List of university and college nickname changes in the United States
Encyclopedia
In the United States
, most universities and colleges that sponsor athletics programs have adopted an official nickname for its associated teams. Oftentimes, these nicknames have changed for any number of reasons, which might include a change in the name of the school itself, a term becoming dated or otherwise changing meaning, or changes in racial perceptions and sensitivities. In the case of the latter, many schools have recently deprecated nicknames that some might consider offensive to American Indians
, a group that has been a traditional inspiration for athletic teams.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, most universities and colleges that sponsor athletics programs have adopted an official nickname for its associated teams. Oftentimes, these nicknames have changed for any number of reasons, which might include a change in the name of the school itself, a term becoming dated or otherwise changing meaning, or changes in racial perceptions and sensitivities. In the case of the latter, many schools have recently deprecated nicknames that some might consider offensive to American Indians
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
, a group that has been a traditional inspiration for athletic teams.
Changes
- Adams State GrizzlesAdams State CollegeAdams State College is a small state-supported liberal arts college in Alamosa, Colorado, U.S., in the San Luis Valley.-History:Adams State was founded in 1921 as a teacher's college but now offers a variety of programs including masters degrees in many fields...
, formerly the "Indians" - Akron ZipsAkron ZipsOne of the unique nicknames in all of intercollegiate athletics belongs to The University of Akron. Originally Zippers, athletic director Kenneth Cochrane officially shortened the nickname to the Zips in 1950. Twenty-five years earlier a campus-wide contest had been conducted to choose a nickname...
, called the "Zippers" from 1927 to 1950; this was changed when the term became most associated with the type of clothing fastenerZipperA zipper is a commonly used device for temporarily joining two edges of fabric...
. - Alaska NanooksAlaska NanooksThe Alaska Nanooks are the University of Alaska Fairbanks sports teams, derived from the Inupiaq "nanuq." The school colors are blue and gold. The Nanooks compete at the NCAA Division II level for all sports except men's ice hockey...
, changed from the "Polar Bears" to "Nanooks" (the InupiaqInupiaq languageThe Inupiat language, also known as Inupiatun, Inupiaq, Iñupiaq, Inyupiaq, Inyupiat, Inyupeat, Inyupik, and Inupik, is a group of dialects of the Inuit language, spoken in northern and northwestern Alaska. The Iñupiaq language is a member of the Eskimo languages group. There are roughly 2,100...
word for polar bear) in 1963. - Arizona State Sun Devils, formerly the "Bulldogs" from 1922 to 1946.
- Arkansas RazorbacksArkansas RazorbacksThe Razorbacks, also known as the Hogs, are the names of college sports teams at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The term Arkansas Razorbacks properly applies to any of the sports teams at the university. The Razorbacks take their name from the feral pig of the same name...
, changed from the "Cardinals" in 1909. - Arkansas State Red WolvesArkansas State Red WolvesThe Arkansas State University Red Wolves is the name given to Arkansas State University's athletic teams. The university is affiliated with the Sun Belt Conference in sports and maintains NCAA Division I status.-History:...
, formerly the "Indians" (1931–2008), "Warriors" (1930–1931), "Gorillas" (1925–1930), and "Aggies" (1911–1925). - Army Black KnightsArmy Black KnightsArmy Black Knights is the name of the athletics teams of the United States Military Academy. They participate in NCAA Division I-A as a non-football member of the Patriot League, a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision independent school, and a member of Atlantic Hockey, the Collegiate Sprint...
, the current nickname was derived from newspapers calling the team the "Black Knights of the HudsonHudson RiverThe Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
" in the 1930s. It was changed from the "Cadets" in 1999. Cadets is still considered an acceptable use, however. - Ball State CardinalsBall State CardinalsBall State University's athletic teams are called the Cardinals. The Cardinals are part of the NCAA Mid-American Conference and located in Muncie, Indiana...
, changed from the "Hoosieroons" in 1929. - Brooklyn BridgesBrooklyn CollegeBrooklyn College is a senior college of the City University of New York, located in Brooklyn, New York, United States.Established in 1930 by the New York City Board of Higher Education, the College had its beginnings as the Downtown Brooklyn branches of Hunter College and the City College of New...
, formerly the "Kingsmen" - Baruch BearcatsBaruch CollegeBernard M. Baruch College, more commonly known as Baruch College, is a constituent college of the City University of New York, located in the Flatiron district of Manhattan, New York City. With an acceptance rate of just 23%, Baruch is among the most competitive and diverse colleges in the nation...
, formerly the "Statesmen" - Bowling Green FalconsBowling Green FalconsThe Bowling Green Falcons are the intercollegiate athletic teams of Bowling Green State University, located in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Falcons participate in NCAA Division I in the Mid-American Conference and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. BGSU is one of only 13 universities in the...
, changed from the "Normals" in 1927. - Brewton-Parker BaronsBrewton-Parker CollegeBrewton–Parker College is a private, Christian, coeducational college whose main campus is located in Mount Vernon, Georgia, USA. Brewton-Parker is affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention and celebrated their centennial in 2004.-Organization:...
, formerly the "Wildcats" - Brown BearsBrown BearsThe Brown Bears is a name shared by all sports teams at Brown University, a university located in Providence, Rhode Island in the United States. The Bears are part of the Ivy League conference. Brown's mascot is Bruno. Both the men's and women's teams share the name, competing in 37 National...
, Senator Theodore F. GreenTheodore F. GreenTheodore Francis Green was an American politician from the U.S. state of Rhode Island. A Democrat, Green served as the 57th Governor of Rhode Island and in the United States Senate . He was the grandnephew of Samuel G...
suggested the nickname "Bears" in 1904, but the unofficial nickname "Bruins" became more prevalent starting in the 1930s. It was formerly used interchangeably with the official nickname, although some media disused "Bruins" after a minor league hockey team, the Providence BruinsProvidence BruinsThe Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:...
