This years theme, “Dust off your Boots” was chosen by the SAU Student Government Association to honor the University’s strong traditions and agricultural roots, reflecting our Mulerider heritage and the pride we share as a community.
October 6-11, 2025
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 6
Voting for Homecoming King & Queen Begins
- October 6
- 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.
RCB's Light for the Fight
- October 6
- 6:30 p.m.
- Blanchard Hall
The Rankin College of Business and BSAC host this annual Breast Cancer Awareness ceremony honoring all who have battled cancer.
Homecoming Kick-Off Pep Rally
- October 6
- 6:00 p.m.
- Reynolds Center, 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 7
Wednesday, October 8
Thursday, October 9
SAU Giving Day
- October 9
- All Day
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.
Mulerider Volleyball
- October 9
- 6:00 p.m.
- W.T. Watson Gymnasium
Cheer on the Muleriders as they take on Southeastern Oklahoma State University in an exciting night of volleyball at W.T. Watson Gymnasium.
SAU's Annual Intercollegiate Rodeo
- October 9
- 7:00 p.m.
- Story Arena
Saddle up for the 44th Annual SAU Rodeo! Adults $15, kids (6–15) $5, ages 5 and under free, and SAU students get in free with their SAU ID.
Friday, October 10
Homecoming Heartbeat Begins
- October 10
- Noon
- Reynolds Plaza
At noon, the Homecoming Heartbeat begins in Reynolds Plaza and will continue until kickoff on Saturday.
Voting for Homecoming King & Queen Ends
- October 10
- Noon
- 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.
Mulerider Volleyball
- October 10
- 4:00 p.m.
- W.T. Watson Gymnasium
Cheer on the Muleriders as they take on Oklahoma Baptist University in an exciting afternoon of volleyball at W.T. Watson Gymnasium.
SAU Sports Hall of Fame Banquet
- October 10
- 6:30 p.m.
- Grand Hall
The Southern Arkansas University Department of Athletics has announced the addition of seven individual members and two teams to its Sports Hall of Fame, as the 22nd class was elected by the Hall’s induction committee earlier this summer.
SAU's Annual Intercollegiate Rodeo
- October 10
- 7:00 p.m.
- Story Arena
Saddle up for the 44th Annual SAU Rodeo! Adults $15, kids (6–15) $5, ages 5 and under free, and SAU students get in free with their SAU ID.
Saturday, October 11
Mulegating on the Ridge
- October 11
- 11:00 a.m.
- Alumni Center
This year’s Homecoming Mulegating, sponsored by CMC and Ideal Construction Company, kicks off at 11:00 a.m. at the Alumni Center.
Pep Rally
- October 11
- 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 11
- 2:00 p.m.
- Wilkins Stadium
It’s one of the most anticipated traditions of the week. Celebrate with us as we present the 2025 Homecoming Court and crown this year’s Homecoming King and Queen.
Mulerider Football
- October 11
- 2:30 p.m.
- Wilkins Stadium
The Homecoming celebration continues with the big game as the Muleriders take on Southwestern Oklahoma State. Fans will fill Wilkins Stadium in a sea of blue and gold to cheer on the Muleriders.
Homecoming Greek Show
- October 11
- 7:00 p.m.
- W.T. Watson Gymnasium
Experience the talent and tradition of NPHC at the Homecoming Greek Show, hosted by the Iota Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Kappa Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha.
SAU's Annual Intercollegiate Rodeo
- October 10
- 7:00 p.m.
- Story Arena
Saddle up for the 44th Annual SAU Rodeo! Adults $15, kids (6–15) $5, ages 5 and under free, and SAU students get in free with their SAU ID.
