What Animal Represents Ohio State?

Brutus Buckeye is the athletics mascot of Ohio State University, an anthropomorphic buckeye nut. He made his debut in 1965 and has been updated to design and wardrobe over the years. As a member of the spirit squad, Brutus Buckeye travels to many events around the university and often makes appearances around Columbus.

Brutus was the brainchild of two students at the school in 1965, Ray Bourhis and Sally Huber, who decided that a buckeye should be the school’s mascot as it was the official tree of Ohio. After researching, they were surprised that in its nearly 100-year existence, Ohio State University never had a mascot. The first thought was to do a deer, a buck’s eye, but this was not feasible.

The buckeye was selected as the official state tree of Ohio due to its association with the buckeye tree. According to folklore, the Buckeye resembles the eye of a deer and carrying one brings good luck. “Buckeyes” has been the official Ohio State nickname since its debut. Shortly after this premiere, Stater’s hosted a contest to identify a name for the mascot, which ultimately was announced as Brutus Buckeye.

Contrary to popular belief, Brutus the Buckeye is the mascot of the Ohio State due to the prevalence of the buckeye trees found throughout the state. The true backstory behind Ohio University mascot Rufus the Bobcat’s attack on Ohio State mascot Brutus just before kickoff on Sept. 18, 2010 is discussed in the text.