They are a huge part of the entertainment at games. The mascots take their roles at Big Ten events as seriously as coaches, players and cheerleaders. The mascot is part of the identity of the school and its fan base. So who are they? And what is the backstory on how the mascot came to fruition? Time to look at the names and outfits they wear as part of the fabric of every school and athletic events at it or even on the road nowadays.
Illinois: None … for now
The Kingfisher is seen before the game between Northwestern Wildcats and Illinois Fighting Illini at Wrigley Field. Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Fighting Illini have not had a mascot since 2007 since Chief Illiniwek retired. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a movement to try and start a new tradition. The push is for the Kingfisher. Wrote the Daily Illini: The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is the only species in the kingfisher (Alcedinidae) family native to Illinois, with their females adorning a naturally occurring orange and blue coloring. They can be found scattered across North America, with fossils dating back to around 600,000 years ago.
Advertisement
Indiana Hoosiers: Hoosier the Bison
A bison does its best Dracula impression
Iowa Hawkeyes: Herky the Hawk
University of Iowa mascot Herky the Hawk.
Maryland Terrapins: Testudo the Terrapin
Fans pose with Testudo the Terrapin.
Michigan State: Sparty
Sparty the Michigan State Spartans mascot runs out of the tunnel.
Michigan Wolverines: None
Yaroslawl, a male wolverine, runs at the Detroit Zoological Society.
Minnesota Golden Gophers mascot Goldy.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Lil’ Red and Herbie Husker perform.
Northwestern Wildcats
The Northwestern Wildcats mascot Willie the Wildcat in action.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Brutus Buckeye
Ohio State Buckeyes mascot Brutus at the College Football Playoff Fan Central.
Oregon Ducks: Puddles
Puddles the Oregon Ducks mascot.
Penn State Nittany Lions: Nittany
The Penn State Nittany Lion mascot celebrates after the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium.
Purdue Boilermakers: Purdue Pete
Purdue Boilermakers mascot Purdue Pete.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Sir Henry
Rutgers Scarlet Knights mascot Sir Henry.
UCLA Bruins: Joe Bruin
UCLA Bruins mascot cheers during the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal.
USC Trojans: Tommy Trojan
A view of the USC Trojans song girl cheerleaders and mascot.
Washington Huskies: Harry the Husky
Washington Huskies mascot Harry the Husky at a pep rally at T-Mobile Arena.
Wisconsin Badgers: Bucky Badger
Bucky Badger is shown before the Wisconsin-Northwestern football game Saturday October 19, 2024 at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium.
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: What are the mascots of all 18 Big Ten schools?
