Fansided

Ranking the top 10 coolest college football mascots

By Phil Poling

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 22: Miami Hurricanes mascot Sebastian the Ibis cheers on the field during the college football game between the Florida International University Panthers and the University of Miami Hurricanes on September 22, 2018 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 22: Miami Hurricanes mascot Sebastian the Ibis cheers on the field during the college football game between the Florida International University Panthers and the University of Miami Hurricanes on September 22, 2018 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 10
Next
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 31: The Michigan State Spartans mascot “Sparty” performs during the Redbox Bowl against the Oregon Ducks at Levi’s Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 31: The Michigan State Spartans mascot “Sparty” performs during the Redbox Bowl against the Oregon Ducks at Levi’s Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Sparty . 5. 805. Scouting Report. East Lansing. player. Pick Analysis. Michigan State University

Much like Ohio State’s first mascot, Michigan State’s Sparty originally had a papier-mache head that weighed around 60 lbs. By the end of the 1955 season, though, the head would be replaced with a lighter, fiberglass head.

The current version of Sparty dons a foam-rubber costume equipped with award-winning muscles and a chin that looks chiseled out of stone. After all, he is depicting a strong Spartan warrior. He’s complete with a warrior’s helmet and a Greek-like costume.

In addition to appearing in graduation photos, birthday parties and weddings, Sparty’s also been on the cover of EA Sports’ NCAA Football franchise. He was voted the winner in 2009 by over 75,000 votes to be on the cover of the 2009 Wii version.

The Michigan State Alumni Association has had the honor of overseeing the Sparty Mascot Program since 1989 when the current version was introduced. He’s perceived to be, “approachable, fierce yet kind, [and a] man for all seasons.” Would you agree?