Universities often give people a feeling of belonging. Students, alumni, and fans feel connected to something larger than themselves. A big part of that identity comes from a mascot. Mascots represent the school, show up at games, and become a symbol people rally behind.
Indiana University has been known as the Hoosiers since 1923. The name refers to people from the state of Indiana. While it is meaningful, it has always been difficult to turn into a physical mascot. Unlike teams that can use animals or warriors, Indiana did not have a clear image to work with.
For many years, the school struggled to settle on one symbol. Some universities choose creative paths, like Stanford, which is called the Cardinal but uses a tree as its mascot. Indiana tried several ideas over the decades and eventually chose to have no mascot at all. From 1979 onward, the Hoosiers competed without one.
That changed recently when Indiana University revealed its new mascot. The Hoosiers are now represented by a bison.
The choice is deeply connected to the state’s history. Bison once roamed parts of Indiana when early settlers arrived. The animal is even featured on the state seal. At Indiana University, the ROTC program is known as the Bison Battalion. There is also a growing effort across the state to protect and restore bison populations because of their historical importance.
The word Hoosier itself has a long and unclear history. No one knows exactly where it came from. Records show the term being used as early as 1827. By the 1830s, it was commonly used to describe people from Indiana. In 1848, a dictionary officially defined Hoosier as a nickname for Indiana natives. Over time, the name became a source of pride.
Indiana University’s mascot history has been anything but steady. In the early 1900s, the school used an owl and later a raccoon. At one point, a toddler served as the mascot. There was also a golden eagle, collie dogs, and a bulldog named Ox. A bison was briefly introduced in 1965 but did not last. In 1979, a character called Mr. Hoosier Pride appeared and then disappeared, leaving the school without a mascot for decades.
After 45 years, Indiana brought the bison back. In 2025, Hoosier the Bison officially returned to campus. The mascot made its public debut at a football game and arrived in dramatic fashion, instantly drawing attention from fans.
The return of the bison closes a long chapter of uncertainty. It gives Indiana a symbol rooted in history, strength, and state pride. After nearly 60 years away, Hoosier the Bison is finally home.
