Can You Identify the State University From Its Mascot?

By: Lauren Lubas
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify the State University From Its Mascot?
Image: Mike Powell / DigitalVision / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Sports mascots are the good luck charms of their teams. These little guys were created to keep the fans' spirits high when teams weren't doing so well in games. As the fans were entertained, they continued to cheer on their losing teams. This energy was supposedly the reason for sports comebacks and rallying. The word mascot comes from the French "La Mascotte" which is an opera written in the 1800s about a farmer who needed a little luck. At some point, sports teams (including university sports teams) adopted the term and created characters to build fan excitement during boring segments of games (and when the players weren't that fun to watch). 

There are clearly mascots we can recognize from a mile away, and then there are those that are a little obscure. However, when it comes to state universities, the mascot is what its all about. Is he a badger? It he a dog? If you think you which mascot represents which state university, you will have no problem passing this quiz. It's time to see what you really know about the characters that roam the halls of the state universities in the US. Just remember, passing this quiz is important, but having fun is alma maters.

Baby Blue
Youtube via Delaware REP
Do you know the colorful name of this mascot from the University of Delaware?
Fluffy
Dapper Dan
Baby Blue
Baby Blue is a yellow and blue bird that just loves to be happy. You can find him on the University of Delaware's YouTube channel ... even though he doesn't have much to say, he's a recurring character on "Blue Hen Says."
Green Eyes

Advertisement

Bananas T. Bear
Youtube via Derek McKinley
What is the name of this bear mascot from the University of Maine?
Bananas T. Bear
You've probably seen a million animals wearing jerseys, but none so frightening than the University of Maine's Bananas T. Bear. He's hip. He's cool. He's frightening beyond all recognition.
Joey the Bear
Borris Bear
Sable the Fox

Advertisement

Benny the Bengal
Youtube via GolSUBengals
This tiger represents Idaho State University. Do you know his name?
Tony the Tiger
Tigerific
Stripey
Benny the Bengal
Benny the Bengal is your standard state university mascot. The design of this mascot, however, is pretty interesting. He has tribal features, and he looks awfully angry as he snarls at the camera.

Advertisement

Big Jay
Youtube via Jami Bechard
Can you identify this mascot from the University of Kansas?
Little Lunar
Mooner
Badger Vance
Big Jay
Many state universities choose birds as their mascots, because birds are the most terrifying creatures on the planet. However, when you look at Big Jay, you might think that he isn't a bird at all ... instead, he is some kind of frightening beaked creature dancing on the sidelines.

Advertisement

Billy the Panther
Youtube nathansabsurdities
What is the name of the panther mascot from Eastern Illinois University?
Billy the Panther
When we think of awesome panther names, "Billy" doesn't seem to make the cut. However, when you see the mascot costume, you realize that this panther looks like a beast you just want to hug ... so "Billy" seems to be a suitable name.
Black Jack
Jackie
Joel the Panther

Advertisement

Blaze
Youtube via UABDining
This dragon mascot from the University of Alabama at Birmingham has a interesting name. Do you know it?
Shortie
Mike
Blaze
A European dragon, Blaze was first introduced in 1996. At the time, the University of Alabama, Birmingham's athletic department was under 20 years old. Like most mascots, he's a member of the cheer team, or "spirit squad" (as UAB likes to define it).
Lover

Advertisement

Bobcat
Wiki Commons by Jsanstella
Can you recognize this New York University mascot named after an animal?
Dogger
Frogger
Bobcat
We can think of about 100 names for a bobcat, but New York University simply went with "Bobcat," because hey, there's already a real name in there. Although, NYU isn't the only university athletic department who has decided not to name their mascot.
Billcat

Advertisement

Boko
Youtube via TxStateBobcats
This Texas State University mascot has a name that seems like doublespeak. Do you know the name of this bobcat?
Roko
Boko
Speaking of bobcats ... this is Boko, the Texas State University mascot. He looks a little bit like Meowth got his hands on a Texas State jersey, but he'll always be number 1 in our hearts.
Bamer
Brody the Bruin

