What Is Arkansas’S Mascot?

The University of Arkansas Razorbacks have a tradition of having a live Razorback mascot since the 1960s. Big Red, also known as the “Fighting Razorback”, is the traditional mascot and represents the intimidating fighting spirit of the Razorbacks at all athletic events. Tusk VI, a Russian boar, closely resembles the wild hogs known as razorbacks native to the Arkansas wilderness. Tusk IV, a 500-pound Russian boar, is the current official live mascot and is cared for by the university.

The Razorbacks are the only college and university in America that has a Razorback as its mascot. The athletic teams were originally called the Cardinals. Tusk II is the current Razorback mascot, a strapping Russian boar. His predecessors in the role of Head Hog have been Tusk II and Tusk VI. Each Tusk is a male Russian boar from the same bloodline. According to legend, in 1909, Football Coach Hugo Bezdek unknowingly changed the Arkansas mascot from the Cardinal to the Razorback after saying his players were “woog sooie”.

The Razorbacks’ live mascot, Tusk, is represented by Tusk VI, who is a male Russian boar from the same bloodline. The tradition of having a live Razorback mascot has been a fan favorite since the university’s first hooved beast made its debut in the 1960s.