Syracuse Basketball: Power Ranking Each Syracuse Logo

Syracuse University has seen many appearance changes throughout its history. The school changed mascots after Native American students petitioned against the use of "The Saltine Warrior" because they felt that it was an offensive stereotype. After a long debate, the school finally agreed to change mascots in 1995 when it officially instilled "Otto the Orange" has the school's new official mascot.

Syracuse faced another public issue in 2004 when the name "Orangemen" was deemed offensive towards women, leading it to change its name to the "Orange."

As the times changed, so did the logos that represent Syracuse University. Looking back on each logo, some of them are admirable while others are plain hideous. 

8. Primary Logo (1974-2004)

After ridding the school of its Native American logo, instead of looking to its own highly-respected art department, the University decided to pay an outside source a large sum of money to come up with this horrific design.

If I were to instruct you to take the letter "S" and make it look as confusing and unappealing as possible, this design would probably be worse than whatever you come up with. 

7. Alternate Logo (2001-Who Knows)

It was hard to say that this logo was less ugly than the precious one. But the one reason pushing this one ahead is that it was so closely associated with the year the Orange—or "Orangemen," as they were at the time—won the national championship in 2003. 

Other than that, it looks like the planet Saturn on crack.

6. Primary Logo (1972-1978)

Personally, I think this logo is pretty cool. But, unfortunately, it caused too much debate, leading to its removal in 1978.

You certainly cannot blame the Native American population for getting offended by this logo. Stereotypes should not be overlooked or encouraged, and let's be honest, the "Indian" in this logo doesn't look all that intelligent. 

5. Primary Logo (2005)

For a primary logo, there is too much going on. I love how it incorporates the Carrier Dome in the design, but this is not the place for it. 

I'll explain later.

4. Primary Logo (2006-Present)

The logo definitely gets the job done; however, it is unoriginal. Michigan State and Stanford both sport the same exact logo in their respective colors. It's simple and to the point, but it doesn't necessarily prove to be a Syracuse icon.

3. Alternate, Athletic Department Logo (2005-Present)

As a primary logo, I'm not a huge fan of the Carrier dome design. But representing the athletic department as an alternate logo, it does a fantastic job.

The bold writing of "Syracuse Athletics" underneath the Carrier Dome—the haven in which Syracuse plays basketball, football and lacrosse—makes for a one-of-a-kind design. Syracuse fans take great pride in the Dome, as it is the largest on-campus basketball arena in the NCAA, and it serves as a symbol for the city as a whole.

2. Alternate Logo (1992-2004)

This logo has the Yankee-esque business look to it. It says there is only one "SU" around. This logo is very simple and original, and it gets the job done.

Too bad it is rarely seen anymore.

1. Alternate Logo (1995-Present)

In an effort to avoid any social dilemmas, Syracuse chose to use an Orange blob to be the face of the university. The reason this logo is so great is that it manages to take a fruit, or whatever it is, and make it appear intimidating.

Over the years, Otto the Orange has evolved into one of the most recognizable mascots in the NCAA.