Advertisement

Brutus the Buckeye
Wiki Commons by Michelle Eberhart
The Ohio State University mascot is easy to spot, but do you know his name?
Boomer the Eagle
Brutus the Buckeye
You may know that Ohio State University is home of the buckeyes, but do you know what a buckeye is? Well, it's actually a tree that produces chestnuts. This explains the shape of Brutus's head.
Fullhead Falcon
Trevor the Boss

Advertisement

Bucky Badger
Wiki Commons by Elliott Connor
What is the name of the University of Wisconsin, Madison badger?
Borris the Badger
Bucky Badger
This crabby little dude can be spotted across the country. Either the University of Wisconsin, Madison is a really popular school, or they're just really good at football. Either way, Bucky does not look like he's messing around.
Philip the Badger
Baddy the Badger

Advertisement

The Colonel
Youtube via PowerOfMaroon
Do you know the name of this Eastern Kentucky University mascot?
The Boss
The Colonel
No, he's not named The Colonel because Colonel Sanders started Kentucky Fried Chicken. Although, the coincidence does exist. As a matter of fact, before EKU was known for The Colonel, their team was called the Maroons.
The Vice
The Mr.

Advertisement

Cowboy Joe
Youtube via The Denver Post
The University of Wyoming has a pony for a mascot, what's his name?
Cowboy Joe
There is nothing that screams "Wyoming" like a pony with a person's name ... Cowboy Joe loves to be around tens of thousands of people, and he knows how to put on a good show ... unless you make him wear pink.
Cowboy Scott
Cowboy Jack
Cowboy Ralph

Advertisement

Reveille
Wiki Commons by Patrick Boyd
Do you know the name of the Texas A&M mascot that looks like Lassie?
Windy
Reveille
Having a living animal as your mascot can be a little intense, as you have to deal with shorter lifespans and not knowing what an animal will do. Reveille has been the Texas A&M mascot since 1931, so we know there has been more than one.
Wendy
Findy

Advertisement

Fighting Pickle
Youtube via Peter Pickle
This interesting mascot comes from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts has been around since 1975. What's its name?
Fighting Pickle
V is for ... Pickles? This guy is definitely one of the most interesting state university mascots out there, and he has no shame. While the only pickle-like feature he has is the fact that he's green, it's an art school, so we have to look at it as an expressionist pickle.
Lucky
Fleur Tops
Flasher Stasher

Advertisement

Jack the Jackrabbit
Youtube via SDSU Athletics
Here's an easy one: can you name the South Dakota State University rabbit mascot?
Jack the Jackrabbit
You have to see Jack the Jackrabbit in motion to appreciate his true potential. In the school's logo, you might not be able to tell if he is running or scratching his ear. Let's pretend he's running.
Jonathan
Robert
Staley

Advertisement

Jonathan
Wiki Commons by Fil676
What is the rather human name for the mascot of the University of Connecticut?
Fred
Cheap
Jonathan
There have been 14 dogs who have played Jonathan the Husky. Who doesn't want a husky as their mascot? They're fluffy. They're happy, and their coats are perfect for the Connecticut weather.
Danny

Advertisement

Knightro
Wiki Commons by breezy421
This knight has a name that works two ways. What is it?
Fightro
Knightro
While we all can find interesting news stories starting with "Florida Man ..." we can also find an interesting mascot. The University of Central Florida's mascot is a knight named Knightro. Get it? Nitro ... but a knight. It works.
FightKnight
Knight Fighter

Advertisement

Leo and Una
Youtube via Aaron Pennington
The University of North Alabama has two mascots, both of them lions. What are their names?
Lion and Lioness
Leo and Una
While you might think it's totally normal to have a living mascot if it is a dog, the University of North Alabama wanted to take it a few steps further and have two living lions as their mascots.
Travis and Burke
Larkin and Sharkin

Advertisement

Lobo Louie
Wiki Commons by Sharon Phelan Evans
Do you recognize this mascot from the University of New Mexico?
Travis Traveler
Funny Frank
Charming Charles
Lobo Louie
Lobo Louie and his pal Lobo Lucy are besties who love to cheer on the University of New Mexico athletic department. They are both officially members of the cheerleading squad who work tirelessly to entertain fans during games.

Advertisement

The Nittany Lion
Wiki Commons by Ben Stanfield (user name acaben)
Can you identify this mascot that looks like very old pajamas?
The Nittany Lion
Penn State is a great school for young minds to learn, but they don't necessarily have the most creative or elaborate mascot of all of the mascots. It's a made up beast that is basically just a mountain lion, but if you look at the costume, you could see a dog or a bear. You might have to squint to see the lion part.
The Cubby Bear
The Loose Goose
Chooser

Advertisement

Petey Penmen
Youtube via SNHIU on Campus
What is the name of this Southern New Hampshire University mascot?
Petey Penmen
In the 1970s, Southern New Hampshire University athletes were known as The Accountants, so it only makes sense that their mascot was a penman ... The school specialized in bookkeeping and other recording arts.
Remus Penguin
Unfortunate Faller
Slippers

Advertisement

Prowler
Youtube via ColoradoCollegeWeb
Colorado College has a tiger mascot, do you know his name?
Bumper
Mountaineer
Prowler
This tiger mascot might look like a giant yellow blob, but his name is fierce, and that means that he is too. Prowler is a tough guy who wears a jersey, and loves hanging out with the students and fans.
Fowler

Advertisement

Reggie Redbird
Youtube via Illinois State University
Can you name the Redbird from Illinois State University?
Radbird
Rickie Redbird
Cardinal James
Reggie Redbird
If you went to Illinois State University, you know that that little cardinal is basically everywhere you go. Every place associated with the university is called some form of Red Bird or another, and you just can't get away from it.

Advertisement

Rudy the Redhawk
Youtube via doubutz
This bird mascot from Seattle University is named after a famous college football movie. What is his name?
Titan the Tweeter
Remember the Birds
Greenham
Rudy the Redhawk
Rudy the Redhawk looks surprisingly similar to Reggie the Redbird ... but we aren't going to split hairs here. Although, we probably should ... these two mascots are practically identical!

Advertisement

Sir Big Spur
Youtube via GoGamecocks
What is the rhyming name of this University of South Carolina rooster mascot?
Chill the Ill
My Big Buy
Sir Big Spur
This cock knows a thing or two about running the roost. He might be small, but he is one heck of a mascot. Sir Big Spur is the University of South Carolina mascot who may be mini, but he packs a big crow.
For the More

Advertisement

Big Al
Wiki Commons by Crispyflamingo
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa campus is all about the crimson tide, but what is the name of this elephant mascot?
Big Al
No, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa doesn't have a real elephant as their mascot. This guy is bubbly and fun, even in the hot and humid summers of the American South, and he's well loved by fans and alum alike.
Hey Hey Robberts
You There Jones
Hi My Friend

Advertisement

Thor
Youtube via Southern Utah University
Which Avenger shares a name with the Southern Utah University mascot?
Ant Man
Thor
He doesn't carry a hammer, and he isn't worried about Ragnarok, but he is a mythical creature that is ready to go whenever Southern Utah is. Thor the Thunderbird should be your favorite name for a state university mascot, because it is so cool.
Captain America
Iron Man

Advertisement

Thundar
Youtube via North Dakota State University
Do you know this bison mascot from North Dakota State University?
Boar
Two Socks
Rain
Thundar
He's an American bison, and he isn't afraid to make some noise. He may be a little afraid of spelling things correctly, however. We don't have to tell them that they spelled it wrong. They can spell thunder however they please.

Advertisement

Truman the Tiger
Youtube via kathryn lucchesi
University of Missouri named their mascot what?
Truman the Tiger
The only president from the state of Missouri was Harry S Truman, so it seems fitting to name their state university mascot after him. We are pretty sure there are a lot of other things Missouri can boast, but they might not be appropriate mascot names.
Mitsy the Mouse
Minie Morris
Sherbert Holland

Advertisement

Victor E. Huskie
Youtube via Victor E. Huskie
Northern Illinois University is another state school with a husky for a mascot. Do you know his name?
Victor E. Huskie
Victor E. Huskie spells his name different from other huskies because he is special, and he wants people to know it. The misspelling could have been an oversight, but we'll just say it was on purpose.
Northy the Dog
Happy Husky
Winning Husky

Advertisement

Wild E. Cat
Youtube via jenelle505
What is the name of this wildcat mascot from the University of New Hampshire?
Victor Eagle
Sharing Carer
Huggies
Wild E. Cat
Wild E. Cat and his friend Gnartz are the major cheer squad for the University of New Hampshire wildcats. The wildcat was elected as their mascot over a bull, because a bull was harder to transport.

