The Most Lovable Real-Life Mascots in College Football

By Ian Donnelly

Every student who has been to a college football game knows that school spirit isn’t just an abstract concept. It’s a tangible force that the whole crowd can feel, especially when your team is locked in an exciting struggle and competition is at its most tense.

With fandom that’s such a visible phenomenon, it’s no wonder some schools have real-life mascots to rally behind when their team takes the field. These figures aren’t just there to strike fear into the opposing team—although some of them are definitely fierce enough—they also embody that living energy that fans love most about college football.

Whether they’re man’s best friend or at the top of the food chain, these animals are adored by students and teammates alike, and a few of these larger-than-life characters have become such an important part of their school’s tradition that they’re inseparable from the home team. Here’s a list of the pride of the pack—the most lovable real-life mascots in college football.

Uga – The University of Georgia Bulldogs

Uga is the official mascot of the University of Georgia Bulldogs and has proudly served the post since 1956. As one of the most iconic mascots in college football, there’s as much honor and responsibility in bearing the name Uga as there is in the crowning of royalty—ten dogs have carried the name to date, and each has been descended from the original Uga. Bred by the Seiler family of Savannah, who have provided and cared for the Georgia line of mascots since the very beginning, these canine heirs have frequently been the son of their predecessors, taking on the role of Uga when the former dog retires. The ceremony is nothing short of a majestic affair, with a special pre-game ceremony complete with a “passing of the collar” and a stadium-wide chant of “Damn Good Dog.”

This all might sound like an episode of Game of Thrones to some, but the day a new Uga begins his reign is a special occasion for die-hard Bulldogs fans. There’s no other dog that embodies the deep-rooted fandom of the University of Georgia football. That wrinkle-filled face has kept watch on the sidelines for over 50 years, and the custom won’t be rolling over anytime soon.

Ralphie the Buffalo – The University of Colorado Buffaloes

Ralphie the Buffalo has led the University of Colorado football team onto the field at home games since 1967. That’s right—a real-life, 1,200-pound buffalo leads the charge onto Colorado’s football field on a regular basis, barreling out of the locker room tunnel at an average speed of 25 miles per hour. Talk about a fool-proof intimidation technique.

Ralphie, who is a female despite popular opinion, is one of the most unique mascots in college football. The University of Colorado Buffaloes hold a special place in their hearts for their larger-than-life mascot, honoring the Ralphie namesake for five generations of bison and even voting Ralphie the homecoming queen on occasion.

The team takes the utmost care of their mascot, housing Ralphie in a secret location so that she will not be harassed, keeping her and the public safe from harm. She has such a powerful effect on team spirit that she gets a team of her very own— known as “Ralphie Handlers,” it takes no less than five varsity athletes to control Ralphie’s speed and guide her through the traditional field run at the start of each game.

Mike the Tiger – Louisiana State University Tigers

Having one of the great predators of the animal kingdom as your mascot didn’t stop LSU from putting a real-live face to the name in 1936, when Mike the Tiger was bought with money raised from 25 cent contributions from each LSU student. A Bengal tiger bearing his name has been the living symbol of LSU football ever since, with the moniker and title passed down through seven generations of Mikes who have called Louisiana State University home.

LSU fans, students, and faculty all make sure that their favorite feline leads a life of luxury. Mike the Tiger’s habitat on campus totals 15,105 square feet, and Mike has his own personal veterinarian from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine as well as a staff of specialists who cater to all his needs—including his appetite, which calls for 140 pounds of food per week.

Even though he weighs in at a hulking 450 pounds, Mike can still attend football games— but only when he wants to. The tiger has the final say, deciding whether he wants to go to the game or not. Even though he’s a little picky (he is a cat, after all), Mike the Tiger holds such a special place in LSU football that fans will always join in for his grand game-day roar.

Lady and Joy – Baylor University Bears

Most colleges take the plurality of their team names figuratively, but the Baylor Bears stay true to the details with their two live bear mascots, Lady and Joy.

The tradition started in 1914 when the students of the then mascot-less Baylor University voted to have a bear represent the school as their team symbol. The first bear arrived on campus in 1917, and there’s been a real-life, lovable mascot helping to root for the home team ever since.

All of Baylor’s bears have all been named Judge to honor Baylor University’s namesake Judge R.E.B. Baylor, but each bear is also given an individual nickname in remembrance of an important figure in the school’s history. Lady and Joy get their particular names from Sue Sloan (known as the “First Lady of Baylor”) and Joy Reynolds, two distinguished wives of former University presidents.

The current mascots are biological sisters, and while Lady and Joy used to attend games on leashes they’ve gotten a bit too big in their full maturity—they each currently weigh close to 280 pounds and enjoy their own private habitat on the university’s campus. Like any beloved mascot, Lady and Joy both lead the good life with a well-cared for home that has a waterfall, caves, and a river.

Bevo – University of Texas Longhorns

Bevo, the University of Texas’ longhorn mascot, is a charismatic character that does it all— he’s attended every UT football game since 1945 and regularly appears at major pep rallies, after-graduation ceremonies, and school spirited events. Plus, with an impressive set of horns and a posse of UT student handlers known as the Silver Spurs, Bevo is the star of the Lone Star State.

Bevo made his first appearance in 1916 at the annual Thanksgiving rivalry game between the Longhorns and Texas A&M University. Since then, 15 steers have embodied the UT team with a burnt orange coat and a pair of “Hook ‘em Horns.” Bevo holds the title for the longest mascot reign on our lovable list with a legacy that stretches just over a century.

Not only is Bevo is an indivisible icon of the University—he has his very own scholarship fund, an IMDb page for his commendable acting career, and an honored spot in the College Football Hall of Fame, making him the most well-known mascot in college football history.

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