Tigers have become one of the most popular mascots in American university sports, symbolizing strength, ferocity, and competitive spirit.
Several major colleges across the United States proudly feature tigers as their mascot, including Clemson, Louisiana State University (LSU), University of Missouri, and Auburn.
In total, about five major college football programs—representing nearly 4% of all programs—have adopted “Tigers” as their team name, making it one of the most common animal mascots in collegiate athletics.
What makes tiger mascots particularly interesting is how each university has created its own unique tradition around these iconic big cats.
LSU, for example, has a live tiger mascot named Mike who has become a beloved symbol of the university’s athletic program.
The tiger’s fearsome reputation makes it an intimidating symbol for opponents – with LSU’s tiger even being ranked as one of the scariest college football mascots by CBS Sports.
Even more remarkable, these tiger-mascot universities have joined forces for a cause beyond sports.
In a wonderful display of unity, several colleges with tiger mascots have teamed up to help save actual tigers in the wild, showing that these institutions share more than just a fierce symbol—they share a commitment to protecting the magnificent animal that represents them on the field.
Auburn University – Aubie the Tiger
Aubie the Tiger is more than just a mascot at Auburn University – he’s a beloved campus icon! This charismatic costumed tiger serves as both a spirit leader and goodwill ambassador for the university.
Did you know Aubie is considered one of the most animated mascots in college sports? His playful antics and engaging personality make him impossible to ignore at sporting events. Many fans consider him the living spirit of Auburn.
When you visit Auburn’s campus, you might spot Aubie sporting his signature blue and orange jersey while entertaining crowds. His striking appearance and friendly demeanor have made him a fan favorite for generations of Tigers supporters.
Aubie isn’t just popular – he’s award-winning too! His talent and charm have earned him multiple national mascot championships, cementing his place among the elite mascots in collegiate athletics.
Fun Aubie Facts:
- Serves as Auburn’s official goodwill ambassador
- Known for daring stunts and creative performances
- Embodies the school spirit of Auburn University
- One of the most recognizable mascots in college sports
The next time you attend an Auburn game, watch for Aubie’s energetic performances. You’ll quickly understand why this tiger mascot has captured the hearts of the Auburn family and become such an important symbol of university pride!
Clemson University – The Tiger and The Cub
At Clemson University, you’ll find one of college sports’ most beloved mascot duos – The Tiger and The Tiger Cub. These fuzzy orange characters have been pumping up crowds and representing Clemson spirit for generations!
The Tiger has been roaring since 1954, when a student first stepped into the iconic suit. This orange ball of energy can be spotted doing push-ups after every Clemson score – one for each point on the scoreboard!
The younger companion, The Tiger Cub, joined the family in 1993. Together, they create double the fun at sporting events, alumni gatherings, and community appearances.
Did you know these furry mascots have met some pretty important people? They’ve taken photos with presidents and Olympic athletes while representing Clemson pride!
The Tiger tradition isn’t just for the guys. In 2009, Sarah Newburn made history as the first female Tiger Cub, breaking barriers in this exclusive mascot club.
Both mascots wear Clemson gear appropriate for each sport:
- Football games: Football jerseys
- Basketball games: Basketball uniforms
- Baseball games: Baseball attire
- Other events: Orange t-shirts
When you visit Clemson, watching these playful tigers interact with fans and mock officials (though that’s against the rules now!) is part of the authentic Tigers experience you won’t want to miss.
University of Missouri (Mizzou) – Truman the Tiger
When you visit the University of Missouri, you’ll likely encounter one of the most celebrated mascots in college sports. Truman the Tiger has been representing Mizzou with energy and school spirit since the 1980s.
The tiger mascot’s history at Missouri dates back to the 1890s when the first football team adopted the “Tigers” nickname. They chose this name to honor a local militia unit that protected Columbia from guerrilla bands during the Civil War.
While the Bengal tiger has been Mizzou’s mascot since the 1890s, the character wasn’t always called Truman. The mascot officially received its name on September 12, 1986, after a campus-wide naming contest. A student suggested naming the tiger after Missouri-born President Harry S Truman, and the name stuck!
Truman is known for his:
- Exciting tail spins
- Push-up celebrations after touchdowns
- High-fives with students and fans
- Playful antics during sporting events
Did you know? Truman has been recognized as the “best mascot in the nation” multiple times throughout his career!
When you’re at a Mizzou game, exchanging a high-five with Truman is considered a right of passage for students and community members. His black and gold striped appearance and friendly personality make him a beloved symbol of university pride.
You’ll find Truman at nearly all major sporting events, inspiring school spirit and entertaining fans of all ages with his enthusiastic performance.