, was established nearby in 1992. - Buffalo BullsBuffalo BullsThe Buffalo Bulls are the athletic teams representing the University at Buffalo in intercollegiate athletics. The Bulls currently play in Division I , and are a member of the Mid-American Conference for all sports except women's rowing who is in the Cononial Athletic Assocition . They have been a...
, formerly known as the "Bisons" (1915–1930), changed to distinguish from the city of BuffaloBuffalo, New YorkBuffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
's identically named professional teamsBuffalo Bisons (disambiguation)The following sports teams from Buffalo, New York went by the name Bisons:Baseball* Buffalo Bisons, current baseball team in the International League* Buffalo Bisons , former baseball team in the National League from 1879-85....
. - Carthage Red MenCarthage CollegeCarthage College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Situated in Kenosha, Wisconsin midway between Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the campus is on the shore of Lake Michigan and is home to 2,500 full-time and 900 part-time...
, reverted from "Redmen" - Cedar Crest FalconsCedar Crest CollegeCedar Crest College is a private liberal arts women's college in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the United States. During the 2006-2007 academic year, the college had 1,000 full-time and 800 part-time undergraduates and 85 graduate students...
, formerly the "Classics" - Central Florida KnightsUCF KnightsThe UCF Knights are the athletics teams of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. All of UCF's varsity sports teams are known as the Knights, with the women's teams sometimes referred to as the "Lady Knights." The Knights, which includes the university's 16 varsity sports teams,...
, reverted from "Golden Knights" from 1993 to 2007. - Central Michigan ChippewasCentral Michigan ChippewasThe Central Michigan Chippewas are the sixteen men's and women's athletics teams of Central Michigan University. CMU was a member of the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference from 1950-1970. The school's athletics programs are affiliated with the NCAA and compete in the Mid-American...
, formerly the "Bearcats" (1927–1942), "Dragons" (1925–1927), and the "Normalites" (until 1925). The current name was chosen in honor of the local Saginaw tribeSaginaw Chippewa Tribal CouncilSaginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation is a band of Chippewa Indians located in central Michigan in the United States. The tribal government offices are located on the Isabella Indian Reservation, near the city of Mount Pleasant. The tribe owns and operates Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant and...
, and has remained in use with the tribe's consent. - Chowan HawksChowan University- Other Notable Former Students :* Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, confessed architect of the September 11 attacks.- External links :* *...
, reverted from "Braves" in 2006 - Cincinnati Christian EaglesCincinnati Christian UniversityCincinnati Christian University is a private Christian University in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is supported by the Christian churches and churches of Christ, which are part of the Restoration Movement....
, formerly the "Golden Eagles" - Colgate Raiders, changed from "Red Raiders" in 2001
- Colorado BuffaloesColorado BuffaloesThe University of Colorado Boulder sponsors 16 varsity sports teams. Both men's and women's team are called the Buffaloes or Golden Buffaloes . "Lady Buffs" referred to the women's teams beginning in the 1970s, but was officially dropped in 1993...
, changed from the "Silver and Gold" in 1934. They had also been known informally as the "Arapahoes", "Big Horns", "Frontiersmen", "Grizzlies", "Hornets", "Yellow Jackets", and (the football team) "Silver Helmets". - CSU Pueblo ThunderWolves, changed from the "Indians" in 1995. The school name was changed from University of Southern Colorado in 2003.
- Connecticut HuskiesConnecticut HuskiesThe Connecticut Huskies, also known as the UConn Huskies, are the athletic teams of the University of Connecticut in the United States. The school is a member of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and the Big East Conference for all sports except Men's Ice Hockey and Women's Ice...
, officially adopted as the nickname in 1934, they had previous been unofficially known as the "Aggies" and the "Statesmen". - Crossroads KnightsCrossroads CollegeCrossroads College is a four year, coeducational Christian college in Rochester, Minnesota, which is nationally accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Crossroads is nondenominational and draws students from a variety of Christian denominations...
, formerly the "Royals" - Cumberlands PatriotsUniversity of the CumberlandsUniversity of the Cumberlands is a private, liberal arts college located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, with an enrollment of approximately 3,200 students...
, formerly the Cumberland "Indians" (note the singular "Cumberland"); known as Cumberland College until 2005, when it became the University of the Cumberlands. The nickname change came earlier. - Dartmouth Big Green, formerly "Indians" which was disused since the 1970s in favor of an existing nickname, "Big Green".
- Dean BulldogsDean CollegeDean College is a private college granting both associate degrees in 15 majors, and baccalaureate degrees in 5 majors. The College is located in Franklin, Massachusetts. Students can earn a bachelor's degree from Dean in Business, Arts and Entertainment Management, Dance, Liberal Arts and Studies...
, formerly the "Red Devils" - Dickinson State Blue HawksDickinson State UniversityDickinson State University is a four-year public university in Dickinson, North Dakota, United States, and is a part of the North Dakota University System...
, changed from "Savages" in 1972 - East Carolina PiratesEast Carolina PiratesThe East Carolina Pirates are the intercollegiate sports teams representing East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. All varsity-level sports teams sponsored by the university compete in NCAA Division I as a member of Conference USA...
, changed from the "Teachers" in 1934. The school was a teachers collegeNormal schoolA normal school is a school created to train high school graduates to be teachers. Its purpose is to establish teaching standards or norms, hence its name...
until the 1940s. - Eastern Michigan EaglesEastern Michigan EaglesThe Eastern Michigan Eagles, formerly known as the Eastern Michigan Hurons, are the athletic teams for Eastern Michigan University. Altogether, they have won three NCAA Division II national championships and 13 NAIA Division I national championships in five different sports The Eastern Michigan...
