The IU mascot movement is growing in popularity in Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana – A push to reinstate the Bison as the school’s official mascot is gaining traction amid Indiana University’s greatest football season ever.

In the 1960s, the Hoosiers’ official mascot was the bison. The costumed persona in its prime is depicted in the IU Archives photos below.

The fan base mostly forgot about the bison and its association with IU over time. Until this year, that is.

Cooper Tinsley, IU junior and president of the Indiana University Student Government, stated, “Students have been talking about how we deserve a mascot again since the beginning of our fantastic season, and now that we’re wrapping it up, and I think it’s only right that it’s the bison.”
Support is being added by other students.

Dylan Evans, a junior at Indiana, stated, “To be honest, I would love for Indiana to have some sort of mascot that represents us.” “You could wear it on clothes rather than just the plain IU logo.”

Ryan Phelan, a senior at IU, stated, “It would be cool to see a regular mascot on the sidelines.”
According to a recent survey conducted by the IU Student Government on social media, 72% of respondents supported the return of the bison. With real student legislation, IUSG has gone one step further.

Tinsley stated, “It’s known as the Bring Back the Bison Act of 2024 and it’s a lot like the original bill that was passed in the 1960s.”

The measure was recently signed on Wednesday after passing the student congress. Although there is movement, it does not formally indicate that the bison has returned.

Tinsley stated, “The bill’s call to action is really just asking me to collaborate with IU Athletics.” “I’m collaborating with IU Athletics to bring the bison back, but obviously nothing is finalized just yet.”

The bison was never forgotten in one of IU’s most well-liked off-campus locations.

Gregg Rago remarked, “It has never left Nicks; we’ve had it here.” “I have proof of documents dating back to 1967.”

Nick’s English Hut, a well-known bar in Bloomington, is owned by Rago.

The Bison in an IU sweatshirt with a beer mug has long served as the bar’s mascot. A bison head, bison photos, and even a newspaper item from decades ago about the mascot can be found inside the pub.

Rago would be thrilled to see the bison return to the IU field.

According to Rago, “Indian heritage has included bison.” Take a look at the official seal. I’ve always had a strong affinity for bison. They are a part of Indiana folklore and are large, powerful, and nimble. They roamed the plains in the past.

He believes the bison should return right away and doesn’t want to wait either.

Rago remarked, “I think it would be pretty intimidating.” It would be great if we could bring that bison to Notre Dame, Indiana. Get up there and put it on the truck if someone has one out there. You will win if you have Coach Cig on your side.

In the opening round of the College Football Playoffs, the Hoosiers take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Friday at 8 p.m.