Arkansas State Athletes Break GPA Record Two Semesters Running

Student athletes at Arkansas State University just proved you can excel in both the classroom and on the field, breaking academic records two semesters in a row.

The Red Wolves athletic department finished spring 2026 with a historic 3.25 GPA, their highest ever. Just one semester earlier, they'd set their previous record with a 3.24 GPA in fall 2025.

The numbers tell an even more impressive story. A total of 244 student athletes earned spots on the Athletics Director's Honor Roll by maintaining GPAs of 3.0 or higher. Among them, 68 achieved perfect 4.0 GPAs, another school record.

"Our student-athletes continue to set an incredibly high academic standard," said Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Pezman. "Breaking the single-semester GPA record in back-to-back terms speaks volumes about their dedication and the strong support system provided by our coaches and academic staff."

The achievement spans all 14 A-State sports programs, each posting team GPAs above 3.0. From baseball players to bowlers, from soccer stars to track athletes, students across every sport contributed to the record-breaking performance.

The success extends beyond individual semesters. Arkansas State recently posted a school-record 87% Graduation Success Rate in NCAA metrics. Four sport programs earned perfect 1,000 scores in the Academic Progress Rate report, contributing to a department-wide average of 981, the fifth highest in the program's 20-plus year history.

The Ripple Effect

These achievements create a positive cycle that benefits everyone. Current students see their peers succeeding academically and athletically, raising expectations across campus. Future recruits see a program that values education as much as competition.

The academic support staff, coaches, and faculty who helped make this possible prove that investing in student success pays dividends. When universities prioritize both aspects of the student athlete experience, everyone wins.

Arkansas State's Red Wolves are showing the nation that student athletes can raise the bar in every arena.