Louisiana State University (LSU) – Mike the Tiger
LSU has one of the most iconic mascots in college sports – a live Bengal tiger named Mike. As the graphic image of LSU sports, Mike the Tiger has been a beloved tradition at Louisiana State University since the 1930s.
Did you know Mike is one of only two live tiger college mascots in the United States? Even more impressive, he’s the only live tiger actually living on a college campus in America!
The current mascot is Mike VII, continuing a long legacy of tigers representing LSU’s fighting spirit. When you visit campus, you can see Mike living in a luxurious $3.7 million habitat that spans a whopping 15,000 square feet between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Mike’s home isn’t just any enclosure – it features lush plants, a live oak tree, a beautiful waterfall, and a stream. This impressive tiger habitat was first created in 2005 during Mike V’s time as mascot.
LSU’s tiger tradition runs deep – two of the previous Mikes lived for 19 years, while Mike IV enjoyed a 20-year reign! When you attend an LSU game, you might also spot the costumed Mike mascot pumping up the crowd.
The tradition of Mike the Tiger began nearly 90 years ago and continues to be a cherished part of LSU culture today. Next time you’re in Baton Rouge, visiting Mike is a must for your college mascot bucket list!
Princeton University – The Tiger
Princeton University holds the distinction of being the oldest American school to adopt the tiger mascot. This tradition began in the early 1880s when football players started wearing orange and black stripes on their stockings, jerseys, and caps.
Did you know that college cheers may have actually started at Princeton? The famous “Tiger, tiger, tiger” chant emerged early in the university’s history, alongside the growing use of orange and black as the school’s colors.
In the 1880s, sportswriters began referring to Princeton players as “tigers,” and the mascot quickly became a central part of the university’s identity. The tiger and its signature colors soon appeared in songs and student publications across campus.
Princeton’s tiger enthusiasm reached new heights in 1923 when a real Bengal tiger cub was sent to the university as a mascot! The young tiger was captured during an expedition to India by the father of student Albert “Red” Howard. Due to community concerns and care costs, the tiger was eventually transferred to a New Jersey zoo.
Fun fact: Princeton even has a female counterpart to its tiger mascot! In 1973, the Princeton Tigress was born, complete with a large orange bow on her costume. You can spot both mascots cheering on the Princeton teams at major sporting events.
When you visit campus, you’ll find tiger imagery everywhere—from statues to merchandise—proudly representing Princeton’s fierce competitive spirit and long-standing traditions.
Texas Southern University – TSU Tiger
At Texas Southern University, the mighty Tigers serve as the school’s proud mascot. The TSU Tigers represent the spirit and energy of this prominent historically Black college located in Houston, Texas.
The mascot goes by the name “Tex The Tiger” and proudly sports the university’s official colors of maroon and gray. When you visit campus, you’ll likely spot these colors everywhere from athletic uniforms to school merchandise.
Founded in 1927, TSU has built strong athletic traditions around their Tiger mascot. The school competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and offers a variety of sports programs for student-athletes.
Want to hear the Tiger spirit in action? The TSU Ocean of Soul marching band performs the official Tiger Fight Song at sporting events:
“We Are The Tigers of TSU
We Love Our Team And Our Colors”
TSU’s athletics department partnered with Under Armour in a multi-year agreement to provide training and on-field gear for their sports teams. You’ll see the Tigers looking sharp in their Under Armour uniforms during competitions.
With over 80 student organizations and 10 colleges and schools, Texas Southern University offers more than just Tiger pride. But when you’re on campus, you’ll quickly learn that being a TSU Tiger is an important part of the university experience!
Grambling State University – Eddie the Tiger
Grambling State University, located in Louisiana, features a beloved tiger mascot named Eddie the Tiger. This mascot pays tribute to the university’s legendary football coach Eddie Robinson, who made history as the first college football coach to achieve 400 wins.
When you visit Grambling State, you’ll likely spot Eddie the Tiger entertaining crowds at sporting events. The costumed character brings energy and school spirit to campus activities, especially during football games.
The university’s rich athletic tradition extends beyond its mascot. Grambling is also home to the famous Mighty Tiger Marching Band, often called the “World Famed Tiger Marching Band” because of their exceptional performances.
Fun Fact: Eddie the Tiger has even received national recognition! One student who performed as the mascot was highlighted in the AFR Citizen Airman Magazine during the Celebration Bowl.
Grambling’s tiger mascot competes in the:
- NCAA Division I
- Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
If you’re exploring mascots across the country, Eddie has been recognized enough to be nominated for the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2025, showcasing the impact this tiger has made in collegiate sports culture.
