DESTINATION: MULERIDER NATION
Join us for Homecoming 2026
Southern Arkansas University is thrilled to welcome back our Mulerider alumni and friends for a week of fun and tradition!
Whether you’re a student, alumnus, or friend of the university, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating all that we love about Southern Arkansas University.
Schedule of Events
Monday, October 19
Voting for Homecoming King & Queen Begins
- October 19
- 8:00 a.m.
- SAU Student Email
Make sure you cast your vote for Homecoming King and Queen! Check your student email for the link to cast your vote. Voting is live until Friday at noon.
Homecoming Kick-Off Pep Rally
- October 19
- 6:00 p.m.
- Grand Hall
Kick off Homecoming Week in true Mulerider style! Join us to meet the Homecoming Court, hear from the football captains, and enjoy performances from cheer and dance.
Tuesday, October 20
SGA's Burgers in the Plaza
- October 20
- 11:00 a.m.
- Reynolds Center Plaza
The Student Government Association is serving up Burgers in the Plaza at 11:00 a.m. Come grab a burger or hot dog and enjoy lunch with your fellow Muleriders.
Wednesday, October 21
Thursday, October 22
SAU Giving Day
- October 22
Every year, SAU alumni and friends set aside a special day to celebrate the University and its faculty, staff, and students by financially supporting their future.
Volleyball: SAU vs. OBU (Pink Out)
- October 22
- 6:00 p.m.
- W.T. Watson Gymnasium
Wear your pink and cheer on the Muleriders as they take on Ouachita Baptist University in an exciting Pink Out night of volleyball at W.T. Watson Gymnasium!
Friday, October 23
Voting for Homecoming King & Queen Ends
- October 23
- 12:00 p.m.
- SAU Student Email
Make sure you cast your vote for Homecoming King and Queen! Check your student email for the link to cast your vote.
Homecoming Heartbeat
- October 23
- 12:00 p.m.
- Reynolds Center Plaza
At noon, the Homecoming Heartbeat begins in Reynolds Plaza and will continue until kickoff on Saturday.
SAU Sports Hall of Fame Banquet
- October 23
- 6:30 p.m.
- Grand Hall
Join the SAU Department of Athletics as it inducts the 23rd class of the Sports Hall of Fame, honoring eight individual members and two teams elected by the Hall’s induction committee.
Homecoming Greek Show
- October 23
- 7:00 p.m.
- W.T. Watson Gymnasium
Experience the talent and tradition of NPHC at the Homecoming Greek Show
Saturday, October 24
Mulegating on the Ridge
- October 24
- 11:00 a.m.
- Alumni Center
This year’s Homecoming Mulegating, sponsored by CMC and Mainline Healthy, kicks off at 11:00 a.m. at the Alumni Center.
Pep Rally
- October 24
- 1:00 p.m.
- Alumni Center
Join us at the Alumni Center pavilion for the Homecoming Pep Rally. Get loud with the Mulerider Marching Band and cheer on performances from SAU Cheer and Dance.
Homecoming Court Presentation
- October 24
- 2:00 p.m.
- Wilkins Stadium
It’s one of the most anticipated traditions of the week. Celebrate with us as we present the 2026 Homecoming Court and crown this year’s Homecoming King and Queen.
SAU vs. Ouachita Baptist
- October 24
- 2:30 p.m.
- Wilkins Stadium
The Homecoming celebration continues with the big game as the Muleriders take on Ouachita Baptist University. Fill Wilkins Stadium in a sea of blue and gold and cheer on the Muleriders!
Meet the 2026 Homecoming Court
Sixteen Muleriders were nominated by campus organizations to represent SAU this Homecoming.
Jayla Carter
Engineering
● Camden, AR
Nominated by Phi Lambda Chi Fraternity
Ambree Collinsworth
Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning)
● Castor, LA
Nominated by SAU Track and Field
Aubrie Kiser
Agricultural Science: Pre-Veterinary Science
● Queen City, TX
Nominated by Sigma Alpha Sorority
Gracyn Lyons
Nursing
● Magnolia, AR
Nominated by President’s Ambassadors
Alyssa Magness
Business Marketing
● McKinney, TX
Nominated by Reynolds
Kinley Shankles
Mass Communications
● Fordyce, AR
Nominated by Phi Mu
Kailyn Shepherd
Social Work
● Monticello, AR
Nominated by Student Activities
Charlize Threadgill
General Biology
● Hot Springs, AR
Nominated by SAU Pom Squad
Aaron Ezell
Computer Science
● El Dorado, AR
Nominated by Phi Lambda Chi Fraternity
Augustus Harris
Agricultural Education
● Carlisle, AR
Nominated by University Communications and Marketing
Lou (Garrett) Hughes
Engineering
● Houston, TX
Nominated by Magnolia Hall
Christian Montgomery
Marketing
● Camden, AR
Nominated by Sigma Sigma Sigma
Trinton Moore
Business Management
● Magnolia, AR
Nominated by Arkansas Hall
Mtende Moyo
Studio Art, Graphic Design
● Arkadelphia, AR
Nominated by Department of Art and Design
Owen Shafer
Social Studies Education
● Bald Knob, AR
Nominated by Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority
Jordan Vail
Biology: Pre-Health
● Ruston, LA
Nominated by Reynolds
