Brutus Buckeye

Ohio State University
On October 30th, 1965 a Buckeye mascot first appeared at the OSU vs. Minnesota Homecoming game. The idea and design for the mascot came from ray Bourhis, who then got help making the nut from his student organization, Ohio Staters, Inc. This large paper-mache shell was well received by the thousands of Ohio State fans at the game.

Because of the weight and size of the original model a fiberglass replacement was made and debuted just two weeks later on November 13th, 1965 at the OSU vs. Iowa game. Soon after that on November 18th the mascot finally receives a name thru a campus wide contest. The winning entry, “Brutus Buckeye”, was submitted by Kerry Reed.

Brutus is known as being energetic, full of life, and able to interact with fans of all ages. Thru a sense of University pride the students who bring Brutus to life maintain a high level of athleticism, energy, tradition, and school spirit year after year knowing they represent something larger than themselves – an ambassador for the University that will last for generations to come.

By nature of the costume, Brutus is a very mobile mascot. He is able to be extremely interactive with fans – exhibiting strong game-time enthusiasm on the fields or courts, as well as dynamic small group interactions. Brutus carries himself with strength and athleticism, but is not afraid to cut loose and show the softer side of the shell. As a nut, he of course, is the life of the party, and loves being with people – especially fellow Buckeyes!

Brutus is highly involved in the community and the requests for him are endless. This involvement takes Brutus away from the games and well into the University and Central Ohio communities. For the University Brutus is involved with activities such as Homecoming, Admissions, Pep Rallies, and Welcome Week. In the Columbus community you can see Brutus at various charity events such as the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk, Miracle League of Central Ohio for disabled children, Race for the Cure, MDA Telethon, and Make a Wish Foundation.

Thru the years the Ohio State University mascot has been featured in ESPN, Nike, ESPN Game Day, and ABC College Football commercials and has appeared on Jeopardy, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, as well as multiple appearances on ESPN Game Day.

If tradition and pride are what you’re after than this nut has plenty!