Towson University – Doc the Tiger
Have you ever wondered about the history of Towson University’s beloved mascot? Doc the Tiger has quite an interesting backstory!
Before settling on the tiger, Towson sported various mascots for 69 years, including the teachers, knights, profs, and the Gold & White. Students launched a two-year campaign in 1960 to recognize the tiger as the official school mascot.
The tiger mascot was officially introduced by a student named Winkelman, who won Student Government Association’s approval. By 1963, with help from John Schuerholz, students embraced the tiger as Towson’s official mascot.
But why the name “Doc”? The mascot was named in honor of Donald “Doc” Minnegan, Towson’s first director of athletics. As SGA vice-president Jessica Machen explained, “Doc did so much for our school, so what better way to honor him than to name our very own tiger after him.“
Doc Minnegan’s association with Towson was truly remarkable, spanning 50 years as a teacher, coach, and athletics director!
Today, “Doc” is the cartoon caricature of TU’s mighty mascot, drawn with pride and used in various student and alumni materials. You’ll find this versatile cartoon tiger at many campus events.
Doc the Tiger competes in the NCAA Division I and represents Towson in the Coastal Athletic Association. When you visit campus, keep an eye out for this friendly feline mascot cheering on the Tigers!
University of Memphis – Pouncer the Tiger
The University of Memphis has a proud tiger tradition that includes both a live mascot and a costumed character. Pouncer the Tiger is the beloved costumed mascot that brings energy to UofM sporting events.
Did you know that Pouncer has been around since 1960? The first student to wear the tiger costume was J. Wayne Johnson, who started this roaring tradition that continues today.
While the university has had a series of live Bengal tigers named TOM (Tigers Of Memphis), Pouncer gives fans that extra interactive mascot experience. The most recent live tiger, TOM III, was part of the university until his passing in September 2020.
Fun Tiger Facts:
- The university adopted tiger as its mascot when students selected blue and gray as school colors
- The University of Memphis has been known by several names:
- West Tennessee State Normal School (1912)
- Memphis State College (1941)
- Memphis State University (1967)
- University of Memphis (1994)
Interestingly, in 2024, there was discussion about a possible co-mascot scenario at UofM, though the university reminded everyone “once a Tiger, always a Tiger.”
When you visit campus, you’ll notice the strong tiger presence in university traditions. No public funds are used for the live tiger program – it’s entirely supported by the Highland Hundred booster organization!
Savannah State University – Tiger
At Savannah State University, the Tiger serves as more than just a mascot – it’s a powerful symbol of pride, legacy, and Tiger spirit. When you visit this historic campus, you’ll feel the fierce energy that comes with being part of Tiger Nation!
The Tiger represents strength and determination for Savannah State’s athletic teams. These teams compete in the NCAA Division I and are part of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The university proudly supports 16 sports teams for both men and women.
Did you know that Savannah State dedicates about $2 million annually to its sports teams and facilities? That’s serious commitment to athletic excellence!
When you attend a Savannah State homecoming celebration, you’ll experience what it truly means to be a Savannah State University Tiger. The festivities bring together current students, alumni, and community members in a vibrant display of school spirit.
Tiger Facts:
- Location: 3219 College St, Savannah, GA
- Colors: Orange and Blue
- Nickname: Tigers
- Mascot: Savannah Tiger
Want to show your Tiger pride? You can find Savannah State Tiger apparel that celebrates this proud tradition. Nothing says school spirit like sporting your team’s colors!
The Tiger is one of the most popular mascots in college athletics, but Savannah State makes it uniquely their own with passionate fans and exciting game-day experiences.
Jackson State University – Wavee Dave the Tiger
Wavee Dave, the beloved mascot of Jackson State University (JSU), has a rich history that dates back to the early 1980s. This spirited tiger brings excitement to football and basketball games while embodying the proud tradition of JSU.
The original Wavee Dave was David “Wavee Dave” Chambers, a dedicated JSU student who graduated in 1988. In a yearbook interview, Chambers proudly declared himself “the ultimate Wavee Dave,” having established himself as an incredibly popular mascot.
When you visit JSU sporting events, you’ll see Wavee Dave energetically engaging with fans and creating an electric atmosphere. The tiger mascot is known for:
- Exciting dance moves
- Crowd interactions
- Spirited game-day performances
Sadly, JSU mourned the loss of the original Wavee Dave in December 2006, but his legacy continues through the current mascot who carries on the tradition.
In 2023, Wavee Dave reached a new milestone when the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled the first-ever Jackson State Tigers bobblehead as part of their Historically Black Colleges and Universities Bobblehead Series.
