IU Athletics has concluded a series of teaser videos on social media with a confirmation — for the first time in decades there will be an Indiana mascot in 2025.
The department released a video Tuesday morning confirming the news — “Hoosier the Bison” is the new mascot’s name.
This marks the return of the bison, as it was previously the official mascot of IU Athletics from 1965 to 1969, and answers longstanding calls to “bring back the bison” by a segment of the fan base.
In explaining the rationale for a bison mascot, IU says bison once walked for centuries through Bloomington, Ind. along the Buffalo Trace. As a result, bison imagery has appeared on the IU campus for 200 years, and is a distinguishing feature of the Indiana State Seal.
Indiana is still maintaining some element of surprise, as the below video released on Tuesday morning does not give a close look at the mascot’s costume.
Stay tuned for more developments on the return of the bison.
Finally unleashed. 🦬
Welcome back home, @HoosiertheBison. pic.twitter.com/hMotSXeF0A
— Indiana Hoosiers (@IUHoosiers) May 27, 2025
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