10 Best Live College Football Mascots
Entertainment value is the primary reason for every sport, and mascots help enhance the experience at college football games.
But in some cases, the mascot has a storied tradition, fascinating history, unique game-day routine or, quite simply, is flat-out awesome.
The list is subjective, like any ranking of this subject would be.Â
Additionally, human mascots were not considered. Yes, they are alive. But there's real people in any costume, too, and those aren't included. In other words, let's enjoy college football's best animals.
10. Reveille (Texas A&M)
1 of 10
On the adorable scale, Reveille is a first-place contender.
The Corps of Cadets Company E-2 cares for Reveille, a fixture at Texas A&M football games since 1931. Last season, Reveille IX took over after a seven-year tenure from her predecessor.
Reveille VIII's impact was felt beyond the fieldâand ever-so-slightly in a select group of GPAs. She helped students receive a perfect score on a take-home test by showing up for a computer science class.
According to the university, cadets address her as "Miss Rev, ma'am." She's also the highest-ranking member of the cadets as the "only bearer of five silver diamonds."
9. Bevo (Texas)
2 of 10
Bevo doesn't really do much on the sidelines, but you really don't want to mess with those horns, either.
Handled by the Silver Spurs Alumni Association, the longhorn steer is always at Texas home games and often travels for road contests. Bevo XIVâwho died in 2015âweighed 2,000 pounds.
The tradition must continue, however.
Bevo XV will be introduced during the 2016 regular-season opener against Notre Dame. The upcoming campaign marks the 100th anniversary of Bevo at Texas football games.
8. Fearless Champion (Texas Tech)
3 of 10
Take one look and tell me that's not a majestic horse.
Fearless Champion, who is accompanied by the Masked Rider, leads the Red Raiders into action at home games.
The horseâthe 14th in Texas Tech historyâreceived its name as the result of a 2013 contest.
Joe Kirk Fulton started this tradition at the 1954 Gator Bowl. Per Susan Shepard of SBNation.com, Ed Danforth of the Atlanta Journal wrote, "No team in any bowl game ever made a more sensational entrance."
7. Traveler (USC)
4 of 10
Ridden by a Trojan warrior, a white horse named Traveler roams the sidelines at USC football games.
Per the university's website, the horse's first appearance came in 1961. Since then, the Trojans have had both seven riders and seven horses.
"The horse is one of the greatest inspirational devices USC has," said former player Nate Shaw, who also experienced the reaction to Traveler while coaching at Oregon State. Shaw continued:Â
"It definitely got the adrenaline going when I was playing and I think it still has an effect on the players. When I was coaching against USC, we hated to see that horse come down the tunnel because it got USC a little more pumped up.
"
6. War Eagle (Auburn)
5 of 10Have you ever had one of those moments that is simultaneously blissful and terrifying? Imagine welcoming your favorite team onto the field, then an eagle basically skims your head.
But hey, War Eagle!
According to the school, the first story of the phrase dates back to 1892. Starting in 1930, Auburn added a live eagle to its game-day experience. The current bird, War Eagle VII or otherwise known as Nova, has been flying since 2006.
The pregame flight is a unique 20-second experience, especially for those directly under Nova's path.
5. Renegade (Florida State)
6 of 10
Pregame is not complete at Florida State without Chief Osceola throwing a flaming spear into the ground at midfield.
But he doesn't get there without Renegade.
A spotted Appaloosa, you won't find another horse like Renegade in college football. This tradition debuted in 1978 and has continued at each home game since then.
FSUÂ introduced Renegade VI in October 2014, retiring the fifth horse after 12 years of service.
4. Uga (Georgia)
7 of 10
Uga lives a wonderfully cozy life.
Not only do people love bulldogs, he can retire to an air-conditioned doghouse when the Georgia sun is too much. In the past, Uga has ridden a golf cart during the Dawg Walk, per CBS News.
But more than anything else, Uga is a staple at Sanford Stadium on Saturdays. The school introduced the bulldog in 1956.
Uga X assumed his place in the comfortable doghouse last year.
3. Smokey (Tennessee)
8 of 10
Smokey is a lovable mascot who isn't afraid to protect itself.
In 2006, Smokey IXÂ allegedly bit former Alabama wide receiver Mike McCoy after he fell on Smokey during warmups. Whether or not the bite drew blood is apparently up for debate.
Eight years later, the same dog "nipped" Volunteers backup long snapper Matt Giampapa, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.
But then, you just take a look at that face, and everything is OK again. The current edition of the bluetick coonhound is Smokey X.
2. Ralphie (Colorado)
9 of 10
First, Ralphie is a she. Second, Ralphie is 1,200 pounds of fun.
"It's crazy," handler Luke Baker said, per Anthony Lepine of Sports Illustrated's Campus Rush. "I couldn't compare it to anything adrenaline-wise."
Buffaloes are both massive and sneaky fast, so not just anyone can be in charge of running with Ralphie. On the 2015-16 application, hopefuls were asked to list their athletic background, most notably experiences in track or running.
If you've ever wondered what would happen if the handlers couldn't keep up, well, it's pretty scary. And fascinating. But scary.
1. Mike the Tiger (LSU)
10 of 10
Every so often, Mike will leave his luxurious home on campus and spend a few hours sitting on the sidelines of an LSU football game.
Unfortunately for Tigers fans and visitors, Mike has only attended one game since the beginning of the 2014 season. According to the Advocate, he won't get in the trailer for the short trip.
Certainly, it's not for a lack of trying.
"People call me with brilliant ideas. 'Put a steak in the trailer!' Oh wow, 20 years we never thought of that," Dr. David Baker said, per Laken Litman of For The Win. "When cats think something is up, they're very wary animals and this is an apex predator."
Disappointed Mike isn't around often? You go get him* then.
*Absolutely do not attempt that. Mike is a tiger.
Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
