If you were scrolling through the Sun Belt or Conference USA standings last year and ignored the noise around AR State vs Kennesaw St, you missed one of the most low-key fascinating shifts in Group of Five football. Honestly, most people just saw a scheduled non-conference game. They saw a veteran Sun Belt program taking on a relative newcomer to the FBS level.
They were wrong.
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When Kennesaw State pulled off that 28-21 win over Arkansas State on September 20, 2025, it wasn't just a fluke. It was a statement. It was Parent and Family Weekend in Kennesaw, Georgia, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. The Owls weren't supposed to dominate the line of scrimmage like that, but they did, racking up 189 rushing yards and keeping the ball for over 33 minutes.
That game changed the narrative for both programs.
The 2026 Rematch: What's on the Line?
We are looking at a massive revenge game on September 26, 2026. This time, the venue shifts to Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro. Arkansas State fans haven't forgotten the "stain" of that 2025 loss. It was a game where the Red Wolves felt they basically didn't show up in the first half—falling behind 21-0 in the first quarter alone.
Can you imagine the pressure on Butch Jones?
The 2026 meeting is part of a home-and-home series that has suddenly become a "must-watch" for G5 junkies. While Arkansas State has traditionally been the "bigger" name in this pairing, the gap is closing fast. Kennesaw State’s transition to the FBS hasn't been the disaster some skeptics predicted. In fact, after a rough 2-12 start to their FBS life, the Owls went on a tear, winning six straight to hit bowl eligibility.
Breaking Down the 2025 Disaster for A-State
To understand why the 2026 game matters, you've got to look at the box score from last time. It’s ugly if you're a Red Wolves fan.
- First Quarter Shellshock: Kennesaw State scored 21 points before A-State even found their rhythm.
- The Ground War: Kennesaw’s ground game was relentless, led by a revitalized offense that shed the old triple-option identity for something much more modern and dangerous.
- Third Down Failures: Arkansas State went 4-for-15 on third downs. You can't win like that on the road.
The heat in Georgia that day was brutal—around 112 degrees on the turf. Some fans argued the Red Wolves were just gassed after a tough game against Iowa State the week prior. Maybe. But 2026 won't have those excuses. It’s a clean slate in Jonesboro.
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The Quarterback Factor and Coaching Chess
Arkansas State has been searching for that consistent "it" factor under center. In the 2025 loss, they threw for 226 yards but lacked the explosive plays needed to climb out of a three-touchdown hole. Meanwhile, Kennesaw State has benefited from a coaching staff with heavy Tennessee influences, bringing a high-tempo, "Heupel-lite" feel to their playcalling.
It’s interesting.
Kennesaw State fans were worried about their AD’s handling of Brian Bohannon, but Jerry Mack has stepped in and kept the momentum rolling. They are playing with "house money" in a way that Arkansas State simply isn't. When you’re an established Sun Belt team, you're expected to beat the "new kids." When you don't, the seat gets hot.
Key Matchups to Watch in 2026
- The Red Wolves Front Seven vs. The Owl Run Game: If A-State can't stop the 189-yard performances, they’re doomed.
- Home Field Temperature: Late September in Jonesboro can be humid, but it won't be the 112-degree Georgia furnace.
- Special Teams: In a seven-point game like the last one, a single muffed punt or a missed field goal is the whole story.
Why This Isn't Just "Another Game"
NCAA conference realignment has made these non-conference matchups feel like job interviews. Every time AR State vs Kennesaw St pops up on the calendar, scouts and bowl reps are looking at the "toughness" of the programs. Kennesaw State is trying to prove they belong in the upper echelon of the G5. Arkansas State is trying to prove they haven't been passed by.
Historically, these two didn't have a "rivalry." They didn't even play each other until recently. But familiarity breeds contempt, and after the 2025 upset, there is plenty of contempt to go around. A-State players have had that 28-21 score circled in the locker room for months.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're looking at this matchup from a betting perspective or just trying to win your Saturday morning argument at the tailgate, keep these factors in mind:
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- Watch the Injury Report Early: Both teams have historically struggled with depth in the secondary. If a star corner is out, expect a shootout.
- The "Post-Big Power" Hangover: Check who Arkansas State plays the week before. In 2025, the Iowa State game drained them. In 2026, they play TCU on September 19. That is a massive red flag. If they get beat up by TCU, Kennesaw State might catch them sleeping again.
- Ticket Strategy: If you're heading to Jonesboro, tickets average around $49, but expect prices to spike as the 2026 date approaches, especially if both teams start the season strong.
Ultimately, the 2026 edition of this game is about respect. Kennesaw State wants to prove 2025 wasn't a one-off. Arkansas State needs to defend their turf and re-establish the pecking order. It's going to be loud, it's going to be physical, and honestly, it might just be the best game on the Sun Belt/CUSA crossover calendar.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close eye on the Red Wolves' defensive line rotation during their early September games. If they aren't generating pressure against Memphis or West Georgia, they will likely struggle against the Owls' mobile quarterback. For Kennesaw State, the key is maintaining their offensive rhythm after their high-profile clash with Tennessee earlier in the month.