24 at Memphis; Sep 12 — W 52-7 vs West Georgia; Sep 19 — L 31-7 at TCU; Sep 26 — W 17-14 vs Kennesaw State; Oct 3 — L 23-20 at Louisiana. Most recently, Arkansas State lost to Louisiana 23-20 on the road. Through 5 games, Arkansas State is averaging 24.0 points scored and 23.4 points allowed per game.
Head coach: Butch Jones (head coach since 2021). Offensive coordinator: Garrett Altman. Defensive coordinator: Griffin McCarley.
Key players (2026 season stats):
- Passing leader: Trey Owens (QB) — 89/133, 1,043 yards, 5 TD, 4 INT
- Rushing leader: Solomon Baggett (RB) — 42 carries, 211 yards, 2 TD
- Receiving leader: Hunter Summers (WR) — 20 receptions, 263 yards, 1 TD
- Sacks leader: Ryan Reese (DT) — 1.5 sacks
- Tackles leader: Joe Drew (S) — 46 total tackles
Strengths: The production of Trey Owens (89/133, 1,043 yards, 5 TD, 4 INT). Questions: The response to a 23-20 loss at Louisiana.
How to Watch South Alabama vs Arkansas State
- Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET
- Venue: Centennial Bank Stadium, Jonesboro, AR
- TV / Streaming: ESPN2
Odds: DraftKings lines reported via ESPN on October 5, 2026. Lines may move before kickoff. Records, results and season stats via ESPN; coaching staffs per 2026 staff listings. This page is an informational matchup preview only.