, changed from the "Hurons" (1929–1991) due to pressure from the Michigan Department of Civil RightsMichigan Department of Civil RightsMichigan Department of Civil Rights is a department of the Michigan State Government formed in 1965 to support the work of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission of Michigan's Constitution of 1963.-History:...
; the teams had previously been known as the "Normalites" and the "Men from YpsiYpsilanti, MichiganYpsilanti is a city in Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 22,362. The city is bounded to the north by the Charter Township of Superior and on the west, south, and east by the Charter Township of Ypsilanti...
". - Eastern Nazarene LionsEastern Nazarene CollegeThe Eastern Nazarene College is a private, coeducational college of the liberal arts and sciences in Quincy, Massachusetts near Boston, in the New England region of the United States. Known for its strong religious affiliation, distinctive liberal arts core curriculum, and excellence in science...
, changed from the "Crusaders" in 2009 - Eastern Washington EaglesEastern Washington UniversityEastern Washington University is an American public, coeducational university located in Cheney, Washington.Founded in 1882, the university is academically divided into four colleges: Arts and Letters; Business and Public Administration; Science, Health and Engineering; and Social & Behavioral...
, formerly the "Savages" - Elon Phoenix, formerly the "Fighting Christians"
- Endicott GullsEndicott College- History :Endicott was founded in 1939 by Eleanor Tupper and her husband, George O. Bierkoe, as a two-year women’s college. The college was issued its first charter by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in that year and graduated its first class in 1941. In 1944, it was approved by the state for...
, formerly the "Power Gulls" - Florida International Golden PanthersFIU Golden PanthersThe FIU Panthers are the athletic teams of Florida International University , a public university located in Miami, Florida. The Panthers compete in NCAA Division I athletics, and are currently members of the Sun Belt Conference...
, changed from "Sunblazers" in 1987 - Fort Lewis Skyhawks, known first as the "Beavers", changed to "Aggies" in the early 1930s, changed to "Raiders" in 1963, and adopted current nickname in 1994
- George Washington Colonials, changed from "Hatchetites" in 1928
- Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsGeorgia Tech Yellow JacketsThe Yellow Jackets is the name used for all of the intercollegiate athletic teams that play for the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. The teams have also been nicknamed the Ramblin' Wreck, Engineers, Blacksmiths, and Golden Tornado. There are 8 men's and 7 women's teams that...
, "Yellowjackets" (as one word) first came into use after it appeared in the Atlanta ConstitutionThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution is the only major daily newspaper in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, and its suburbs. The AJC, as it is called, is the flagship publication of Cox Enterprises. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is the result of the merger between The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta...
in 1905; other nicknames included "Techs" (discontinued c. 1910), "Engineers", "Blacksmiths" (1902–1904), and "Golden Tornado" (1917–1929) - University of Hawaii at ManoaUniversity of Hawaii at ManoaThe University of Hawaii at Mānoa is a public, co-educational university and is the flagship campus of the greater University of Hawaii system...
, known as "Fighting Deans" before 1923; the school's nickname was "Rainbows" from 1923 through 2000, when the university allowed all of its athletic teams to adopt their own individual nicknames: the baseball team retained the "Rainbows" nickname; the men's basketballHawaii Rainbow Warriors basketballThe Hawaii Rainbow Warriors basketball team represents the University of Hawaii at Mānoa in NCAA men's competition. The school's team currently competes in the Western Athletic Conference. The team's most recent appearance in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament was in 2002...
, swimming and diving, and tennis teams adopted "Rainbow Warriors"; the footballHawaii Warriors footballThe Hawaii Warriors football team represents the University of Hawaii at Mānoa in NCAA Division I FBS college football. The team, which is currently coached by Greg McMackin, is part of the Western Athletic Conference until 2012, when the team joins the Mountain West Conference.The Hawaii Warriors...
, men's golf, and men's volleyball teams adopted "Warriors"; and all women's teams adopted the nickname "Rainbow Wahine" - Hofstra PrideHofstra UniversityHofstra University is a private, nonsectarian institution of higher learning located in the Village of Hempstead, New York, United States, about east of New York City: less than an hour away by train or car...
, formerly the "Flying Dutchmen" - Husson Eagles, formerly the "Braves"
- Ithaca Bombers, formerly the "Blue Team", "Blues", "Blue and Gold", "Collegians" and "Seneca Streeters." The name was changed to the "Cayugas" by a student vote in 1937. The origin of the nickname "Bombers" is unclear, but the first known reference was in a December 17, 1938 issue of the Rochester Times-UnionRochester Times-UnionThe Times-Union was a widely circulated daily newspaper in the greater Rochester, New York area for 79 years. It was published as an afternoon daily counterpart to the morning Democrat and Chronicle under the ownership of Gannett when it ceased operations in 1997...
article on the basketball team. Some faculty have expressed reservations of the current nickname's martial connotations. - IUP Crimson HawksIUP Crimson HawksThe Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks, commonly known as the IUP Crimson Hawks and formerly called the IUP Indians are the varsity athletic teams that represent Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The university and all of its teams compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic...
, changed from the "Indians" in 2006 - Iowa State CyclonesIowa State CyclonesThe Iowa State Cyclones are the athletic teams of Iowa State University. The university is a member of the Big 12 Conference and competes in NCAA Division I, fielding 16 varsity teams in 12 sports.*Men's sports...
, changed from "Cardinals" in 1895 - IUPUI JaguarsIUPUI JaguarsThe IUPUI Jaguars are the 14 intercollegiate teams that compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. IUPUI competes in The Summit League in all sports.-History:...
, changed from the "Metros" in 1997 upon moving to NCAA Division I. - Kansas State WildcatsKansas State WildcatsKansas State University's athletic teams are called the Wildcats. The official color of the teams is Royal Purple, making Kansas State one of very few schools that have only one official color; white and silver are generally used as complementary colors.Kansas State participates in...