Advertisement

Sparky the Sun Devil
Wiki Commons by Neon Tommy
Can you name this devilish mascot from Arizona State University?
Pistol Pete
Damion D. Devil
Happy the Demon
Sparky the Sun Devil
If you've ever been to Arizona, you know that it gets so hot there that it feels as though Satan himself has his arm wrapped around you like you're best buddies. It's no surprise that Sparky the Sun Devil represents the team.

Advertisement

Goldy Gopher
Wiki Commons by Doggie88dude
What is the name of this University of Minnesota gopher mascot?
Goodie Gopher
Goldy Gopher
The athletic department has the golden gophers, and the mascot is Goldy, who loves to wear his jersey and show off his single giant tooth to all of the fans. Gophers might not be terrifying creatures, unless you live around them.
Glamour Gopher
George the Gopher

Advertisement

Pistol Pete
Youtube via Tyler Drabek
The Oklahoma State University mascot is dressed like a cowboy. What's his name?
Cowboy Carl
Joyce Brothers
Pistol Pete
No, he's not the main character on "I Love You, Man" (2009), but he does have a little essence of Paul Rudd to him. Pistol Pete might look like an offensive mascot, but he is well loved in his community.
Fuller Mueller

Advertisement

Willie the Wildcat
Wiki Commons by TonyTheTiger
Kansas State University named their wildcat mascot a fun name. What is it?
Joey the Cat
Willie the Wildcat
He loves purple and silver, and he's way into Kansas State University athletics. We all know that the wildcat isn't the most creative mascot, but this costume is outrageous and fun ... it's literally just a cat head on a football player's body.
Buggers the Big Cat
Lipper

Advertisement

Sparty
Youtube via TheRealSparty
Who is this Michigan State mascot with a flag?
Marty
Sparty
One of the most well known mascots in the United States, Sparty is a Spartan who runs around with a flag. He is bold and bulky and ready to get the fans pumped up for football games.
Petey
Meaty

Advertisement

Sebastian the Ibis
Wiki Commons by User:B
Who is this University of Miami bird mascot?
Muriel the Monarch
Benny the Bird
Sebastian the Ibis
Making seemingly innocent creatures look angry is kind of fun for mascot designers. Sebastian the Ibis looks eerily similar to the angry badger that cheers on the University of Wisconsin, but they're different animals, so we guess it doesn't matter.
Chris the Chirper

Advertisement

West Virginia Mountaineer
Wiki Commons by Sphilbrick
This West Virginia University mascot doesn't have a name, per se, but what do people call him?
Demon Deacon
Damion Mouse
Hairy Dawg
West Virginia Mountaineer
His statue stands tall and proud as he wears buckskin and brandishes his firearm. People having been posing as the Mountaineer for nearly 100 years (since 1927), and there looks to be no end in sight.

Advertisement

Joe and Josephine Bruin
Wiki Commons by Ucla90024
What are the names of these male and female mascots from UCLA?
Caramel and Chocolate
Joe and Josephine Bruin
If we didn't know that bruins are bears, we might think that Joe and Josephine are McGruff the Crime Dog's children. They're adorable, don't get us wrong, but they don't look too much like bears.
Frosting and Peanut Butter
Happy and Slappy

Advertisement

Rameses
Youtube via coy wire
The North Carolina Tar Heels call this guy their mascot. What is his name?
Wilbur
Rameses
How does something with such giant eyes look so angry? Whoever designed this guy may have loved unicorns, but he also loved evil eyebrows. Rameses looks like a Chucky and a Beanie Baby procreated.
Muller
Fuller

Advertisement

You Got:
/40
Mike Powell / DigitalVision / Getty Images