Mascots are some of the most important figures in collegiate sports, at least in terms of their sole ability to hype up the crowd. Without them, the fans don't get that similar connection with the team that they do every time. The Big Ten is no different, getting weird and wacky with all the funky mascots they have on tap. This year, with a few changes to the rankings, maybe the conversation about the sporting world's most underappreciated figures can grow.
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Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Michigan Wolverine helmets sit on the field near the sideline prior to a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The ÒKingfisherÓ is seen before the game between Northwestern Wildcats and Illinois Fighting Illini at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Purdue mascot Purdue Pete cheers against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes mascot Herky the Hawk reacts after a play against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Dec 30, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; The Maryland Terrapins mascot Testudo dances before the game against the Auburn Tigers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins mascot Josephine Bruin (Josie Bruin) during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 18, 2023; Sacramento, CA, USA; Willie the Wildcat, the Northwestern mascot, points to the crowd prior to a game between the UCLA Bruins and the Northwestern Wildcats at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Washington Huskies mascot on the sideline in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers mascot Hoosier the Bison on the field before the CFP National Championship college football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Nov 19, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; The Penn State Nittany Lion mascot performs during the second half against the Harvard Crimson at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights mascot Sir Henry during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers mascot Goldy Gopher during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans mascot Tommy Trojan leads the Spirit of Troy marching band onto the field during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers mascot Herbie Husker rides around the field between the first and second quarter against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye sings "Carmen Ohio" with the team following the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. Ohio State won 42-3.
Sep 20, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers mascot Bucky Badger does push ups following a field goal during the third quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Mar 18, 2026; Buffalo, NY, USA; The Michigan State Spartans mascot pose for a photo during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Oregon Ducks mascot sits on the sidelines prior to the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Indiana Hoosiers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