, changed from the "Aggies" and the "Farmers" in 1915, before reverting back to the old nicknames that same year, when the school was known as the Kansas State Agricultural College. It was changed permanently in 1920. The school changed its name to Kansas State University later. - Kent State Golden FlashesKent State Golden FlashesKent State University's intercollegiate athletic teams are known as the Golden Flashes or simply as the Flashes. The university fields sixteen varsity athletic teams, all of whom play in the Mid-American Conference and in the NCAA's Division I...
, changed from the "Silver Foxes" in 1927 - Lander BearcatsLander UniversityLander University is a public university located in Greenwood, South Carolina. It is the state's smallest publicly-funded baccalaureate institution.-History:...
, formerly the "Senators" - Lehigh Mountain HawksLehigh Mountain HawksThe Lehigh Mountain Hawks are the athletic teams representing Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States. The Hawks participate in NCAA Division I competition as a member of the Patriot League...
, changed from the "Engineers" in 1995; also previously known as the "Brown and White" - Louisiana–Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns, changed from the "Bulldogs" to Raging Cajuns in the early 1960s. The "g" was dropped from the end of the first word later.
- Loyola RamblersLoyola RamblersThe Loyola Ramblers are the varsity sports teams of Loyola University Chicago. Most teams compete in the Horizon League of the NCAA Division I...
, changed from "Grandees" around 1926; the earlier nickname was selected in a contest held by the student newspaper but failed to catch on. - Louisiana-Monroe WarhawksULM WarhawksThe Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks are the sports teams of the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 14 sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's golf, women's soccer, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's tennis, and...
, formerly the "Indians" - Marquette Golden EaglesMarquette Golden EaglesThe Marquette Golden Eagles are the intercollegiate athletic teams of Marquette University....
, changed from the "Warriors" in 1994, which had been used at least since 1960. Earlier nicknames included "Hilltoppers" and "Avalanche". - Marshall Thundering HerdMarshall Thundering HerdThe Marshall Thundering Herd are the intercollegiate athletic teams that collectively represent the Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Thundering Herd athletic teams compete in Conference USA, which are members of the NCAA Division I...
, made official in the mid-1960s, although it was in unofficial use since the 1930s alongside the nickname the "Big Green". - Maryland TerrapinsMaryland TerrapinsThe Maryland Terrapins, commonly referred to as the Terps, consist of 27 men's and women's athletic teams that represent the University of Maryland, College Park in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I competition...
, made official in 1932, although in unofficial use earlier; formerly the "Old Liners", and before that, the "Aggies" and "Farmers" when the school was known as Maryland Agricultural College. - UMass MinutemenUMass MinutemenThe UMass Minutemen are the athletic teams that represent the University of Massachusetts Amherst in NCAA Division I sports competition. The nickname is also applied to club teams that do not participate within the NCAA structure. Strictly speaking, the Minutemen nickname applies to men's teams and...
, changed from the "Redmen" and "Redwomen" in 1972. According to the university, the old nickname referred to the uniforms worn by the athletic teams, but it was changed nonetheless out of sensitivity to American Indians. - MCLA TrailblazersMassachusetts College of Liberal ArtsThe Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is a public, residential, liberal arts college that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Located in North Adams, Massachusetts, it is part of the state university system of Massachusetts. It is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts...
, formerly the "Mohawks" - Memphis TigersMemphis TigersThe Memphis Tigers represent the University of Memphis in Division I of the NCAA. They are members of C-USA and currently feature nine women's sports and nine men's sports...
, originally adopted in 1915 when the school was known as the West Tennessee State Normal School, but changed to "Teachers" and "Tutors" when the school name was changed to West Tennessee State Teachers College. In 1939, the Tigers nickname was reintroduced. The school later changed its name to Memphis State College and then the University of Memphis. - Miami RedHawksMiami RedHawksMiami University, in Oxford, Ohio, features 18 different varsity level sports teams for men and women, all of which are known as the Miami RedHawks...
, changed from the "Redskins" in 1997, the team had previously been known as the "Big Reds", the "Reds and Whites", the "Red-Skinned Warriors", and the "Miami Boys". - Michigan State SpartansMichigan State SpartansThe Michigan State Spartans are the athletic team that represent Michigan State University. The school's athletic program includes 25 varsity sports teams. Their mascot is a Spartan warrior named Sparty, and the school colors are green and white...
, changed from "Aggies" in 1925, which had been used contemporaneously with the unofficial nicknames of the "Fighting Farmers" and "Farmers". - Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersMiddle Tennessee Blue RaidersThe Blue Raiders are the men's and women's athletic teams at Middle Tennessee State University. MTSU athletic teams participate in NCAA Division I in the Sun Belt Conference...
, adopted in 1934 to replace a "wide range of names" - Midwestern State MustangsMidwestern State UniversityMidwestern State University is a public liberal arts college in Wichita Falls, Texas, and a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges...
, formerly the "Indians" - Ohio BobcatsOhio BobcatsOhio University features 16 varsity sports teams called the Bobcats. The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference in all sports. The Bobcats were a charter member of the Mid-American Conference in 1946 and are the only team still in the conference from the original 5 team league that...
, replaced the "Green and White" in 1925 - Ole Miss RebelsOle Miss RebelsUniversity of Mississippi sports teams, originally known as the "Mississippi Flood" , were re-named the Rebels in 1936 and compete in the twelve-member Southeastern Conference of the NCAA's Division I. The school's colors are cardinal red and navy blue , purposely chosen to mirror the school...
