As the Cardinal joins the Atlantic Coast Conference, we take note of what’s wild and wacky about each school’s mascot—by which we mean the thing that runs around the field, even if its status is unofficial. (We see you, @DaStanfordTree.)
Most relatable: Otto the Orange, Syracuse
Named for a hue, hyped by dancing plant life? We get that. Citrus in upstate New York? We don’t get that.
Most flair: Blue Devil, Duke
If you ask us, there are entirely too few mascots named after caped French soldiers.
Best use of live animal: Cavalier, University of Virginia
The mounted Cavalier gallops into the stadium atop Sabre the horse. There’s also a costumed version, which features a swole (yet plush) upper body.
Most overstated: Peruna, Southern Methodist University
SMU’s live mustang is actually a Shetland pony. Then there’s the costumed version, creatively named Human Peruna.
Best all around: Baldwin, Boston College
This eagle is fierce (that brow line!) but fun (on-point TikTok choreography).
Best legend: Sebastian, University of Miami
The Hurricanes are repped by an ibis, which, according to folklore, is the last animal to seek shelter before a hurricane and the first to reappear afterward.
Most perplexing: Rameses, University of North Carolina
If you’re wondering what Tar Heels have to do with a ram, the answer is: absolutely nothing. We can empathize.
Best origin story: Demon Deacon, Wake Forest
In a 1940s fraternity dare, a Wake Forest student donned top hat and coattails, then rode Rameses during a game against UNC. Subsequent accessorizing with a plunger yielded the only ACC mascot with a trade skill.
Most diluted: Mr. and Mrs. Wuf, North Carolina State
The Wolfpack projects strength: serious but athletic, family-oriented but might kill you over a chicken thigh. Alas, around the time that Mr. Wolf and Ms. Wolf were married—in 1981, with the Demon Deacon officiating—their surname was defanged.
Most huggable: Roc the Panther, University of Pittsburgh
The look is more teddy bear, less enigmatic cat.
Participation award: HokieBird, Virginia Tech
It’s a turkey.
Most brand-worthy: The Tiger, Clemson
Surely many people have suggested that Clemson pair up with Kellogg’s. So we won’t.
Most likely to be promoted: Cimarron, Florida State
The warrior Osceola and his horse, Renegade, are used as symbols, not mascots, under a partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Meanwhile, Cimarron, FSU’s costumed horse, is technically an ambassador.
Most likely to die in cold weather: Buzz and Ramblin’ Wreck, Georgia Tech
The yellowjacket should survive cool Bay Area temps. It’s less clear how the 94-year-old Ford Model A Sport Coupe will fare.
Most likely to confuse: Louie the Cardinal, University of Louisville
Technically, we are the most likely to confuse, because Louie is known to the ACC. And a bird.
Most comforting: Oski, UC Berkeley
Cal feels more like family than rival this year. Except on November 23. Then give ’em the Axe.
Summer Batte, ’99, is the editor of Stanfordmag.org. Email her at summerm@stanford.edu.
