1. Georgia bulldog
The University of Georgia bulldog (hence, Uga) took hold in the 1956 season after Uga I had been born the previous winter.
According to Georgia, the line of solid white English bulldogs has a career record of 370-181-16, including Uga VI’s service from 1999 till now.
2. Air Force Academy falcon
Swooping in as the only “performing mascot in the NCAA,” according to the Air Force, the Falcon can reach speeds of 200 m.p.h. on dives. The bird is trained and handled by, who else, cadet falconers and was first introduced in 1955.
3. LSU Bengal tiger
Mike the Tiger (no relation to Tony) is in his fifth incarnation as the Bayou Bengal. According to the school, the first feline was bought in 1934 from the Little Rock (Ark.) Zoo for $750 after collecting a quarter from each student.
4. Texas longhorn steer
According to Texas, there are competing stories for the origin of Bevo’s name. In one, when the original steer was introduced in 1916, Texas Exes Alcalde magazine editor Ben Dyer declared, “His name is Bevo. Long may he reign!”
In the other, Texas A&M students branded the animal 13-0 after a win over its rival. Trying to save face, Texas students turned “13” into a “B,” the “-” to an “E,” added a “V” and kept the “O.”
5. Colorado buffalo
The most recent rendition of Ralphie the buffalo was donated by Ted Turner. According to Colorado, Ralphie IV was born in 1997 in Montana and weighs 1,300 pounds.
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She was separated from her mother at a month old and found in the jaws of a coyote, yet she survived. Amazing. But shouldn’t her name be Ralphine?