, changed from the "Flood" in 1935 because of the negative association with natural disasters - Mississippi State BulldogsMississippi State BulldogsThe Mississippi State Bulldogs are the athletic teams of Mississippi State University. They participate in NCAA's Division I in the competitive 12-member Southeastern Conference under the mascot Bulldogs and the school colors of maroon and white...
, changed from "Maroons" in 1961, they were known as the "Aggies" under the school changed its name from Mississippi A&M in 1932. - Multnomah Lions, formerly the "Ambassadors"
- Nebraska CornhuskersNebraska CornhuskersThe Nebraska Cornhuskers is the name given to several sports teams of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The university is a member of the Big Ten Conference...
, adopted in 1900, the teams had formerly been known as the "Antelopes", "Bugeaters", "Old Gold Knights", "Rattlesnake Boys", and "Treeplanters" - Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie WolvesNebraska Wesleyan UniversityNebraska Wesleyan University is a private, coeducational university located in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was founded in 1887 by Nebraska Methodists. As of 2007, it has 1,600 full-time students and 300 faculty and staff. The school teaches in the tradition of a liberal arts college education....
, formerly the "Plainsmen" - Nebraska–Omaha Mavericks, adopted in the summer of 1971, previously known as "Indians" from 1939 to 1971 and "Cardinals" before 1939
- Nevada Wolf PackNevada Wolf PackThe Nevada Wolf Pack are the collegiate athletic teams that represent the University of Nevada, Reno, consisting of 16 varsity teams. Though often known as UNR within the state, the university is simply called Nevada for athletics purposes; its sports teams are nicknamed the Wolf Pack...
, adopted in 1923, they had previously been known as the "Sagebrushers" and "Sage Hens" - Newberry Wolves, adopted in 2010 to replace "Indians", which had been dropped two years earlier. The teams had competed without a nickname in the interim.
- New Mexico State AggiesNew Mexico State AggiesNew Mexico State University's teams are called the Aggies, a nickname derived from the university's agricultural beginnings. Since 2005, they have competed in the Western Athletic Conference. The mascot is known as "Pistol Pete". NMSU's colors are crimson and white. The current athletics director...
, the women's athletics teams were known as the "Roadrunners" until 2000, when they adopted the same nickname as the men's teams. - North Carolina State Wolfpack, adopted in 1922, previous nicknames had included the "Aggies", "Farmers", "Techs", and "Red Terrors"
- North Dakota Fighting SiouxNorth Dakota Fighting SiouxThe North Dakota Fighting Sioux are the athletic teams of the University of North Dakota , which is located in the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, in the United States. The logo is a Native American figure. The logo was designed by Bennett Brien, a local artist and UND graduate of Ojibwa...
, known as the "FlickertailsRichardson's Ground SquirrelRichardson's ground squirrel , or the flickertail, is a North American ground squirrel in the genus Urocitellus...
" until 1930. - North Greenville CrusadersNorth Greenville UniversityNorth Greenville University is a comprehensive university affiliated with South Carolina Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention, and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The institution awards Bachelor, Master, and...
, formerly the "Mounties" - North Texas Mean GreenNorth Texas Mean GreenNorth Texas Mean Green is the team name used for both men's and women's intercollegiate athletic teams that play for the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas....
, formerly known as the "Eagles" (1922–1966), the teams were renamed in honor of "Mean" Joe GreeneJoe Greene (American football)Charles Edward Greene, known as “Mean Joe” Greene, is a former all-pro American football defensive tackle who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. Throughout the early 1970s he was the one of most dominant defensive players in the National Football League... - Northern Illinois HuskiesNorthern Illinois HuskiesThe Northern Illinois Huskies are the athletic teams that represent Northern Illinois University. The Huskies are a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and the Mid-American Conference...
, adopted in 1940, previous names had included "Cardinals", "Evansmen", "Northerners", "Profs", and "Teachers" - Northwest Christian Beacons, formerly the "Crusaders"
- Northwestern WildcatsNorthwestern WildcatsThe Northwestern Wildcats are the athletic teams that represent Northwestern University, a founding member of the Big Ten Conference and the only private university in the conference. Northwestern has eight men's and eleven women's Division I sports teams. The mascot is Willie the Wildcat...
, changed from the "Purple" in 1924 - Notre Dame Fighting IrishNotre Dame Fighting IrishNotre Dame's nickname is inherited from Irish immigrant soldiers who fought in the Civil War with the Union's Irish Brigade, , recollected among other places in the poetry of Joyce Kilmer who served with one of the Irish Brigade regiments during World War I...
, officially adopted in 1927, although it had been in use much earlier. Other nicknames included the "Catholics" in the 1880s and 1890s, and the "Ramblers" in the 1920s. - Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma SoonersThe University of Oklahoma features 19 varsity sports teams. Both men's and women's teams are called the Sooners, a nickname given to the early participants in the land rushes which initially opened the Oklahoma Indian Territory to non-native settlement. They participate in the NCAA's Division I-A,...
, replaced the "Rough Riders" and "Boomers" in 1908 - Oklahoma City StarsOklahoma City UniversityOklahoma City University, often referred to as OCU, is a coeducational, urban, private university historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church...
, formerly the "Chiefs" - Oklahoma State CowboysOklahoma State CowboysOklahoma State Cowboys are the athletic teams that represent Oklahoma State University. Their mascot is a cowboy named Pistol Pete. Oklahoma State participates in the NCAA's Division I-A and in the Big 12 Conference's South Division. The university's current athletic director is Mike Holder...
- Oklahoma A&M used the nickname of the "Agriculturalists" in the 1890s, which was shortened to "Aggies" and "Farmers". "Tigers" was briefly used as well, but proved unpopular. In 1924, the media began referring to the teams as the "Cowboys" and it was later officially adopted. - Oral Roberts Golden EaglesOral Roberts Golden EaglesThe Oral Roberts Golden Eagles are the 16 intercollegiate teams representing the Oral Roberts University that compete in the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. Oral Roberts competes in The Summit League in all sports.-History:...
