The 10 Weirdest Mascots in College Sports

Mascots play an integral role in the college sports experience. They interact with fans, help lead cheers and roam the arena or stadium trying to keep everyone engaged.

But, fellow fans, some are really weird.

Whether it's an odd costume, a strange facial expression or a combination of both, several mascots conjure up an image we'd rather forget. Unfortunately, we're well beyond that possibility. So, it's our civic responsibility to share.

The list is limited to Division I basketball and football teams. On that note, a shoutout to Sammy the Banana Slug from UC Santa Cruz. Also, we see you, Spuddy Buddy of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

10. Akron: Zippy

Otto Kitsinger/Associated Press

Representing the University of Akron is Zippy, a female kangaroo whose favorite food is a stadium hot dog.

Zippy gives off the feeling of a cartoon that is relentlessly happy—and relatively oblivious to any surrounding danger. The 180-degree smile is the primary reason for that interpretation.

For good measure, the two-color hat seems like it previously had a propeller sprouting from the top. Not sure if that would be an improvement.

9. UC Irvine: Peter the Anteater

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

Do anteaters have big muscles? Maybe only UC Irvine's sideline symbol does thanks to artistic privilege—check out those biceps!

The animal itself is extraordinarily unique and has an extremely strange frame. There's nothing like Peter the Anteater in the mascot world either.

The anteater is the inspiration behind "Zot" chants and school-related mentions because of the sound it makes when threatened.

8. Stanford: The Tree

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Unlike some of its fellow offbeat mascots, the Stanford Tree isn't the least bit scary. No, it's just plain odd.

First seen in 1975, the Tree is a bizarre creation of leaves and branches that has showcased various accessories throughout the years. Common features and decorations include buggy eyes, large teeth and some type of hat.

The university doesn't have an official mascot—it would probably be even weirder having a paint swatch roam the campus as the Cardinal—but the Tree is connected to the Stanford band.

7. Western Kentucky: Big Red

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Take one look at Big Red's face, and it's clear Western Kentucky's mascot finds himself in a constant state of...something. The question is what, exactly.

Perhaps he's overwhelmed. Is he perpetually confused? Maybe he's been caught red-handed—I'll show myself out.

Big Red is probably harmless. He's not imposing in any sense of the word, so we're not concerned about a dark side. But we haven't the slightest clue what he is either.

6. Providence: The Friar

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

The Friar is a complicated mascot.

David Roth of Deadspin astutely identified the Mark Davis-esque haircut—a bowl that surely would make the Oakland Raiders owner jealous. Depending on which angle you catch the Friar, though, he could appear exhausted, concerned or joyous.

The hood should give the Friar a more distinguished appearance, but his agape mouth and sad eyes are troubling. So many questions. Not enough answers.

5. Xavier: The Blue Blob

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The aptly named Blue Blob is bizarre in an entirely not-scary way. Good thing that was the intent for Xavier's secondary mascot.

D'Artagnan, the mustachioed Musketeer who represents the school's moniker, can be intimidating for children.

"I'm kind of the kid mascot," said Stephen Miller, who has played the role of the Blob, to Carol Motsinger of the Cincinnati Enquirer in 2016. "The funny guy who walks on the court and trips."

Still, the Blob—which once ate Jim Kelly's gold Hall of Fame jacket—is literally a blue, shaggy, oval-shaped thing. Kid-friendly weird, but weird.

4. Louisiana-Lafayette: Cayenne

Note: A better look at Louisiana Lafayette's mascot is provided in this link.

If you see Louisiana's pepper up close, you might want to give it some distance. Cayenne looks ready to sneeze.

According to the university, Cayenne embodies the school's Ragin' Cajun nickname. Neither person nor animal, the name "describes our unique way of life" as well as Louisiana's hot and spicy food.

Cayenne isn't even that hot. Why is this pepper relentlessly angry?

3. Saint Louis: The Billiken

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

The previous mascot for Saint Louis was somewhere between joyful and dazed. The recent update isn't much better.

No, this Billiken is similar to the arrogant guy who—after completing a task that actually isn't impressive—throws up his hands, continually repeats "What's up?! What's up?!" and backs away slowly while believing he's intimidating.

The furrowed eyebrows and scheming grin also suggest the Billiken has a trick up his sleeve. And we really don't want to know.

2. Nebraska: Lil' Red

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Lil' Red is very much not little, considering he towers over the muscular Herbie Husker—the primary mascot for Nebraska. The school introduced Lil' Red in hopes of appealing to children.

Despite my feelings toward the creepy man-child, it worked. The Mascot Hall of Fame even deemed Lil' Red worthy of induction in 2007.

But I need an adult.

Even if the adult is significantly smaller than Lil' Red.

1. Cal: Oski

Leon Bennett/Getty Images

Oski is hiding something from us. I don't know what, but that innocent grin can't actually be so innocent.

That, or Cal-Berkeley's golden bear cannot contain its excitement at the sight of, well, who could possibly know for sure? Food, maybe?

If that's the case, I feel you, Oski. Great food is worth bulging eyeballs and a huge smile.

Just don't get any closer. Honestly, you freak me out.