The Southern Arkansas Muleriders compete in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and in the Great American Conference.

SAU has competed in the NCAA Division II since 1995 after spending almost 50 years as members of the NAIA.

Artificial turf was recently installed and new ticket booths and concessions stands were added.

Auburn Smith guided the Mulerider program for 15 seasons and retired with the most wins in school history.

[4] Raymond "Rip" Powell was named as Smith's replacement and proceeded to lead SAU into the best five-year period in the programs history.

SAU joined several other Arkansas institutions to form the Western Division of the Gulf South Conference.

However, any fears that Mulerider fans has about SAU's ability to compete at the NCAA Division II level were put to rest during the 1997 season.

Coach Steve Roberts led SAU to the Gulf South Conference Championship in 1997 with an overall record of 9–2.

The 1999 squad lost their final contest to eventual GSC Champions Arkansas Tech in overtime.

Following Roberts at SAU was John Bland who coached the Muleriders to a 5–5 record in 2000, his only season at the helm.

The 2003 squad finished 9–3 and made the NCAA Division II playoffs where they lost to GSC conference foe North Alabama.

After three consecutive losing seasons to finish his tenure at SAU, current head coach Bill Keopple was hired to replace Quinn.

Leading the SAU team into the new conference was 3rd year head coach Bill Keopple.

Keopple came to SAU after several years as a college assistant as well as a successful high school head coach.

Behind the inspired play of the offense, led by All-Americans Tyler Sykora, Mark Johnson, & Don Unamba, the Muleriders finished the season 8–3 and participated in the C.H.A.M.P.S Heart of Texas Bowl where the fell to McMurry 36–35.

Bacot, Arvil Green, and Jimmy (Red) Parker each won at least 70% of the contests they coached.

SAU's school colors of Royal Blue and Old Gold were chosen in honor of the Farmer's Union.

The university has accepted the following legend of the nickname: The western style bronco-breaking rider on a bucking mule first appeared atop The Bray student newspaper masthead in 1949–1950.

The event is hosted by the university's Office of Alumni Relations, and there is always a variety of grilled food, as well as games for the children.