Indiana's mascot starts the season with an absolute heater that puts other mascots to shame
Indiana’s Hoosiers Revive a 60‑Year‑Old Mascot, And It’s Making a Splash
The Indiana Hoosiers are looking to build on a “magical” 2025 season that ended with a national championship, and their new mascot, Ho Ho the Bison, is already a headline‑making part of the program’s future.
The university reintroduced Ho Ho in 2024, the first time the bison has marched on campus in 60 years. The decision was part of a broader effort to boost fan engagement and bring a fresh energy to the Ho Sox’s home games at Memorial Stadium.
Ho Ho’s debut was a showstopper. The mascot sky‑dropped into the stadium in a stunt that was described by some as “the best mascot debut since Gritty threatened to kill the Penguins mascot.” After a dramatic entrance, the bison used a zip line to glide across the field in the second half, a stunt that was widely praised for its creativity and crowd‑pleasing appeal.
In what has become a hallmark of the mascot’s first season, Ho Ho returned for a second‑year “showcase” that saw him take the field in an IndyCar. The vehicle, driven around the field while the marching band performed, was a spectacle that left many fans and commentators asking: “Why is that cow driving a racecar on the pitch while the band is playing?”
The university’s athletic director explained that the choice was a nod to the region’s racing heritage and a way to keep the mascot’s antics fresh. “We wanted to give our fans something new, something they’ve never seen in a college stadium before,” the director said. “It’s all about keeping the energy high and making sure every game feels special.”
The mascot’s antics have already generated buzz on social media and local news outlets. While some observers compare the bison’s high‑octane stunts to those of the more famous Gritty, others see Ho Ho’s performances as a testament to the university’s willingness to innovate in the realm of collegiate fan experience.
The reintroduction of the bison mascot also comes at a time when many schools are exploring the possibilities of athlete‑mascot interactions and the influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on campus branding. For now, Ho Ho remains a free agent in that arena, but the excitement surrounding the mascot has already attracted attention from universities with larger budgets.
Looking ahead, Indiana fans will expect Ho Ho to continue bringing his unique brand of high‑energy entertainment to each home game this season. Whether it’s another stunt or a surprise appearance by a local sports legend, the bison mascot is poised to be a central part of the Ho Sox experience.
