What are US college mascots?

What are US college mascots?

A masc-what?!

In the United States, college mascots are all part of the university experience. 

Larger than life, they could be an animal, person or object, and are hoped to bring luck and represent the university.

By the end of your studies in the US, you’re likely to be familiar with these popular characters across campus at sports and social events!

From rams to bears, read on to discover the mascots at each of our US university partners…

Colorado State University – Cam the Ram

Cam the Ram, a Rambouillet sheep, is CSU’s live mascot, looked after by student volunteers who run with him across the football field at the beginning and half time of every home game.

With his own Twitter account, you’ll find Cam at events all over campus. When he’s not getting students excited about events, he’s pampered on a ranch – the location is kept top secret to avoid incidents from rival schools!

Drew University – The Ranger Bear

You’ll see the Ranger Bear at sporting events, jumping around to get the crowd excited about the Drew Rangers’ team.

But don’t be scared of this 6ft bear – you can even request his appearance at your event by filling out an online request form.

George Mason University – The Patriot

Always ready to pose for a selfie, the green and gold Patriot mascot is dressed in colonial clothing. But The Patriot hasn’t always been George Mason’s mascot.

From 1996–2008, the University was represented by Gunston – a dark green, furry mascot. He’s now retired and lives in a glass box outside the basketball arena, teaching sustainability and environmental conservation to visiting school children.

Illinois State University – Reggie Redbird

While the Redbirds have been Illinois State University’s mascot since 1923, Reggie Redbird didn’t appear on the scene until 1981. Like all mascots, Reggie is at all of the athletic events on campus.

Reggie is popular among students – this oversized red bird has even got a Facebook page dedicated to him!

Marshall University – Marco the Bison

Marshall’s ‘Thundering Herd’ – its intercollegiate athletic collection of teams – is represented by Marco the Bison.

Created by a newspaper cartoonist in 1938, Marco has gone through many changes throughout the years. His most recent costume was voted for by students, alumni and Herd fans in 2013.

Oregon State University – Benny the Beaver

First spotted in a 1941 yearbook, Benny the Beaver is a tall, fuzzy beaver dressed in an OSU jersey.

He’s been through various designs, first drawn as a caricature by a former Disney employee. Most recently, OSU teamed up with Nike to feature a more modern beaver on their sports merchandise, reflecting Oregon’s outdoor culture.

Saint Louis University – The Billiken

The Billiken is not your typical mascot! A mythical good-luck figure, the Billiken was invented by an art teacher in 1908. A national sensation, he was reproduced as dolls, sweets, belt buckles and more.

Saint Louis University is the only university to claim the Billiken as its mascot, bringing luck to its sports teams. He’s a noted good luck charm in other parts of the world too – there are Billiken statues in Japan and Alaska.

Suffolk University – Hiram the Ram

Around for nearly 70 years, Suffolk used a live ram for the mascot’s debut appearance. Hiram the Ram was named after one of the University’s trustees – who thankfully took being named after a ram in good humour!

Nowadays, Hiram the Ram is a large, grinning, caramel-coloured ram wearing a Suffolk jersey.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham – Blaze the Blazer

Game of Thrones fans rejoice – we have a dragon among us! Representing the UAB Blazers, Blaze is a green, fire-breathing European dragon.

You’ll find Blaze in the heart of campus as a large dragon-shaped topiary.

Or you can buy a smaller, cute cuddly version in the campus bookstore.

University of South Florida – Rocky the Bull

The University considered a chicken, rooster and camel as potential mascots. In the end, inspired by the cattle-raising heritage of their state, Rocky the Bull was chosen.

Rocky is a fun and lovable mascot with a big personality.

Watch out for him at events ­– he loves to tap on the shoulders of unsuspecting students or photobomb a selfie or group photo!

Washington State University – Butch the Cougar

Also called a mountain lion or puma, the cougar has been a symbol of the University for more than 100 years.

In 1927, a cougar cub was presented to the students, and Butch the Cougar was born, named after their star football player at the time.

Don’t worry about bumping into a live cougar on campus though! Butch is now represented by an anonymous student in costume. You’ll find him at sporting and university events as WSU’s most beloved ambassador.