'Bring back the Bison': IU's mascot movement gaining steam in Bloomington

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WXIN) — Amid the best football season in Indiana University history, a movement is growing to bring back the Bison as the school's official mascot.

The Bison was the official mascot for the Hoosiers in the 1960s. Photos seen below from the IU Archives show the costumed character in its glory days.

Over the years, the bison and its connection to IU was largely forgotten by the fanbase. That is, until this year.

”Ever since the start of our great season and now that we're wrapping it up, students have been talking about how we deserve a mascot again and I think it's only right that it's the bison," said Cooper Tinsley, and IU Junior and President of the Indiana University Student Government.

Other students are adding their support.

”Honestly, I would love for Indiana to have a type of mascot that represents us," said IU junior Dyllan Evans. "You could put it on clothing, instead of just a simple IU logo."

”It would be cool to see a regular mascot on the sidelines," said IU senior Ryan Phelan.

A recent poll on the IU Student Government social media showed 72% of those polled were in favor of bringing back the bison. IUSG has taken it a step further with actual student legislation.

”It's called the Bring Back the Bison Act of 2024 and it's very similar to the initial bill that was passed in the 1960s," Tinsley said.

The bill passed the student congress and was just signed Wednesday. It doesn't mean the bison is officially back, but there is motion.

”The call to action on the bill is really just calling on me to work with IU Athletics," said Tinsley. "Obviously, nothing is solidified just yet but I'm working with IU Athletics to bring back the bison."

In one of the most popular off-campus spots among IU students, the bison was never forgotten.

”It's never left Nicks, we've had it here," said Gregg Rago, owner of longtime Bloomington bar Nick's English Hut. "I've got document proof since 1967."

The mascot of the bar has long been the Bison in an IU sweater holding a mug of beer. Inside the bar, you'll find a bison head, bison pictures and even a decades-old newspaper clipping written about the mascot.

Rago would love to see the bison back on the IU sidelines.

"The bison has been part of Indiana's heritage," Rago said. "Look at the state seal. I've always been a big bison guy. They're big, they're strong, they're agile, they're part of our lore here in Indiana. They used to roam the plains."

He doesn't want to wait either, he thinks the bison should come back now.

”I think it would be pretty intimidating," Rago said. "If we could take that bison up to Notre Dame, Indiana. If someone has got one out there, put it on the truck, get up there. Get Coach Cig behind it and I guarantee you a win."

The Hoosiers play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at 8 p.m. Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoffs.