On Thursday, Indiana athletics shared a video across its social media platforms hinting at the potential — or perhaps likely — introduction of a future mascot for the program.
— Indiana Hoosiers (@IUHoosiers) May 15, 2025
Partly inspired by “Raiders Of The Lost Ark” and countless horror movie reveals, the video shows a large box presumably in storage in the bowels of an Indiana athletic facility. The “I” and the “U” on the box glow red as animal growls are heard.
The short flashes forward to the present where three maintenance workers are calling it a day and one is charged with standing sentinel over the box with explicit instructions not to touch it.
He pries it open anyway and an otherworldly horn sounds with a large hand reaching out to lift the lid on the box.
Rumors have been going around that Indiana might introduce a mascot for the 2025-26 season. Most of the rumors have suggested that the bison mascot Indiana used in the late 1960s might be revived.
Hoosiers head west next fall. pic.twitter.com/DbomvLwHwU
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) December 11, 2024
Indiana athletics hasn’t done much to quiet speculation about a potential mascot, and Thursday’s video only added fuel to the fire. When the football schedule was unveiled on social media in December, bison imagery was used to spotlight several games. Additionally, the IU Student Government passed a resolution titled the “Bring Back The Bison Act of 2024,” further stoking anticipation.
Why a bison? The animal has deep historical ties to both the state and the university. Indiana’s state seal features a bison, as did a former version of Indiana University’s coat of arms. The Buffalo Trace, a historic bison migration route used by Native Americans and early settlers, played a key role in Indiana’s development and ran from New Albany to Vincennes, roughly following today’s U.S. Route 150.
The question of whether Indiana should have a mascot has been debated for decades. In the late 1960s, Indiana briefly had an official bison mascot—though “official” was loosely defined at the time. The bison was closely associated with the football team, especially the 1967 Rose Bowl squad. Initially envisioned as a live animal mascot similar to Colorado’s Ralphie, the idea quickly shifted to a costumed, anthropomorphic version. However, the costume was difficult to wear, offered poor ventilation, and lacked visibility—requiring a cheerleader to guide the mascot around Memorial Stadium.
While other Big Ten schools were developing recognizable mascots during that era, Indiana’s never quite caught on. The exact year the bison disappeared is unclear. Some sources cite 1969, but university archives contain photos from as late as 1973 showing the mascot on the sidelines during a game against Northwestern, extending its run into the Lee Corso coaching years.
Eventually, the bison was phased out, and a short-lived replacement—Mr. Hoosier Pride—was introduced in the late 1970s. He was widely disliked and quickly discontinued. Since then, the mascot debate has persisted. The “Hoosiers” moniker, being vague and undefined, doesn’t lend itself easily to a character. While some fans appreciate the uniqueness of having no mascot, others have long pushed for one. Only two other Big Ten schools—Illinois and Michigan—currently lack official mascots.
The phrase “Bring Back The Bison!” has become a rallying cry among certain alumni and fans. Local institutions like Nick’s English Hut on Kirkwood Avenue have helped keep the bison image alive, and unofficial merchandise featuring the bison has remained popular for years.
Now, it seems those long advocating for the return of the bison may finally see their wish come true.
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