Ohio State Gameday Traditions, Buckeye Nickname Story and Mascot

Brutus Buckeye is one of college football’s most beloved mascots. Besides being a fan-favorite in Columbus and beyond, Brutus is a fixture in commercials that air on sports networks. Publications such as Sports Illustrated, 24/7 Sports and the Bleacher Report always have Brutus in the upper-tier of their mascot rankings.

Brutus Buckeye is Ohio’s Favorite Nut

The big costumed character that roams the OSU sidelines is Brutus Buckeye. His outfit features a oversized buckeye nut styled head and a striped shirt that includes his name “Brutus.” This cheerful nut-headed character has been a staple at OSU sporting events since 1965, always sporting the latest and greatest in Ohio State fashion. As an important member of the spirit squad, Brutus brings energy and excitement to every game. In fact, Brutus is so popular that he’s even won awards for his impressive mascot skills. If you’re a Buckeyes fan, you definitely know and love Brutus Buckeye!

The mascot has a long tradition with the school and has plenty of reasons to have the big head, according to former OSU cheerleader and mascot coordinator Judy Bunting in a 1998 interview.
“In reality he’s more than just a mascot for our athletic programs,” said Bunting. “He’s really the symbol for OSU and really for the state of Ohio. Everybody recognizes him around this area.”

Despite being a relatively young mascot compared to other major institutions, Brutus’ popularity and brand recognition is second to none- even holding its own against opposing teams’ mascots like Uga from Georgia or Sparty from Michigan State University. His appearance was designed to look like “Mr. Buck,” an old man who used to be around campus in the 1940s, wearing overalls and chewing on straw while carrying a buckeye in his pocket- thus giving him his signature name and look!

Brutus currently stands as an ambassador for OSU Athletics and attends many events both on campus and off campus throughout Ohio such as community celebrations, parades, charity events and much more. Off of the OSU Campus however he often travels across various schools with OSU Cheerleading Teams or attends corporate promotions representing The Ohio State University -allowing people of all ages feel connected with “Ohio’s favorite buckeye.”

In addition, Brutus plays a major role in promoting school spirit through pregame rallies before big football games where fans can get up close with their beloved mascot (or snap some selfies). Furthermore Brutus is known for gathering thousands of fans inside the state proper for summer tours each year.

Brutus Buckeye Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How did he get the name Brutus

A. It all began in 1965 when students at Ohio State were looking for a mascot to represent their school with pride. After much consideration, they ultimately decided upon an easily recognizable nut: the buckeye. Plus, they wanted it to have a strong name that would be unforgettable—enter “Brutus” Buckeye!

The nickname was chosen by Jack Londen in honor of his alma mater, Brutus High School in Nova Scotia, where he attended college after serving in World War II. He felt that giving the Buckeye this powerful and meaningful moniker would help students stay connected to their roots while also providing them with something special for which they could take pride and fight for on game day.

Q. How is someone chosen to be the Ohio State mascot

A. The student who gets to wear the Brutus costume must meet some basic requirements: he or she must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student, have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be well-rounded enough to become a role model for students both on campus as well as in the community. The selection process lasts two weeks: applicants complete a written application that includes their qualifications as well as why they think they would make a great Brutus Buckeye before interviewing with current members of O-H-I-O, which is comprised of alumni, athletes, staff members, and faculty associated with OSU athletics.

Ohio State Nickname: Buckeyes

One of college football’s most puzzling nicknames is the term “Buckeye.” Unless you hail from Ohio, you might have driven yourself “nutty” by wondering where this nickname “sprouted” from. Have no fear, you’ll “leave” this page with a new understanding.

A buckeye is a tree that is common in Ohio. The tree’s “standing” in the state is so tall, that Ohio citizens have been referred to as buckeyes and Ohio is know as the “Buckeye State.” The buckeye tree produces an olive sized mahogany colored seed and leaves that are replicated on OSU football helmets for player achievements.

Ohio State Gameday Traditions

Ohio State Football Games are special events where the school’s traditions and rich football history come to life. From pregame festivities to tailgates, these games have something for every fan!

Dotting the “i” is in the Script

One of the most well-known and important traditions at Ohio State Football Games is Script Ohio. Before every home game, The Best Damn Band in the Land marches onto The Shoe field, culminating with their iconic formation of Script Ohio and dotting the ‘i’. It’s one of college football’s best known spectacles and tradition has it that a renowned member of the band will march solo at the end in order to dot the ‘i’.

The tradition of dotting the ‘i’ at Ohio State football games began in 1936 when a freshman named Dan Ross was chosen to perform the task. The Buckeyes were playing their archrival Michigan, so it was a momentous occasion.

The tradition continued sporadically until 1990, when the university decided to wear scarlet and gray uniforms for home games instead of traditional white ones. This brought attention back to the ‘i’ in Ohio and its importance as part of the foundation of the Buckeye spirit.

Since then, one lucky student has been chosen each year to dot the ‘i’ before every home game and be honored with a place in Ohio State’s history books. The selection process begins with all freshmen students writing an essay about what Ohio State means to them and how they embody Buckeye spirit. From those essays three finalists are chosen who will compete for this honorable position by performing various drills related to school pride and awareness. In addition, potential i-dotters must pass background checks conducted by both state and local authorities before being declared eligible for selection as Ohio State’s next mascot leader!

Whoever is selected gets more than just bragging rights — they also receive two tickets for every home game during their tenure as “the I-dottaler,” as well as hospitality from OSU staff members on gameday including pregame practice time under their belt! So if you’re looking to have your mark forever etched into OSU lore – never fear – there are plenty of ways that any aspiring freshman can get involved in making history at THE Ohio State University!

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Because of a tradition that began in 1953, visiting school’s fans and players may leave Columbus with a ringing in their ears. Each Buckeye victory at Ohio stadium is marked with the ringing of the victory bell located in the southeast tower. This gift from the class of 1943 has rung on cue every time but once. A 1965 thrashing of Iowa was marked with silence when it was discovered that the bell’s clapper had been stolen.

Bowing to Ahla

Watch the OSU cheerleaders after a Buckeye touchdown and you’d think that they had joined the Muslim faith. Both guys and girls get down on their hands and knees and perform the “Ahla” tradition. Grouped in the end zone area, the cheerleaders go up and down and chant “Oh-hi-oh” repeatedly.

Singing “Carmen Ohio”

Additionally, after every home win or away win versus Michigan fans sing Carmen Ohio -the alma mater song as part of victory celebration. During this time students link arms while lighting up fireworks or sparklers that they plan ahead to bring out on successful occasions like this one.