The bobblehead release coincided with the 2023-2024 school year and celebrated JSU alongside 13 other HBCUs during Black History Month. This collectible gives you a fun way to show your Tiger pride!
Occidental College – Oswald the Tiger
Occidental College, a private liberal arts college in Los Angeles, has embraced their tiger mascot for over 70 years. Oswald the Tiger, with his iconic orange and black stripes, has become a treasured symbol of the school’s identity.
When you visit Oxy (as it’s informally known), you’ll spot Oswald’s influence throughout campus. This beloved mascot embodies school spirit and represents the tight-knit community of approximately 2,000 undergraduates.
Did you know that tigers are one of the most popular college mascots? They’re second only to eagles among more than 2,000 colleges studied!
Quick Facts about Oswald and Occidental:
- Official Colors: Orange and black
- Conference: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
- NCAA Division: Division III
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
- Fight Song: “Tiger Roar”
Oswald has evolved over the decades while remaining a consistent presence at athletic events. You’ll find the tiger mascot cheering on teams at various athletic facilities including Anderson Field (baseball) and Jack Kemp Stadium (lacrosse).
When you attend Occidental sporting events, you’ll join fellow fans in tiger-themed celebrations. The school’s relatively small size—with classes averaging just 18 students—creates an intimate atmosphere where Oswald truly feels like part of the family.
Doane University – Thomas the Tiger
Doane University’s athletic teams are proudly represented by Thomas the Tiger, a beloved mascot with an interesting history. When you visit the campus in Crete, Nebraska, you’ll likely spot the orange and black colors that have become synonymous with the university’s spirit.
The tiger nickname was adopted in 1907, though the exact reason remains a bit of a mystery! Some believe it relates to a triangular orange and black flag created by the daughters of Thomas Doane, the college’s founder, back in 1887.
Fun Facts About Thomas the Tiger:
- The mascot brings energy to sporting events and campus activities
- Students can apply to play the role of Thomas
- The mascot wears the university’s signature orange and black colors
One notable Thomas was Trey Porter, a Norfolk High School graduate who embodied the tiger spirit while completing his education. Porter made the most of his Doane experience by joining the theater department and working at the campus radio station 91.9 KDNE.
If you’re visiting Doane University, watching for Thomas the Tiger at sporting events is a must! The mascot is known for entertaining crowds with silly antics and bringing smiles to fans of all ages.
Hampden-Sydney College – Tigers (No Specific Name)
Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia proudly features the tiger as their mascot, though interestingly, their tiger doesn’t have a specific name. This NCAA Division III school competes in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference with their fearsome feline leading the charge.
The Hampden-Sydney Tigers represent one of America’s oldest institutions. When you visit their campus in Hampden Sydney, Virginia, you’ll see tiger imagery prominently displayed throughout their athletic facilities.
What makes this mascot unique is its simplicity – sometimes you don’t need a flashy name to create school spirit! Their costumed tiger character energizes crowds at sporting events without needing a catchy moniker.
If you’re considering becoming part of the tiger family, Hampden-Sydney offers an interesting opportunity. The college is unique as it’s a liberal arts college specifically for men with over 1,000 students enrolled.
When you join the Hampden-Sydney community, you become part of their mission to form “good men and good citizens in an atmosphere of sound learning.” Their tiger mascot embodies the strength and determination they hope to instill in their students.
Did you know tigers are actually one of the more popular mascots in collegiate athletics? Hampden-Sydney is part of a proud tradition of schools that use these powerful cats to represent their competitive spirit!
Ouachita Baptist University – OBU Tiger
The tiger mascot at Ouachita Baptist University has a history dating back to the early 1900s. If you’re exploring universities with fierce feline mascots, OBU’s tiger should definitely be on your radar!
The earliest mentions of OBU’s tiger mascot appear in the 1911 editions of the Ouachitonian yearbook and the student newspaper called Ripples. Back then, you would only find simple sketches of tigers in these publications.
Did you know that OBU’s tiger mascot has gone through several costume changes over the decades? Today, the mascot team is an important part of the university’s spirit squad, cheering alongside the school’s cheerleaders at various athletic events.
When you visit the official OBU Tigers athletics website, you’ll find the modern tiger logo prominently featured. Interestingly, while the tiger mascot was adopted in the early 1900s, a consistent tiger logo wasn’t officially commissioned until after the year 2000.
The mascot is part of OBU’s rich athletics tradition that stretches back to the late 1800s. You can spot the Tiger branding across campus, representing values of dedication, excellence, and passion both in competitions and classrooms.
Today’s OBU Tigers continue to embody school spirit at all university athletic events, bringing energy and enthusiasm to fans and students alike!
