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The 5 Wildest Facts About The Arkansas State Red Wolves Mascot ‘Howl’ (Including His Custom Motorcycle)

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Prepare to have your perception of college mascots completely changed. While most mascots rely on high-fives and dance moves, the Arkansas State Red Wolves mascot, known as Howl, has established himself as one of the most unique and high-octane figures in the NCAA. As of today, December 24, 2025, Howl is not just a costumed character; he's a symbol of both thrilling game-day energy and a serious, real-world commitment to saving an endangered species, a fresh and fascinating duality that sets the A-State program apart. The journey of the Red Wolves mascot from a controversial predecessor to a modern, conservation-minded icon is a compelling story of institutional change and athletic identity. The university's commitment to the Red Wolf nickname extends far beyond the football field, making Howl a powerful figure with a mission.

The Official Profile: Who is A-State’s Howl?

The Arkansas State Red Wolves mascot, Howl, is the personification of the university's athletic spirit, embodying the speed, ferocity, and intelligence of the highly endangered American Red Wolf. His profile is built on a foundation of fierce loyalty to the Red Wolves and a dramatic, unforgettable presence at every home game.

  • Mascot Name: Howl
  • Affiliation: Arkansas State University (A-State)
  • Team Nickname: Red Wolves
  • Mascot Species: American Red Wolf (Canis rufus)
  • Companion Mascot: Scarlet (often listed as a secondary or female counterpart, reflecting the team’s colors of Scarlet and Black)
  • Adoption Year: 2008 (The Red Wolves nickname was officially adopted, replacing the previous "Indians" nickname)
  • Home Field: Centennial Bank Stadium (Football)
  • Conference: Sun Belt Conference (NCAA Division I FBS)
  • Signature Move: Riding a custom motorcycle onto the field before every home football game.

Fact #1: The Unforgettable Motorcycle Entrance

Forget running through a banner—Howl makes one of the most dramatic entrances in all of college sports. Before every home football game at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, Howl leads the Red Wolves team onto the field by riding a custom-designed motorcycle.

This high-octane tradition is a core part of the game-day experience, instantly setting the tone for the Red Wolves’ aggressive, fast-paced style of play. The spectacle is so iconic that it has become a staple of A-State's promotional materials and fan engagement.

In fact, the popularity of this stunt is so high that the university announced a "Howl On Wheels" bobblehead promotion for the 2025 football season, featuring the mascot on his motorcycle. This recent update confirms that the motorcycle entrance remains a fresh and central element of the Arkansas State brand.

Fact #2: More Than a Mascot—He’s a Conservation Ambassador

Unlike many college mascots that are based on fictional or common animals, the American Red Wolf is a critically endangered species. Arkansas State University has embraced this reality, transforming its athletic identity into a platform for real-world conservation efforts.

Since adopting the Red Wolves nickname in 2008, A-State has taken a growing national role in the education and conservation of the American Red Wolf. The university partners with organizations like the Endangered Wolf Center and actively conducts research to help save the species.

This commitment means that every time Howl makes an appearance, he represents not just a sports team, but a vital educational mission. The Red Wolves brand is inextricably linked to the fight for the survival of the species, making Howl a powerful ambassador for wildlife preservation.

Fact #3: The Controversial Name Change from "Indians"

The "Red Wolves" nickname is relatively new, having been adopted in 2008. Before this, Arkansas State University’s athletic teams were known as the "Indians" for 77 years.

The change was part of a national movement to retire Native American-themed mascots deemed offensive or inappropriate. The NCAA's policy regarding the use of "hostile and abusive" nicknames prompted the university to make the historic switch. The selection process for the new nickname was extensive, with "Red Wolves" ultimately chosen for its connection to a native, yet endangered, animal of the region and its fierce, competitive spirit.

While the transition was initially met with some resistance from alumni and traditionalists, the Red Wolves identity, driven by the popularity of Howl and the success of the athletic programs, has solidified its place. Today, two full rounds of four-year students have never known the university by any other name.

Fact #4: The Dynamic Duo of Howl and Scarlet

While Howl is the primary face and the one riding the custom motorcycle, he is often associated with a companion mascot named Scarlet. The pairing is a nod to the official school colors: Scarlet and Black.

The existence of a secondary mascot, especially one named after a primary school color, helps to double the mascot's presence at various events and community outreach programs across Jonesboro and the wider Arkansas region. This dual presence allows the Red Wolves brand to be represented at multiple simultaneous events, enhancing fan engagement and community topical authority.

Fact #5: A Brand That is Trademarked and Protected

The Red Wolves nickname has proven to be a popular choice among various sports organizations. This popularity has led Arkansas State University to rigorously protect its brand. The university owns the trademark for the "Red Wolves" name in the collegiate space, ensuring that its unique identity and conservation message are protected.

The brand's strength is a testament to the university's successful transition and the powerful imagery evoked by the Red Wolf. From the fierce logo to Howl’s custom motorcycle and the university's conservation partnership, the Arkansas State Red Wolves have created one of the most distinct and meaningful athletic identities in the Sun Belt Conference and beyond.

The 5 Wildest Facts About the Arkansas State Red Wolves Mascot ‘Howl’ (Including His Custom Motorcycle)
arkansas state red wolves mascot
arkansas state red wolves mascot

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