Ranking the Big 12 Mascots: Worst to Best

The Big 12 Conference is one of the most competitive and storied athletic leagues in college sports, known for their school's dedicated student fan bases and, most importantly, their mascots.

Below is an unofficial ranking of the best Big 12 mascots

16. Mountaineers (West Virginia University)

The only fully human mascot on this list, WVU’s mountain man may have a unique spin compared to most schools' mascots, but not enough to sway this list.

15. SuperFrog (Texas Christian University)

Issued by TCU’s student government and only costing $50, the SuperFrog may have some fun traits and a cool history, but compared to the rest of this list, SuperFrog falls flat.

14. Sparky (Arizona State University)

Sparky has been the face of the Sun Devils for years. However, a mascot is meant to cheer on a team. Sparky and his menacing grin just don’t have the friendliest appearance. Not a face you want to see in your student section.

13. Shasta and Sasha (University of Houston)

The first mascot couple on this list, Shasta and Sasha, are the ultimate power couple representing Houston. The ultimate hype man, Shasta knows how to keep the crowds

energetic and ready for a good game.

12. Boomer and Sooner (University of Oklahoma)

Another pair of mascots, Boomer and Sooner are two of the friendliest mascots you’ll find in college football. Separated only by the different colored eyes, these mascots have always added a fun flair to Oklahoma's game day weekends.

11. Bruiser and Marigold (Baylor University)

The final pair of mascots on this list, Bruiser and Marigold are the embodiment of wholesome Texas values. They have their fun on the sidelines and are always sure to give Baylor students something to talk about.

10. Pistol Pete (Oklahoma State University)

Another extremely unique costume, Pistol Pete is a funky cross between a real person and a mascot, but somehow it works. Based on the real-life story of Frank B. Eaton, a pretty scary and powerful kid, Pete gives Oklahoma State a great competitive edge.

9. Cy the Cardinal (Iowa State University)

Cy the Cardinal is more than just a bird—he's the ultimate hype-master for Iowa State University. With his mischievous grin and energetic wing-flapping, he's always ready to rev up the crowd. Known for his iconic high-fives and unshakeable spirit, Cy loves to dance, pose for selfies, and rally fans with his boundless enthusiasm.

8. Raider Red (Texas Tech University)

With his oversized cowboy hat, bushy mustache, and pistols in hand (don’t worry, they’re just for show!), he’s the ultimate embodiment of the Red Raider spirit. Always ready to pump up the crowd.

7. Chip (University of Colorado Boulder)

This lovable buffalo mascot of the University of Colorado Boulder is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether he’s hyping up fans at Folsom Field, busting out impressive dance moves, or leading chants with his ever-present smile, you're sure to smile right back.

6. Hook ‘Em (The University of Texas at Austin)

The life of every tailgate party, Hook ’Em is another prime example of all the greatness Texas has to offer.

5. Knightro (University of Central Florida)

Another extremely unique mascot, Knightro is a funky futuristic robot who, at the end of the day, is something this writer has never seen before, and that's worth a lot of brownie points.

4. Big Jay (University of Kansas)

The iconic emblem that represents Kansas State, Big Jay, is all the best that Kansas has to offer wrapped up in a friendly and energetic bird, ready to rock and roll with the best of them.

3. Willie the Wildcat (Kansas State University)

Another cool cat with a fierce streak, Willie the Wildcat is one of the most chaotic mascots you’ll find in The Big 12. The energy and spirit behind this mascot are what sets him apart from the rest of this list.

2. The Bearcat (University of Cincinnati)

Half bear and half cat, you get the best of both worlds with this fun and funky mascot representing the University of Cincinnati. He will always be ready to pump up any crowd, any day of the week.

1. Cosmo the Cougar (BYU)

This decision was never up for debate, as Cosmo the Cougar is the ultimate embodiment of college spirit. Whether he's skydiving into the stadium or doing full flips over a moving golf cart, Cosmo is the embodiment of what every mascot should strive to be.

Brooke Casey is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her email: bec5457@psu.edu