Ranking college football's 10 scariest mascots, from Oski to Purdue Pete
Our Summary
USA TODAY has ranked the ten scariest mascots in college football, highlighting the costumes that are meant to entertain but sometimes frighten fans. The list includes:
-
Purdue Pete (Purdue) - Known for his unnervingly dead-eyed appearance, making him a haunting presence.
-
Willie the Wildcat (Kansas State) - A student in a football uniform with a wildcat head, creating a disturbing human-feline hybrid image.
-
Blue Devil (Duke) - With its goatee, horns, and trident, the devil mascot evokes a spine-chilling effect.
-
The Tiger (Clemson) - Features big, bulging yellow eyes that add an eerie quality to the otherwise common tiger mascot.
-
Pistol Pete (Oklahoma State) - Wears a giant, detailed head and carries revolvers, enhancing his intimidating persona.
-
The Mountaineer (West Virginia) - A real human carrying
Storyline
See how this story developed over time. Our AI tracks related coverage to show you the full context—from initial reports to latest updates.
Start your mornings informed
Everything important from the NFL, delivered daily at 8 AM ET. No ads. No clickbait. Just 2 minutes.
Monday Morning - Chiefs Trade + 4 More Stories
Good morning! Here's what matters in the NFL today:
🔥 Chiefs Trade for Elite Pass Rusher
Kansas City addresses defensive needs with blockbuster move. Why it matters: Changes playoff dynamics in AFC.
📊 BY THE NUMBERS
47% - Increase in Chiefs' pass rush win rate after trade
⏰ LOOKING AHEAD
Watch for Ravens' response at trade deadline tomorrow...
Continue reading for complete coverage...
What you get every morning
- All 32 teams covered
- 2-minute read guaranteed
- Human-verified news only
- Zero ads, zero tracking
More Stories Await
Dive deeper into NFL coverage and discover what makes The Daily Handoff different.