This mascot looks like something straight out of Adventure Time, and believe us, we know that we’re not the first to notice it. Burgess, mentions that he’s never seen a purple cow, and that if he does, he’d prefer that over being one. In the poem, well-known humorist and poet at the time, Frank G. In addition to a bevy of jokes and graphic designs concerning none other than purple cows, the initial issue of the magazine featured a nonsensical poem of the same title written a few years earlier. There are, of course, a few theories regarding her genesis with the most popular being a homage to the student-led humor magazine that debuted in 1907 by the name of The Purple Cow. Over 20 years later, the Null Set remains, and it will likely stay that way as an homage to the school’s brains-over-brawn appeal.Ĭontrary to many of the other mascots on this list, the origin story of Ephelia, the Purple Cow of Williams College, is an absolute mystery to just about everyone associated with the school. So, they indicated the missing mascot with empty brackets, intending to fill it with the new selection at a later date.

With the tragedy at the forefront of their minds, the student body attempted to vote on a new mascot, but unfortunately, they couldn’t reach a decision. It all began in 1997 upon realizing that the university’s beloved mascot, Brownie the Dog, had officially crossed the rainbow bridge. While many theories exist regarding the off-putting New College of Florida Null Set, the real story represents what happens when good intentions are met with forgetfulness or plain disinterest. But for New College of Florida, their mascot of choice represents…nothing at all. Given its history, it’s no wonder the boll weevil was the southern university’s pick of choice – just imagine the havoc it can wreak to opposing teams, like that poor, unfortunate cotton!Ī college mascot often embodies vision, spirit, or character. Now, the boll weevil can be found in just a handful of places including the University of Arkansas at Monticello, of course. In fact, their cotton cravings were so severe that the bugs devastated cotton-producing states for almost 100 years before an eradication campaign launched in the late 1970s. These small pests rose to notoriety around the turn of the 20th century due to their affinity for cotton-lots and lots of cotton. Unless you lived in the Southern United States in the early 1900s, you likely haven’t encountered a boll weevil, let alone know what the heck it is.

The Boll Weevil at University of Arkansas at Monticelloĭonning a rather large, pickle-shaped nose, this Squidward-esque mascot is furry, green, and a bit misunderstood. Read on to meet the Top 10 Most Bizarre Mascots in College History. Sure, we all know and love the various Lions, Tigers, and Bears (oh my!) representing the collegiate leagues, but what about those suited friends showing off a bit more…um, individuality? These mascots are funny, unusual, and in one case, completely nonexistent. (You did realize universities have classes, right?)Īll jokes aside, many colleges and universities put a lot of energy into maintaining just the right amount of athletic prowess and fun-loving folly on and off the field, and nothing encapsulates school spirit like a team mascot, powerful or… otherwise. When you’re in college, athletics can seem like the bottom line of your university’s reputation – that and its stimulating academic programs, of course.

Of all the things in the world, few beat the thrill of watching college sports from the student bleachers. The Top 10 Most Bizarre Mascots in College History

Speeding the geo duck