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USA Today

What are the mascots of all 18 Big Ten schools?

They are a huge part of the entertainment at games. The mascots take their roles at Big Ten events as seriously as coaches, players and cheerleaders. The mascot is part of the identity of the school and its fan base. So who are they? And what is the backstory on how the mascot came to fruition? Time to look at the names and outfits they wear as part of the fabric of every school and athletic events at it or even on the road nowadays. Illinois: None ... for now The Fighting Illini have not had a mascot since 2007 since Chief Illiniwek retired. That doesn't mean there isn't a movement to try and start a new tradition. The push is for the Kingfisher. Wrote the Daily Illini: The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is the only species in the kingfisher (Alcedinidae) family native to Illinois, with their females adorning a naturally occurring orange and blue coloring. They can be found scattered across North America, with fossils dating back to around 600,000 years ago. Indiana Hoosiers: Hoosier the Bison Iowa Hawkeyes: Herky the Hawk Maryland Terrapins: Testudo the Terrapin Michigan State: Sparty Michigan Wolverines: None Minnesota Golden Gophers: Goldy the Gopher Nebraska Cornhuskers Northwestern Wildcats Ohio State Buckeyes: Brutus Buckeye Oregon Ducks: Puddles Penn State Nittany Lions: Nittany Purdue Boilermakers: Purdue Pete Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Sir Henry UCLA Bruins: Joe Bruin USC Trojans: Tommy Trojan Washington Huskies: Harry the Husky Wisconsin Badgers: Bucky Badger