Watching how a college football program builds itself from the ground up, or rebuilds itself for sustained success, is one of the most fascinating processes in sports. It’s a long game, requiring a clear vision, relentless recruiting, and a culture that can outlast any single star player. As I’ve followed the trajectory of Arkansas State football over the past few seasons, I’ve seen the blueprint for a winning program being laid, brick by brick. It reminds me that this kind of building project isn’t unique to the gridiron; you can see it in professional leagues around the world, in the way franchises cultivate their identity and fanbase. Just the other day, I was reading about the PBA back in the Philippines, where Barangay Ginebra will be facing Converge in the second provincial foray in the All-Filipino Conference in San Fernando, Pampanga this Saturday. That game, far from Jonesboro, Arkansas, is another piece of a similar puzzle—it’s about taking the show on the road, connecting with a broader fanbase, and building a brand that resonates beyond a home arena. That’s precisely what Arkansas State football is striving for: a brand of football that wins games and wins over hearts, far beyond the borders of its own stadium.

The foundation for any future success in Jonesboro starts with recruiting, and it’s not just about finding the biggest or fastest athletes. From my perspective, the coaching staff has been sharp in identifying players who fit a specific, aggressive system, particularly on defense. They’re looking for guys with a certain motor, a toughness that defines Red Wolves football. I recall looking at their last two recruiting classes; they brought in around 15 three-star prospects in the 2023 cycle, focusing heavily on the defensive line and secondary. That’s a deliberate move. You can’t compete in the Sun Belt Conference without being able to stop the run and create turnovers. It’s a numbers game, and they’re playing it smart by stacking talent in the trenches. But it’s more than stars on a ranking site. It’s about development. I’ve always believed a four-star recruit who doesn’t buy into the culture is less valuable than a two-star player who embodies it. The whispers out of spring practice suggest they’ve found a few of those gems—players who might have been overlooked but are thriving in this environment.

And that environment, the culture, is the real secret sauce. This is where the parallel to a team like Barangay Ginebra becomes so interesting to me. Ginebra is arguably the most popular team in the PBA, not just because they win, but because they’ve cultivated an identity of never-say-die resilience. Their games in places like Pampanga aren’t just schedule fillers; they’re missions to solidify that bond with their “Ginebra Nation.” Arkansas State football is on a parallel mission. Building a winning program for the future isn’t just about the X’s and O’s on Saturday; it’s about the community events on Tuesday, the outreach to local schools, and creating a game-day experience that families want to be a part of. They’re trying to build their own version of a “Red Wolves Nation.” I see it in the increased engagement on social media, the sharper production value of their hype videos, and the deliberate effort to highlight player stories beyond football. They’re selling a belonging, not just a ticket.

Of course, none of this matters if you don’t win. The on-field product is the ultimate proof of concept. The shift to a more physical, run-oriented offense last season wasn’t an accident. It was a statement. In my opinion, it signaled a desire to control the clock, wear down opponents, and win the kind of gritty, low-scoring games that define contenders. They averaged over 180 rushing yards per game in conference play, a tangible, hard-nosed identity. It’s a style that travels well, much like how Ginebra’s relentless play is designed to energize crowds whether they’re in Manila or a provincial arena. The future of Arkansas State football hinges on perfecting this identity. Can they consistently find that bell-cow running back? Can the offensive line develop into one of the conference’s best? These are the questions that keep fans like me engaged during the offseason.

Looking ahead, the schedule is always a beast. But that’s the point, isn’t it? You don’t build a program for the future by shying away from challenges. Those early-season games against Power Five opponents, even if they often end in losses, are invaluable. They expose young players to a different speed, a bigger stage, and they pay well—funds that get funneled right back into facilities and resources. It’s a long-term investment. I’m optimistic because the pieces seem to be aligning: targeted recruiting, a defined cultural identity, and a strategic on-field approach. It’s a slow burn. You won’t see them in a New Year’s Six bowl next season. But you might see them consistently competing for Sun Belt championships, becoming a dreaded opponent, and packing Centennial Bank Stadium with a passionate, growing fanbase. Just as a PBA team builds its legacy one provincial foray at a time, Arkansas State football is building its winning program one practice, one recruit, and one community connection at a time. The future, from where I’m sitting, looks decidedly red.