The University of Texas mascot Bevo was originally a dog named Pig
In short: Before the iconic Texas Longhorn steer became the face of the university, the mascot was an American Pit Bull Terrier. The transition to a live steer began in 1916, sparking a century of tradition, peculiar naming theories, and occasional sideline chaos involving one of the most recognized mascots in college sports.
The tradition of the live mascot began in 1916 when alumnus Stephen Pinckney collected 124 dollars to purchase a steer in the Texas Panhandle. Originally named Bo, the animal was rebranded as Bevo following his debut at a Thanksgiving Day game. While the exact origin of the name remains a mystery, popular theories range from a connection to the plural of beef, beeves, to a contemporary non-alcoholic beverage also introduced in 1916. A persistent but apocryphal legend suggests the name was a clever alteration of a branding mark left by Texas A&M students, though historical records confirm the name existed months before that incident occurred.
Bevo is a steer, as an intact bull would be too unpredictable for the crowded environment of a stadium. Despite being bred for docility, these animals have occasionally lived up to their reputation as the toughest-looking mascots in sports. Past iterations have charged cheerleaders, scattered marching bands, and even escaped to roam the campus for two days. Most recently, Bevo XV made headlines during the 2019 Sugar Bowl when he broke free from his handlers, causing a stir as he neared the opposing team's bulldog mascot.
Since 1945, the Silver Spurs, an organization of undergraduate students, has managed the care and transportation of the mascot. The role is a high-profile commitment, with Bevo attending home games, pep rallies, and even presidential inaugurations. Bevo XIII, who served for 16 seasons, remains the longest-reigning mascot in the university's history. His tenure included presiding over four conference championships and a Heisman Trophy win for Ricky Williams. Today, the mascot remains a central figure in university life, even appearing in festive, five-hour-long holiday specials for the Longhorn Network.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Bevo (mascot)
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