, formerly the "Titans" - Oregon DucksOregon DucksThe Oregon Ducks refers to the sports teams of the University of Oregon, located in Eugene, Oregon. The Oregon Ducks are part of the Pacific-12 Conference in the Division 1 of the NCAA. With seventeen varsity teams, the Oregon Ducks are best known for their football team and Track and Field...
, replaced the "Webfoots" in the 1940s - Oregon State BeaversOregon State BeaversThe Oregon State Beavers is a name shared by all sports teams at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. The Beavers are part of the Pacific-12 Conference . Oregon State's mascot is Benny the Beaver...
, previously known as the "Aggies" and then the "Orangemen". The yearbook was named The Beaver in 1916, which later led to the athletics teams' adoption of the nickname. - Pacific Lutheran LutesPacific Lutheran UniversityPacific Lutheran University is located in Parkland, a suburb of Tacoma, Washington. In September 2009, PLU had a student population of 3,582 and approximately 280 full-time faculty...
, formerly the "Gladiators" - Quinnipiac BobcatsQuinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac University is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational university located in Hamden, Connecticut, United States at the foot of Sleeping Giant State Park...
, changed from the "Braves" in 2002 - Richmond SpidersRichmond SpidersThe Richmond Spiders represent the University of Richmond, a member of the NCAA's Division I and a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference for all sports except football and women's golf, which participate as members of the Colonial Athletic Association....
, changed from the "Colts" in 1894. - Rio Grande Red StormUniversity of Rio GrandeThe University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College are twin colleges in Rio Grande, Ohio, United States....
, changed from the "Redmen" and "Redwomen" in 2008. - Ripon Red Hawks, changed from "Redmen"
- Rutgers Scarlet KnightsRutgers Scarlet KnightsThe Rutgers Scarlet Knights are the athletic teams that represent Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey...
, changed from the "Queensmen" in 1955 - St. Bonaventure BonniesSt. Bonaventure UniversitySt. Bonaventure University is a private, Franciscan Catholic university, located in Allegany, Cattaraugus County, New York, United States. It has roughly 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students....
, changed from the "Brown Indians" and "Brown Squaws" in 1979 - St. John's Red StormSt. John's Red StormThe St. John's Red Storm is the nickname used for the 16 varsity athletic programs of St. John's University. St. John's 16 NCAA Division I teams compete in the Big East Conference, with the exception of the fencing and lacrosse teams, which compete in the ECAC...
, changed from the "Redmen" in 1995 for gender and cultural considerations. The university claims the old name did not refer to American Indians, but to the school color, a bright cardinal red. - Saint Leo LionsSaint Leo UniversitySaint Leo University is a private, non-profit, Roman Catholic liberal arts university established in 1889 and located in Saint Leo, Florida, 35 miles north of Tampa. The University is associated with the Holy Name Monastery, a Benedictine convent, and Saint Leo Abbey, a Benedictine monastery...
, formerly the "Monarchs" - Saint Mary's Cardinals, changed from "Redmen" during the 1989–90 season
- San Diego State Aztecs, replaced the "Staters" and "Professors" in 1925
- San Jose State SpartansSan José State SpartansThe San Jose State Spartans is the name of the athletic teams representing San Jose State University. SJSU sports teams compete in the Western Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division I level...
, adopted in 1925; prior nicknames included the "Daniels", the "Teachers", the "Pedagogues", the "Normals", and the "Normalites" - Seton Hill GriffinsSeton Hill UniversitySeton Hill University is a small Catholic liberal arts university of about 2100 students in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. Formerly a women's college, it became a coeducational university in 2002....
, formerly the "Spirit" - Simpson StormSimpson CollegeSimpson College is a four-year, coeducational liberal arts institution situated in Indianola, Iowa, USA, and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Simpson, which has been fully accredited by North Central Association since 1913, is a small school with approximately 1,400 full-time students...
, changed from the "Redmen and Lady Reds" in 1992 - Southeast Missouri State RedhawksSoutheast Missouri State UniversitySoutheast Missouri State University, is a public, accredited university located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States, near the banks of the Mississippi River. The institution, having started as a normal school, has a traditional strength in teacher education...
, formerly the "Indians" and "Otahkians" - Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage StormSoutheastern Oklahoma State UniversitySoutheastern Oklahoma State University, often referred to as Southeastern and abbreviated as SE, or SOSU, is a public university located in Durant, Oklahoma, with an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 4,229 as of 2009.-History:...
, changed from "Savages" in 2006 - Southeastern Fire, formerly the "Crusaders"
- South Florida BullsSouth Florida BullsThe South Florida Bulls are the athletic teams for the University of South Florida. The university competes in NCAA Division I, USF is a member of the Big East Conference, and has been since 2005...
, shortened from "Brahman Bulls" in the mid-1980s - Southern Miss Golden EaglesSouthern Miss Golden EaglesThe Southern Miss Golden Eagles represent The University of Southern Mississippi in Division I athletics. The teams compete in Conference USA....
, adopted in 1972, the school had several previous nicknames, including "Normalites", "Yellow Jackets", "Confederates", and "Southerners" - Southwestern Christian EaglesSouthwestern Christian UniversitySouthwestern Christian University was founded in 1946 as an educational institution based on the Bible and the first Pentecostal educational institution in the state. As first a Bible college, for the training of Christian church leaders within the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, the...
, formerly the "Moundbuilders" - Seattle Redhawks, formerly the "Chieftains"
- Southern Illinois SalukisSouthern Illinois SalukisThe Southern Illinois Salukis are the varsity athletic teams representing Southern Illinois University. The nickname comes from the saluki, the royal dog of Egypt and the Persian greyhound, which ties into the fact that southern Illinois has had the nickname "Little Egypt" for just under 200...
