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Mock the Mascots

Behold the symbols of the ACC. A certain rambunctious redwood should fit right in.

October 2024

Reading time min

Cardinal tree mascot illustration

Illustrations by Christoph Hitz

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.)

Otto the Orange mascot

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.

Blue Devil mascot

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). 

Sebastian mascot

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. 

Demon Deacon mascot

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. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wuf mascot

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.

Roc the Panther mascot

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. 

The Tiger mascot

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. 

Buzz and Ramblin’ Wreck mascot

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. 

Louie the Cardinal mascot

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. 

Oski mascot

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.

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