The craziest college football mascot origin stories from around the country

by SBG TV

Wed, November 20th 2024 at 4:45 PM

Updated Wed, December 11th 2024 at 3:41 PM

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 02: Georgia Bulldogs mascot, Hairy Dawg greets UGA X prior to the SEC Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

A goat has been the Navy’s mascot since 1893. Why you ask? According to ancient stories, a group of Navy officers were out at sea with a pet goat, who tragically died during their voyage. The crew loved the animal so much that they wanted to preserve its coat and memorialize it, but when the boat returned to land, two of the officers ended up diverting course with the goat’s skin and attending a Navy football game. At halftime, one of the officers wore the goat’s coat and ran along the sidelines to charge up the crowd. The Navy team would go on to win that game, and the legend of the goat was born. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 14: The Navy Midshipmen mascot runs off the field during the march off before the game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The flavor of the South is alive and well within this university! The University of Louisiana-Lafayette used to be represented by a bulldog too, but when head coach Russ Faulkinberry wanted to motivate his team in the early 1960s, he coined the name of the current mascot and it stuck. You can thank Faulkinberry for the fun rhyme and the spicy energy that endures to this day. NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 17: Earnest Gardner #27 of the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns celebrates after defeating San Diego State Aztecs 32-30 during the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 17, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 02: Georgia Bulldogs mascot, Hairy Dawg greets UGA X prior to the SEC Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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Do you ever wonder where the quirky and lovable college football mascots originated? Well, for those who are interested in lore and legend, click into the slideshow above to read some of the most intriguing stories and rumors surrounding these iconic figures that represent our favorite schools.

College football is just as much renowned for its thrilling games as it is for the rich history of the schools that play each week. The historic and often quirky mascots that grace the sidelines will forever embody the traditions, values, and spirit of their respective institutions, bringing fans together and enhancing the gameday experience.

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