, formerly known at the "Maroons" from 1913 to 1951 - Southern Nazarene Crimson StormSouthern Nazarene UniversitySouthern Nazarene University is a Christian liberal arts college located in Bethany, Oklahoma, United States.-History:The history of the institution is one of various mergers and, therefore, one of differing institutions. While SNU claims its founding date as 1899, that founding date refers to an...
, formerly the "Redskins" - Spalding Golden EaglesSpalding UniversitySpalding University is a private, co-educational university affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and located in Louisville, Kentucky.-History:...
, formerly the "Pelicans" - Springfield College PrideSpringfield CollegeSpringfield College is a private, coeducational university located in the City of Springfield, Massachusetts. Springfield College is most famous as the site where the sport of basketball was invented...
, formerly the "Chiefs" - Stanford CardinalStanford CardinalThe Stanford Cardinal is the nickname of the athletic teams at Stanford University.-Nickname and mascot history:Following its win over Cal in the first-ever Big Game in 1892, the color cardinal was picked as the primary color of Stanford's athletic teams...
, adopted in 1981, formerly known as the "Indians" (1930–1972) and the plural "Cardinals" (1972–1981) - Stonehill SkyhawksStonehill CollegeStonehill College is a private Roman Catholic college located in Easton, Massachusetts, United States, founded in 1948. Situated in North Easton, Massachusetts, a suburban community of 23,329 people, Stonehill is located south of Boston on a campus, the original estate of Frederick Lothrop Ames...
, changed from the "Chieftains" - SUNY Canton KangaroosState University of New York at CantonThe State University of New York at Canton , is a public, coeducational, residential college located on a spacious campus along the banks of the Grasse River in St. Lawrence County, New York within the Town of Canton. Its northern location places SUNY Canton close to the Adirondack Mountains, the St...
, formerly the "Northmen" and "Northstars" - Syracuse Orange, changed from the "Orangemen" and "Orangewomen" in 2004
- Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas Tech Red RaidersThe Texas Tech Red Raiders are the athletic teams that represent Texas Tech University . The women's basketball team uses the name Lady Raiders; however, the school's other women's teams use the "Red Raiders" name. The university's athletic program fields teams in 15 varsity sports and 30 club sports...
, changed from "Matadors" (1925–1932), which had been inspired by the campus's Spanish architecture. - Toledo RocketsToledo RocketsThe Toledo Rockets are the athletic teams that represent the University of Toledo. The Rockets are a Division I Football Bowl Subdivision team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association and play in the Mid-American Conference . The school's colors are midnight blue and gold.Toledo's...
, adopted in 1923 by sportswriters who shortened it from "Skyrockets", coined by a student in the press box for a football game. Writers had previously called the football team the "Blue and Gold" and "Munies". - Troy TrojansTroy TrojansThe Troy Trojans were a Major League Baseball team in the National League for four seasons from 1879 to 1882. Their home games were played at Putnam Grounds , Haymakers' Grounds , and Troy Ball Clubs Grounds , all in the upstate New York city of Troy. Overall, the franchise won 131 games and lost...
, reverted from "Red Wave" in 1973. Troy had been known as first the Bulldogs" and then the "Teachers" between 1909 and 1920, the "Trojans" from 1920 to 1931, and the "Red Wave" from 1931 to 1973. - Tulane Green WaveTulane Green WaveGreen Wave, the nickname of the sports teams of Tulane University, was adopted during the 1920 season, after a song titled The Rolling Green Wave was published in Tulane's student newspaper in 1920. From 1893 to 1919, the athletic teams of Tulane were known as the Olive and Blue for the official...
, known as the "Olive and Blue" from 1893 to 1919, and referred to as the "Greenbacks" by the student-run The Tulane Weekly in 1919. Became known as the "Green Wave" from 1920 after the song "The Rolling Green Wave" published in the Tulane HullabalooTulane HullabalooThe Tulane Hullabaloo is the weekly student-run newspaper of Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is published every Friday of the academic year, except holidays, and has received multiple Pacemaker Awards, the highest award in college journalism.- History :The Tulane Weekly began in...
. - Tulsa Golden Hurricanes, adopted in 1922, formerly known as the "Orange and Black", "Kendallites", "Presbyterians", "Tigers", "Tulsans", and "Yellow Jackets".
- UCLA BruinsUCLA BruinsThe UCLA Bruins are the sports teams for University of California, Los Angeles . The Bruin men's and women's teams participate in NCAA Division I as part of the Pacific-12 Conference and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation . For football, they are in the Football Bowl Subdivision of Division I...
, adopted in 1928, formerly known as the "Cubs" until 1923, in reference to the school's connection to the University of CaliforniaUniversity of California, BerkeleyThe University of California, Berkeley , is a teaching and research university established in 1868 and located in Berkeley, California, USA...
Golden BearsCalifornia Golden BearsThe California Golden Bears is the nickname used for 29 varsity athletic programs and various club teams of the University of California, Berkeley...
. Known as the "Grizzlies" from 1923 until 1928, when UCLA joined the Pacific Coast ConferencePacific Coast ConferenceThe Pacific Coast Conference was a college athletic conference in the United States which existed from 1915 to 1959. Though the Pacific-12 Conference claims the PCC's history as part of its own, the older league had a completely different charter and was disbanded in 1959 due to a major crisis...
, which already included the Montana GrizzliesMontana GrizzliesMontana Grizzlies is the nickname given to the athletic teams of the University of Montana. The women's basketball team, however, uses the moniker Lady Griz...
. - UCSC Banana SlugsUniversity of California, Santa CruzThe University of California, Santa Cruz, also known as UC Santa Cruz or UCSC, is a public, collegiate university; one of ten campuses in the University of California...
