What is Indiana's mascot? What is a Hoosier? What to know about IU branding
The Hoosiers revived a bison mascot Aug. 30, 2025. Here's why they settled on reviving the mascot, what it is and what it has to do with Indiana.
Indiana's official mascot is Hoosier the Bison, a creature that was reintroduced to the university's branding during the 2025 football season. The bison is a symbol of Indiana's past, as the Buffalo Trace trail once stretched through the southern part of the state, where these massive animals once roamed.
The term "Hoosier," which refers to residents of Indiana, has multiple origins. One popular theory suggests that the name came from a poem written by John Finley in 1833, while another theory attributes it to rivermen who were known as "hushers" for their ability to quiet their opponents. Yet another theory claims the term originated from the Indiana word for corn, "hoosa."
Indiana University adopted the nickname "Hoosiers" in 1923, when the football team was originally called the "Scraping Hoosiers." The mascot holds significant value for the university, as it represents the school's rich history and the pride of its students.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
