The 10 Best College Mascots
College mascots are more than just symbols of their respective schools. They represent tradition, pride, and the unique spirit of each institution.
Whether it’s a live animal or costumed figure, these mascots bring excitement and joy to college sports. Here’s a list of the 10 best college mascots and how they became iconic figures for their schools.
10. Brutus Buckeye(The Ohio State University)
No Saturday game at Ohio Stadium is complete without the presence of Brutus Buckeye. The giant tree nut first made his debut in 1965 and has remained a staple of Ohio State home games.
Brutus isn’t just famous for being the mascot of one of the most successful college football programs in history. The buckeye is known for his wild antics and feats of athleticism and helping lead the school band.
No home game is complete without a Ohio State win and Brutus riling up the fans. Brutus Buckeye is always on the list of the top ten best college mascots.
9. Aubie(Auburn University)
Aubie The Tiger from Auburn University marks his spot at #9 on the list of the 10 best college mascots. Auburn’s tiger has been the school’s lovable mascot since 1979, which was inspired by student made cartoons.
These Aubie cartoons depicting a mischievous and funny cat came to reality and the mascot was born. Over the years, Aubie has won numerous mascot awards and is constantly featured on ESPN College Gameday ads.
He’s a central figure in the Auburn game-day experience, symbolizing both the pride and fun of Auburn athletics.
8. Sparty(Michigan State University)
Michigan State’s Sparty comes in at #8 on the list of the 10 best college mascots. Sparty is one of the long-time college mascots who has been running around MSU’s home games since 1955.
Initially introduced as a paper-mache figure, Sparty evolved into a larger-than-life character who embodies the school’s strong athletic tradition. He has an imposing demeanor, but at the games, Sparty has a fun-loving attitude and keeps the crowd’s energy up.
The award winning mascot is always at the center of all of Michigan State fan traditions.
7. The Stanford Tree(Stanford University)
Stanford is home to one of the oddest school mascots known as the Stanford Tree. The Stanford Tree may be an odd choice to represent a college, but it’s one of the 10 best college mascots.
What’s even odder about this tree is that it’s not even the official Stanford mascot. This beloved tree represents El Palo Alto, the famous redwood tree that inspired the city’s name, which Stanford students gladly adopted.
The Stanford Tree is known for its unpredictable antics during games, dancing routines, and wild stunts.
6. Bucky Badger(University of Wisconsin)
Wisconsin is home to one of the 10 best college mascots, who goes by the name Bucky Badger. Originally, Bucky Badger was a real live badger, which was used dating back to the 1940s.
Unfortunately, real badgers are too ill-tempered to be used at games, so a Bucky Badger costume was created. Buckingham U. Badger or Bucky for short is the central figure at Wisconsin football and basketball games.
Along with leading the crowd in cheers, Bucky is known for busting out pushouts every time the Badgers score.
5. Mike The Tiger(Louisiana State University)
A university with a real live tiger sidelines must be added to the 10 best colleges mascots list. Mike The Tiger is the beloved real-life tiger, who makes his name at Louisiana State University.
It may seem cruel for a school to own a live tiger, but the students make sure that Mike is well taken care of. At the university, Mike has his own large habitat near the stadium with lots of room to move around.
Mike The Tiger represents the school’s ferocity to never quit fighting and show their tiger spirit.
4. Bevo(University of Texas)
Everything is bigger and Texas, so of course the University of Texas would have a live longhorn as their mascot. Beevo has been the symbol of the university of 1916, which was introduced during a rivalry game with Texas A&M.
Since then, Bevo has been present at all of UT’s home football games sitting in his stall eating sod. The longhorn is an integral part of Texas tradition and is well taken care of by the Silver Spurs group.
3. The Oregon Duck(University of Oregon)
No list of the top 10 best college mascots would be complete without including the Oregon Duck. The Oregon Duck brings a unique blend of Disney charm and wild antics on the sidelines.
After coming to an agreement with Walt Disney in the 1940s, the Oregon duck was born. This duck is known for getting into funny situations with fans and opposing mascots alike.
Oregon’s beloved duck’s playful demeanor contrasts with the fierce competition on the field, but embodies the university’s light-hearted spirit.
2. Ralphie(University of Colorado)
The University of Colorado is home to easily one of the top 10 best college mascots in the US. Ralphie the buffalo is one of the most thrilling sights to see in all of college athletics.
When the University of Colorado football team takes the field, they are led by Ralphie The Buffalo charging down the field. Ralphie’s charge has been a Colorado tradition since 1966.
It may seem dangerous, but safety guidelines are thoroughly followed, so Ralphie doesn’t hurt anyone or gets hurt himself. His presence on the field is a power symbol of Colorado’s wild spirit and western heritage.
1. Uga(University of Georgia)
Out of all the 10 best college mascots in the US, Georgia’s Uga is one of the most known and beloved. Uga’s lineage dates back to 1956 when a Georgia student brought a white bulldog to a football game.
Uga sits on the sidelines with his own custom jersey and spiked collar. Each Uga acts like a good luck charm for the sport’s teams and represents the school’s culture.