, changed in 1986 by student referendum from "Sea Lions", which had been used since the school began sponsoring NCAA athletics in 1981 - USC TrojansUSC TrojansThe USC Trojans are the athletic teams representing the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. While the men's teams are nicknamed the Trojans, the women's athletic teams are referred to as either the Trojans or Women of Troy...
, replaced the "Methodists" and "Wesleyans" in 1912 - USP DevilsUniversity of the Sciences in PhiladelphiaUniversity of the Sciences , officially known as University of the Sciences in Philadelphia , located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in pharmacy and a variety of other health-related disciplines.-History:The history of the University of the Sciences...
, formerly the "Red Devils" - Utah UtesUtah UtesThe Utah Utes are the athletics teams of the University of Utah. They are named after the Ute tribe of Native Americans. The men's basketball team is known as the "Runnin' Utes"; the women's basketball team, formerly known as the "Lady Utes," now prefers to be referred to as the "Utes"; and the...
, formerly used "Redskins" nickname simultaneously with "Utes" nickname but discontinued using "Redskins" in 1972 - Virginia Tech HokiesVirginia Tech HokiesThe Virginia Tech Hokies are the athletic teams officially representing Virginia Tech in college sports. The Hokies participate in the NCAA's Division I Atlantic Coast Conference in 19 varsity sports. Virginia Tech's men's sports are football, basketball, baseball, cross country, golf, soccer,...
, gradually transitioned from the original nickname of the "Fighting Gobblers" - Washington HuskiesWashington HuskiesWashington Huskies is the nickname of the University of Washington's athletic teams. The school is a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. The athletic program is made up of 9 men's sports and 10 women's sports Washington Huskies is the nickname of the University of Washington's athletic teams. The...
, adopted February 3, 1922; formerly the "Sun Dodgers" (1919–1921) and very briefly the "Vikings" in December 1921 - Wayne State WarriorsWayne State WarriorsThe Wayne State Warriors are the represent Wayne State University, located in Detroit, Michigan. The university is a member of the NCAA at the Division II level, WSU competes in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference for all sports except fencing, which competes in the Midwest...
, known as the "Tartars" from 1927 to 1999 - Western Michigan BroncosWestern Michigan BroncosThe Western Michigan Broncos are a NCAA Division I FBS team representing Western Michigan University. They compete in the Mid-American Conference in men's baseball, basketball, football, soccer and tennis; and women's basketball, cross-country, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, track and field,...
, changed from "Hilltoppers" in 1939 - Westminster GriffinsWestminster College, Salt Lake CityWestminster College is a private liberal arts college located in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City, Utah. The college comprises four schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Nursing and Health...
, formerly the "Parsons" - William & Mary TribeWilliam & Mary TribeThe William & Mary Tribe are the athletic teams for the College of William & Mary. The name Tribe now refers to the unity and comradery that William & Mary student-athletes share when competing in the classroom and on the field. William & Mary has transitioned through several official nicknames...
, formerly the "Indians" (1917–1977) and "Orange and White" (1893–1916)
As a result of a school name change or merger
- Case Western Reserve SpartansCase Western Reserve UniversityCase Western Reserve University is a private research university located in Cleveland, Ohio, USA...
- Before the schools merged, Case Tech used the nicknames of the "Scientists" (1918–1938) and the "Rough Riders (1930–1971). Western Reserve was known as the "Pioneers" (1921–1928) and the "Red Cats" (1928–1971). - Cleveland State VikingsCleveland State VikingsThe Cleveland State Vikings, or Vikes, are the athletic teams of Cleveland State University. Before as Fenn College they were known as the Fenn College Foxes or Fenn Foxes. Cleveland State competes in NCAA Division I. They have been a member of the NCAA Division I since 1972. They were previously...
- Fenn College used the nickname of the "Foxes" until the school was renamed in 1965. - Colorado State RamsColorado State RamsColorado State University competes in 16 sponsored intercollegiate sports, including 10 for women and six for men...
- Colorado A&M used the nickname of the "Aggies". - Connecticut HuskiesConnecticut HuskiesThe Connecticut Huskies, also known as the UConn Huskies, are the athletic teams of the University of Connecticut in the United States. The school is a member of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and the Big East Conference for all sports except Men's Ice Hockey and Women's Ice...
- Connecticut Agricultural College used the nickname "Aggies". The school was renamed Connecticut State College in 1933, and the following year, the "Huskies" nickname was adopted. - Maryland TerrapinsMaryland TerrapinsThe Maryland Terrapins, commonly referred to as the Terps, consist of 27 men's and women's athletic teams that represent the University of Maryland, College Park in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I competition...
- Maryland Agricultural College used the nickname of the "Aggies" and the "Farmers". The school was renamed Maryland State College in 1916 and the University of Maryland in 1920. - Michigan State SpartansMichigan State SpartansThe Michigan State Spartans are the athletic team that represent Michigan State University. The school's athletic program includes 25 varsity sports teams. Their mascot is a Spartan warrior named Sparty, and the school colors are green and white...
- Michigan Agricultural College used the nickname of the "Aggies" alongside unofficial nicknames of the "Fighting Farmers" and "Farmers" until 1925. - Mississippi State BulldogsMississippi State BulldogsThe Mississippi State Bulldogs are the athletic teams of Mississippi State University. They participate in NCAA's Division I in the competitive 12-member Southeastern Conference under the mascot Bulldogs and the school colors of maroon and white...
- Mississippi A&M changed its nickname from the "Aggies" to the "Maroons" when the school was renamed Mississippi State College in 1932. In 1961, the school was renamed Mississippi State University and the nickname was changed to the "Bulldogs". - North Carolina State Wolfpack - North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (North Carolina A&M) was known as the "Aggies" or "Farmers". The school changed names in 1917.