The Greatest, the Strangest, and the Most Unusual College Mascots (and Why We Adore Them)

Across the United States, select students at universities don whimsical costumes, entertaining children, peers, alumni, and spirited fans with a time-honored blend of tradition and playful antics.

After all, what better represents the future leaders of America than an enthusiastic Midwesterner dressed as a bundle of wheat?

"I believe mascots are ambassadors of world peace," states Jennifer Smith, who, as the self-proclaimed 'prez' of the emerging National Mascot Association, admits her perspective might be biased. "Mascots create a shared experience. They allow strangers to connect, regardless of their political affiliations. A mascot unites people."

"They’re whimsical and, in a way, peacemakers. They foster unity through shared experiences. I truly believe mascots play a vital role in the fabric of American culture."

As the college football season kicks off, familiar debates resurface: Can anyone dethrone Alabama? Who’s leading the race for the Heisman Trophy? Wings or hot dogs at the tailgate? And, inevitably: What’s the connection between Big Al the elephant and the Crimson Tide?

A Brief History of Mascots

One key fact about college mascots is that their connection to a school’s nickname isn’t always obvious. For instance, Albert and Alberta, the University of Florida’s mascots, are unmistakably Gators, and WuShock, representing Wichita State, is clearly a bundle of wheat (hence the Shockers). However, it’s puzzling how a tree became the mascot for the Stanford Cardinal or how an elephant symbolizes the Alabama Crimson Tide (see Now That’s Interesting, below).

Mascots have been an integral part of college sports for more than a hundred years. The term 'mascot' originates from the 19th century — a time when words like 'hearken' were common — and roughly translates to a charm or talisman believed to bring good fortune.

Yale pioneered the use of a mascot, choosing a live animal for the role. Handsome Dan, the bulldog, debuted in 1889, and his legacy continues today with Handsome Dan XIX, the current mascot, embodying the ideals of a Yale student. The tradition includes a cheerful greeting of 'Boola, boola' from Yale students and visitors. (It's a unique Yale tradition.)

Today, a costumed version of Dan, worn by a person, attends many Yale sports events. Similarly, the University of Georgia features Hairy Dawg, a human-sized bulldog, alongside their live bulldog, Uga. The University of Texas Longhorns also have a costumed Bevo and a real longhorn named Bevo at their football games.

The tradition of mascots extends far and wide, with countless examples across colleges.

But Why?

Mascots bring joy, serve a purpose, and give fans something to cheer for, even when the team isn’t performing well.

"Mascots embody loyalty and tradition," explains Smith, who also holds the title of 'Queen of Fuzz' at AvantGarb, a mascot manufacturing company in Indianapolis. "Coaches, players, and even university presidents may come and go, but the mascot stays loyal to the team, the school, and its fans. Mascots are like living memories, always there when you return to campus."

Some college mascots receive modest scholarships for their efforts, while others are paid. Some enjoy the spotlight, others do it out of school pride, and some simply appreciate the perks, like free tickets to away games.

Being a mascot is no trivial task. For instance, the University of Florida states that mascots often dedicate up to 15 hours weekly to games and official school events. At Arizona State University, aspiring Sparky mascots are evaluated partly on their ability to perform consecutive push-ups. Meanwhile, Michigan State requires Sparty hopefuls to submit an essay as part of the selection process.

Aspiring Brutus Buckeye mascots at Ohio State must prioritize their role, scheduling classes around practices, workouts, and games. According to the Brutus tryout guidelines, embodying the character of Brutus is second only to academic responsibilities at the university.

Mascots play a vital role in their schools, often requiring multiple individuals to meet the demand. The University of Wisconsin relies on seven Bucky Badgers to attend over 600 annual events, while the University of Notre Dame is represented by three different Leprechauns.

Above all, a mascot must exude friendliness and approachability, whether interacting with cautious children, spirited students, or enthusiastic alumni. Wearing an oversized costume and embodying a school's spirit is both a privilege and a responsibility.

"Children are captivated by mascots, seeing them as real-life versions of their favorite cartoon characters," says Smith, who began her mascot career in a Berkeley garage in 1987. "Parents and adults share this sense of wonder, experiencing the magic of imagination come to life. It’s an exhilarating and unforgettable experience."

The Best, the Worst, the Weird

In the world of mascots — yes, such a world exists — there’s a constant debate about which mascot reigns supreme. The challenge lies in defining the criteria. Should a mascot be entertaining, intimidating, creative, realistic, or utterly unique?

For costumed mascots, the individual inside plays a crucial role. As for the costume design, Smith explains, "The aim is often to strike a balance between fierceness and approachability. It’s achievable, even when working with a pile of fabric and fur."

We won’t declare any mascot as the best, worst, or weirdest, but here are a few notable examples to ponder: