B/R Swagger

The 50 Best Mascots in College Football

By
Todd Kaufmann
(Senior Writer) on October 30, 2010

75,323 reads

59

Previous
1 of 53
Next
INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 03: The mascot for the Duke Blue Devils performs during a break in the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on A
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

If you've ever attended a college football or college basketball game, the one thing that you may look for right off the bat is where each team's mascot is.

Okay, maybe not the first thing, but the mascot's job is to make sure it's visible at all times. They light up the crowd, they get them into a frenzy, and they have some fun while they're at it.

We know the ones that will crowd surf, the ones who will pick on the other team's mascot, and the ones who just like to liven things up.

They are an important part of college sports and an important part of a university's history.

So, with all that being said, here are the top 50 mascots in college football.

Honorable Mention: Navy

DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 13: The Navy Midshipmen mascot looks on during the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 13, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Bill the Goat is the official mascot of the Naval Academy. Have to throw some love to the armed forces, right?

No. 50: Swoop

LAS VEGAS - MARCH 11: The Utah Utes mascot Swoop does one-handed push-ups on the court during a quarterfinal game against the UNLV Rebels at the Conoco Mountain West Conference Basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center March 11, 2010 in Las Vegas
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Swoop is the official mascot of the University of Utah Utes. And apparently, he can do one-armed push ups.

No. 49: Rameses

GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 19: Rameses, mascot of the North Carolina Tar Heels, cheers against the Radford Highlanders during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 19, 2009 in Greensboro, North
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The first appearance of Rameses was back in 1924 against the Virginia Military Institute. Except this one was real.

No. 48: Joe Bruin

INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 03: Joe Bruin, the UCLA Bruins mascot. performs during a break in the game against the Florida Gators during the National Championship game of the NCAA Men's Final Four on April 3, 2006 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Joe Bruin has been a big part of UCLA athletics, especially basketball.

No. 47: Otto The Orange

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 21: The Syracuse Orange mascot performs during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at HSBC Arena at HSBC Arena on March 21, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Rick Stewart/Getty Images

An orange with a smile, but I like the name Otto.

No. 46: Big Red

PHOENIX - MARCH 27: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers mascot attends the West Regional Sweet 16 game against the UCLA Bruins at the U.S. Airways Center on March 27, 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

I don't know why, but Big Red reminds me of a large, red version of Cookie Monster.

No. 45: Shasta

HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 26: University of Houston mascot 'Sasha' does pushups after the Houston Cougars scored against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Robertson Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)
Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images

Shasta is the mascot for the University of Houston Cougars. And not the only mascot that likes to do push ups.

I wonder if they tell the people who dress up in the mascot uniforms that they're going to have to be in good shape for all the push ups they're going to end up doing.

No. 44: Louie

Imagesca7r2nzv_display_image

Louie is the mascot for Grand Valley State. Tell me he doesn't remind you of Popeye

No. 43: Sam The Minuteman

Imagesca852a6d_display_image

Nothing like a Revolutionary War soldier as your mascot.

But, I'm not going to hate on good ol' Sam the Minuteman.

No. 42: Big Al

TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Big Al, mascot of the Alabama Crimson Tide, against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Big Al is a stud and we don't want to mess with elephants. They'll trample you.

That's where the elephant came from in the first place. A 1930s sportswriter heard the roar and rumble of the team taking the field and coined the term "here come the elephants".

No. 41: Sparky

TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 13: 'Sparky' the Arizona State Sun Devils mascot does performs in the student section durng the game against the Washington Huskies on October 13, 2007 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Arizona State won 44-20. (Photo by Steph
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

I think he's one of the coolest mascots in town. Well, I think the only thing I'm gauging it on is his "devilish" grin.

Get it, "devilish grin."

Okay, lame joke, sorry. Moving on.

No. 40: Wildcat

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 14: The Wildcat, mascot for the Kentucky Wildcats performs against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the final of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at the Bridgestone Arena on March 14, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Something I didn't notice the first time I saw this picture.

Anyone else think Wildcat's pants look like scraps of cloth knitting together to make strange-looking pants?

Maybe it's just me.

No. 39: Jayhawk

MINNEAPOLIS - MARCH 20: The mascot of the Kansas Jayhawks performs against the North Dakota State Bison during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on March 20, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minne
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

I think Jayhawk is aching for football season to be over with and for basketball season to hurry up and get here.

No. 38: Gators

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 13: The mascot of the Florida Gators cheers during the game against the Auburn Tigers during the quaterfinal round of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament on March 13, 2009 at The St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris
Chris Graythen/Getty Images

The Florida Gators have arguably one of the more recognizable mascots in college sports. Mostly because, well, it's a Gator.

No. 37: Paydirt Pete

DENVER - MARCH 18: The University of Texas El Paso Miners mascot and cheerleaders perform during the first round game of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament against the Maryland Terrapins at the Pepsi Center on March 18, 2004 in Denver, Color
Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Paydirt Pete, one of the more original names on our list so far, is the mascot for the University of Texas El Paso Miners.

All he's missing is the pick ax.

No. 36: Pistol Pete

STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 5: The Oklahoma State Cowboys mascot 'Pistol Pete' attends the tailgate party prior to the start of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Chri
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Oklahoma State isn't the only school to carry the name "Pistol Pete" as their mascot.

But am I the only one that, when I hear "Pistol Pete," I keep thinking of the name Pistol Pete Maravich? Just curious...

No. 35: Cosmo The Cougar

OKLAHOMA CITY - MARCH 18: Cosmo the mascot of the BYU Cougars performs against the Florida Gators during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men�s basketball tournament at Ford Center on March 18, 2010 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Cosmo is one of the more athletic mascots out there.

No. 34: Boilermaker Special

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Mascot Purdue Pete of the Purdue Boilermakers cheers on his team against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

While Purdue Pete is the mascot that is the most visible mascot for the Purdue Boilermakers, their official mascot is the Boilermaker Special which, according to Wikipedia, resembles a Victorian-era locomotive.

No. 33: Bulls

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: The mascot of the University of South Florida Bulls cheer play against the Kansas University Jayhawks at Raymond James Stadium on September 12, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

When you type in a Google search for the University of South Florida mascot, you see a picture of Jenn Sterger come up.

I thought for a second she was the new mascot until I realized it was the costume with the yellow horns coming out of its head that I was supposed to be looking for.

No. 32: Herbie Husker

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 24: Mascot Herbie Husker of the Nebraska Cornhuskers yells during the game against the Colorado Buffaloes on November 24, 2006 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska won 37-14. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Herbie Husker, the official mascot of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Looks like an everyday Cowboy to me.

No. 31: Big Green

396px-keggy_the_keg

The only mascot in the country that is a keg. Way to go, Dartmouth College.

No. 30: Sebastian the Ibis

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Sebastian the Ibis gets the crowd into the game as the Miami Hurricanes take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Land Shark Stadium on September 17, 2009 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Miami defeated Georgia Tech 33-17. (
Doug Benc/Getty Images

The U has the mascot that looks like an angry duck. However you choose to look at it, it's still cool to me.

No. 29: Traveler

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: USC Trojans Hector Aguilar trots horse Traveler on the sideline during the Rose Bowl presented by Citi between the USC Trojans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2008 in Pasadena, California. The T
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

USC fans know their knight on a white horse all too well.

Traveler makes his presence known at football games right from the very start.

No. 28: Smokey

ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 11: Smokey IX mascot of the Tennessee Volunteers sits on the sidelines during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 11, 2008 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Nothing like a cool-looking hound as your mascot. I'm down with Smokey.

No. 27: Knitro

University of Central Florida mascot entertains during a game between Pittsburgh and Central Florida at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida on October 13, 2006. (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images

One of the coolest mascots I've seen on this list yet. Might not be the best, but I think I'll become a fan of Central Florida just because of Knightro.

No. 26: Duke Dog

Imagescau0uzee_display_image

For whatever reason, the James Madison mascot reminds me of the dog from "Tom and Jerry."

No. 25 : Hokie

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 18: The Virginia Tech Hokies mascot performs against the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)
Geoff Burke/Getty Images

It's just a coincidence that James Madison and Virginia Tech are right next to each other?

If it wasn't I would have had James Madison in front of the Hokies for obvious reasons.

No. 24: Demon Deacon

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - FEBRUARY 14: The Wake Forest Demon Deacons mascot looks on during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Lawrence Joel Coliseum on February 14, 2009 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The Wake Forest mascot is another one of those that I enjoy finding for lists like this.

Can't beat the yellow bow tie and the top hat.

No. 23: Cy

Iowastatecy1_display_image

Cy is the defending champion of the Capital One Bowl mascot competition.

Something for Iowa State to hang their hat on, next to their upset win over Texas.

No. 22: Big Red

AUBURN - OCTOBER 16: Arkansas Razorbacks mascot Big Red watches the action on the field during the game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

What's the difference between "Big Red" the Razorback and a wart hog? I'm curious.

No. 21: Boomer Schooner

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 20: Sideline reporter Jack Arute takes a ride on the University of Oklahoma Sooners Boomer Schooner after a touchdown during a game against the University of California, Los Angeles Bruins at Memorial Stadium on September 20, 2003
Brian Bahr/Getty Images

One of those live mascots that just brings history to life. Definitely give credit Oklahoma for that.

No. 20: Bucky Badger

OMAHA, NE - MARCH 20: Bucky the Badger, mascot for the Wisconsin Badgers performs against the Cal State Fullerton Titans during the Midwest Region first round of the 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on March 20, 2008 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Ne
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Bucky Badger has had some good times during this football season with wins over top-ranked Ohio State and then a one-point win over Iowa.

No. 19: Ralphie The Buffalo

DENVER - SEPTEMBER 04: Ralphies Runners flank Ralphie V as he escorts the Colorado Buffaloes onto the field to face the Colorado State Rams during the the Rocky Mountain Showdown at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 4, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (P
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

I'm not sure who I feel more sorry for. Ralphie or the four guys around him that have to be the ones to stop him.

No. 18: Chief Osceola

TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Renegade and Chief Osceola prepares to bury his spear on the 50-yard line before the Miami Hurricanes take on the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeate
Doug Benc/Getty Images

Arguably the second most famous mascot on a horse, Chief Osceola, next to USC's Traveler.

No. 17: Buzz/Ramblin' Wreck

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 02: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets fans drive onto the field in an antique car prior to a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship on December 2, 2006 at Alltel Stadium in Jacks
Marc Serota/Getty Images

While Buzz is the official mascot of Georgia Tech, Ramblin' Wreck is the real mascot that leads the team out onto the field.

Nothing like a classic car still getting the job done.

No. 16: Mountaineer

INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 03: Rebecca Durst, mascot for of the West Virginia Mountaineers performs during a break in the game while taking on the Duke Blue Devils during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

I know there's a male version of the West Virginia mascot, but I thought she was too attractive not to put up.

No. 15: Vili The Warrior

NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01: The mascot of the Hawai'i Warriors performs against the Georgia Bulldogs during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 1, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Georgia won 41-10. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Gett
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

If you've ever been to a Hawaii game or a game that Hawaii is in town playing another team, you know who Vili is.

Though he might seem crazy, I think he's incredibly entertaining. Isn't that a mascot's job?

No. 14: Masked Rider

DALLAS - JANUARY 02: The Texas Tech Red Raiders mascot during play against the Mississippi Rebels during the AT&T Cotton Bowl on January 2, 2009 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

A female Zorro! Nice..

No. 13: Bevo

AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 10: Bevo, the mascot of the Texas Longhorns, stands in his corner during a game against the Colorado Buffaloes on October 10, 2009 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Texas won 38-14. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Ge
Brian Bahr/Getty Images

You can't say "Texas Longhorns" without mentioning Bevo.

Nothing like trying to keep an animal calm who could do some serious damage with one flick of his neck

No. 12: Colonel Reb

NEW ORLEANS - MARCH 13: University of Mississippi Rebels mascot, Col. Reb, runs during an intermission in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament against the University of South Carolina Gamecocks at the Louisiana Superdome on March 13, 2003 in New Orleans,
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

I miss Colonel Reb already and I'm not an Ole Miss fan.

No. 11: Brutus Buckeye

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 11: Mascot Brutus Buckeye fires up the crowd before a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Ohio Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Ohio State mascot "Brutus" has been a staple of THE Ohio State at just about every sporting event you can think of.

Not to mention he's one of the more famous mascots out there.

No. 10: Sparty

INDIANAPOLIS - APRIL 03: Sparty, the mascot of the Michigan State Spartans, performs on the court before the Spartans take on the Butler Bulldogs during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship on April 3, 201
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Every time I've seen Sparty, he always reminds me of the movie "Gladiator."

No. 9: Mike The Tiger

BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 06: LSU mascot Mike VI, a Bengal/Siberian mixed tiger, is displayed on the field before the Florida Gators take on the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 6, 2007 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
Doug Benc/Getty Images

The best live mascot there is, Mike the Tiger, for LSU.

No. 8: Uga

ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 03: UGA VII, mascot of the Georgia Bulldogs, watches the game against the Louisiana State University Tigers from the sidelines at Sanford Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

I've never been a fan of the Bulldogs as far as a dog goes, but I always like when schools do live mascots.

Props to Georgia on this one, not to mention being one of the more recognizable ones.

No. 7: Leprechaun

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: The leprechaun mascot for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish performs during a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Notre Dame Stadium on September 11, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Michigan defeated Notre Dame 28-24. (Photo by
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Someone is always after me lucky charms...

No. 6: Aubie The Tiger

AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 16: Auburn University mascot Aubie the Tiger cheers on the field before the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Imag
Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

Aubie has had a lot to celebrate these days and is the mascot for the best team in the country, the Auburn Tigers..

No. 5: Stanford Tree

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 12: The Stanford Cardinal Tree performs on the court during the game against the Washington Huskies in the Pacific Life Pac-10 Men's Basketball Tournament at the Staples Center on March 12, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo
Harry How/Getty Images

For a mascot that looks so poorly put together, it doesn't make it any less recognizable, or obnoxious for that matter.

No. 4: Nittany Lion

INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 12: The mascot for the Penn State Nittany Lions stands on court against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first round of the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Penn State's recognizable Nittany Lion.

No. 3: General Scott

Imagescahonxkn_display_image

A mascot that's been around since the inception of the Army/Navy game back in 1899.

No. 2: Monte

Images1_display_image

The official mascot of the University of Montana. A bear on a Harley. Awesome!

No. 1: Donald Duck

EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 21: The Oregon Duck mascot is lifted into the crowd during the game against the UCLA Bruins on October 21, 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

The duck that loves to crowd surf. Nothing like getting the crowd involved, especially a crowd at one of the noisiest stadiums in the country.

Begin Slideshow
Keep Reading
Flag
Props (3)
This article is

What is the duplicate article?

Why is this article offensive?

Where is this article plagiarized from?

Why is this article poorly edited?

Flag This Article

More Articles You'll Like

Crop_45x45
or to post a comment
Post Comment

59 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading comments...
just now posted just now
0 : Like Reply Flag as Offensive Edit Delete
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

Follow B/R on Facebook

Fans of bleacherreport

Follow @BleacherReport on Twitter

Newsletter

Sports and Pop Culture

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address

Thanks for signing up.

We're Scouting Top Writers