With conference play approaching, we took a look at the best mascots in the Big Ten and ranked them based on appearance. (Note: Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan were disqualified for not having a mascot. Get it together, guys.)
11. Nittany Lion, Penn State
Twitter: @NittanyLion
@GrayzeAnne this is a nittany lion. The scariest mascot there ever was. Even scarier than Spike. pic.twitter.com/CfzwAi1EOc
— Alex Butenko (@albutko) January 2, 2016
Positives: None, absolutely none.
Negatives: This mascot is significantly worse than my high school mascot. This nude feline looks more like a bear than a lion. Its caricature is incredibly dull, and the costume itself looks like a poorly made halloween costume I would find on eBay. Do better, Penn State.
10. Willie the Wildcat, Northwestern
Twitter: @WillieWildcatNU
#B1GCats are taking over the #UAChicago Brand Store tonight! Stop by; 6-7:30 P.M. for a #NUHomecoming Pep Rally! pic.twitter.com/ymv1NCIrpZ
— Willie the Wildcat (@WillieWildcatNU) October 15, 2015
Positives: At least it’s not Penn State’s mascot.
Negatives: Willie the Wildcat is a boring name that is not original (Kansas State’s mascot has the same name). Willie looks more like a rat with hair than it does a cat, plus he has a strange and frightening face. Northwestern should go back to the drawing board with this one.
9. Purdue Pete, Purdue
Twitter: @TheRealPUPete
Hey YOU! Yeah YOU! See you at Ross-Ade at 3:30! #BoilerUp #BeatVT @boilerfootball @PurdueSports pic.twitter.com/eayBpIY2hG
— The REAL Purdue Pete (@TheRealPUPete) September 19, 2015
Positives: I’m a fan of Pete’s giant hammer and his willingness to change uniforms based on the occasion (note he does not usually wear those beautiful pants).
Negatives: The costume itself is not much of a costume. It’s just a clunky face on a strong person. I know Purdue Pete has come a long way, but there’s still room for improvement.
8. Testudo, Maryland
Twitter: @Testudo_UMD
Woke up this morning too ready for game day!! #GoTerps #BeatHoward pic.twitter.com/MxhoXN9CQV
— Testudo (@Testudo_UMD) September 3, 2016
Positives: Since there’s only one turtle team nickname among the college football powerhouses, Testudo can’t help but look totally different from any of its opponents. Although Testudo might not strike any fear into the competition, it has a fan-friendly look and is extremely marketable.
Negatives: The costume itself could be made better. The outfit looks like a glorified halloween costume with a simple, flat shell, and Testudo does not have shoes.
7. Herbie Husker, Nebraska
Twitter: @Herbie_Husker
It’s almost game time #Husker fans. #GBR #BeatMSU pic.twitter.com/5RP9n6SigV
— Herbie Husker (@Herbie_Husker) November 7, 2015
Positives: Herbie will never go cold as it is one of the few mascots that is dressed head to toe and has a great outfit. The Nebraskan has a genuine smile and a terrific hat. The name alliteration is a nice touch.
Negatives: Herbie has a plain look, and a person who husks corn is not much of a mascot.
6. Scarlet Knight, Rutgers
Twitter: @RUScarletKnight
.@WillDCatVU And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air! pic.twitter.com/aa7udeWKBp
— Scarlet Knight (@RUScarletKnight) July 4, 2016
Positives: Scarlet Knight has a fiercely intimidating and also a sword. Although it does not have the muscle tone other warrior mascots do in the Big Ten, it has a great outfit and a fan-friendly appearance.
Negatives: Rutgers could have created a real name for its mascot.
5. Bucky Badger, Wisconsin
Twitter: @UWBuckyBadger
Had a blast hanging out with Bo and the gang tonight at the @Brewers game! #winning #badger #uw @BadgerMBB pic.twitter.com/C8yStysTdN
— Bucky Badger (@UWBuckyBadger) May 5, 2015
Positives: Bucky Badger has an underrated feel, which you could say about the entire university. It has a great mix of instilling fear and being a cuddly animal. Its head is uniquely designed, and it still manages to make the most of the Wisconsin “W.”
Negatives: Bucky does run around without pants, which is frowned upon.
4. Herky the Hawk, Iowa
Twitter: @theREALherky
#happynationalmascotday from your favorite mascot ???? pic.twitter.com/Zz9VHwYFlk
— Herky The Hawk (@TheREALHerky) June 16, 2016
Positives: Props to Iowa: It took a few tries…
Last one. Iowa mascot Herky the Hawk totally looks like Tweety Bird. pic.twitter.com/zjsPTjz9FA
— Mike Purrriley (@Ndamukat) November 26, 2014
…but the current Herky is a great mascot. Its appearance is well thought out (dressed from head to giant yellow shoes), unlike some other mascots running around naked. Despite being in the news for looking too aggressive, the Hawk has a nice blend of intimidation and friendliness and makes the most out of rather dull logo.
Negatives: The name choice.
3. Goldy Gopher, Minnesota
Twitter: @GoldyTheGopher
I’ve had a Fairly amazing first day at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair! #UMNonaStick #MNStateFair pic.twitter.com/jzSKKkG7RW
— Goldy Gopher (@GoldytheGopher) August 25, 2016
Positives: Minnesota did the most for a team whose mascot is a gopher. Goldy has the entire outfit going for him: a signature Minnesota jersey with those bright yellow pants, and even some socks and Nikes. Its best trait is one of the most iconic faces among any mascot in the country. It does Minnesota’s amazing logo justice.
Negatives: It’s a far cry from intimidating any opponent.
2. Brutus Buckeye, Ohio State
Twitter: @Brutus_Buckeye
Always fun rockin’ with the one and only @Brutus_Buckeye ! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/vmK1x4oWqK
— Ohio State Drumline (@OhioSt_Drumline) September 6, 2016
Positives: Brutus Buckeye is an incredibly iconic mascot and is the only Big Ten Mascot to rock horizontal stripes. The oversized, nut-shaped head-tiny hat combination is so simple but works so well. Ohio State did a fantastic job creating an original mascot from a nut. Brutus is not only one of the best mascots in the Big Ten, but in all of the NCAA. His Twitter also claims he’s America’s most followed mascot.
Negatives: Another overly friendly mascot who is not intimidating, but who needs to be intimidating when the school’s athletics are the most dominant in the country.
1. Sparty, Michigan State
Twitter: @TheRealSparty
Wake up. It’s Gameday! #BeatTheBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/a1WS0XV09b
— Sparty (@TheRealSparty) November 21, 2015
Positives: Sparty has everything going for him. He’s got a great outfit, an intimidating look and makes the most out of a non-traditional color scheme. In addition, the helmet accurately represents the logo. The best part: Sparty clearly goes to the gym far more than your typical mascot. He does not skip leg day, and look at that six pack.
Negatives: None