The Georgia Tech mascot, commonly known as "Buzz," is a beloved figure and an important symbol of the university's spirit and traditions. Buzz is not a typical mascot like other universities, but rather an anthropomorphized insect creature that embodies the unique and innovative nature of Georgia Tech. Created in 1972 by former Georgia Tech student and cartoonist, Phil Proctor, Buzz was initially portrayed as a "yellowjacket" insect, which is the primary symbol associated with the university. However, since the exact species of a yellowjacket was difficult to determine, Buzz's appearance evolved over the years and now represents a more generic insect-like critter. Despite not being a particular insect species, Buzz has become an iconic symbol, recognizable by its distinctive black and gold striped body and large pair of wings. The Georgia Tech community has embraced Buzz, and the mascot is often seen at athletic events, campus activities, and even at alumni functions.
During the 1930 season, excited fans in the stands exclaimed 'hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and started what is now history. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1980 Sugar Bowl, where the Alabama football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Each home football game and many other events, Uga dons his custom made jersey that is made with the same materials as the football players jerseys which he pairs with a black spiked collar. Each home football game and many other events, Uga dons his custom made jersey that is made with the same materials as the football players jerseys which he pairs with a black spiked collar.
The Georgia Tech community has embraced Buzz, and the mascot is often seen at athletic events, campus activities, and even at alumni functions. Buzz's representation goes beyond athletics, illustrating the impact of Georgia Tech's influence in numerous fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This mascot serves as a reminder of the innovative and forward-thinking culture attributed to the university, whether it be on a sporting field or in a laboratory.
Plush Animal Pacifiers: Meet Our Animal Mascots
Our plush animal pacifiers are more than cute accessories for your baby—they're mascots with very special stories.
We know there is a story behind every mascot. When you discover how each mascot came to be, it's impossible not to love these symbolic heroes. While we know not every mascot is an animal, we are taking a moment to celebrate our plush animal pacifiers! Meet our beloved animal mascots.
Reveille - Texas A&M
Students adopted the first Reveille, a mixed-breed dog, in 1931. The cadets raised 100 dollars during World War II to make Reveille a general, as part of a fundraiser for the K-9 Corps. This college mascot is the highest-ranking member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets.
Smokey X - University of Tennessee
Vols use both a live and a costumed version of Smokey. There is an actual Bluetick Coonhound mascot, Smokey X, who leads the Vols on the field for football games. The costumed version of Smokey made his debut in the 1980s.
Aubie the Tiger - Auburn University
This college mascot first appeared as a cartoon character on the Auburn/Hardin-Simmons football program cover in October 1959. Aubie the Tiger is in his 37th season as a spirit leader and goodwill ambassador for Auburn University. He's a nine-time UCA National Champion, the most of any mascot, and the first to be inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame.
Uga - University of Georgia
Since 1956, Uga has been the official live mascot for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Since day one, Uga has been part of the Georgia Bulldog family. Each home football game and many other events, Uga dons his custom made jersey that is made with the same materials as the football players’ jerseys which he pairs with a black spiked collar.
Through the years, there have been ten Uga Georgia Bulldogs. Each Uga has lived with the Seiler family and during football games he hangs out in his air conditioned dog house on the field!
Cocky - University of South Carolina
Making his debut in 1980, Cocky is one of the most know collegiate mascots and was chosen National Mascot of the Year in 1986, 1994, and 2004. In 2019, Cocky was named one of the top ten greatest mascots in college football history.
Big Al - The University of Alabama
During the 1930 season, excited fans in the stands exclaimed 'hold your horses, the elephants are coming,' and started what is now history. The "Big Al" mascot officially debuted at the 1980 Sugar Bowl, where the Alabama football team defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Bully - Mississippi State University
The current "Bully" mascot is named Jak in honor of long-time radio voice Jack Cristil. He is the 21st English Bulldog to serve as the official mascot of Mississippi State University.
Mike the Tiger - Louisiana State University
In 1934, Mike I was brought to LSU by collecting 25 cents from every student to purchase a 200 pound tiger from the Little Rock Zoo. Since his 20-year long reign, there have been six additional tigers guarding and cheering on LSU teams. Most recently, Mike VII, who has both Siberian and Bengal characteristics, was donated to LSU from a Florida sanctuary. Mikes IV, V and VI were also donated to LSU from rescue facilities.
Wildcats - University of Kentucky
As a student, Gary Tanner first donned the wildcat outfit in the 1966-77 basketball and football seasons to entertain the crowds. University of Kentucky also has one more mascot, “Blue,” a live bobcat who resides in the Salato Wildlife Center in Frankfort.
Albert - University of Florida
Since the early 1900s, the alligator was adopted as the school’s emblem but it was not until 1957 that a live alligator named Albert first appeared as the official mascot at football games on the field. In 1970, the costumed version of Albert made his debut and he was later joined by Alberta.
Boomer - University of Oklahoma
The Sooner Schooner and ponies were introduced in 1964 and became the official mascot in 1980. The Sooner Schooner is cared for, maintained and driven by OU's spirit squad. Two matching white ponies pull the Sooner Schooner, a Conestoga wagon, across the field when the football team scores.
Big Red - University of Arkansas
Modeled after the wild razorback hog, Big Red has inspired students and alumni alike since 1909 after Coach Hugo Bezdek told a group of fans at the train station upon their return that the team played "like a wild band of razorback hogs.” It’s been history ever since!
The Tiger - Clemson University
Clemson's athletic teams have been nicknamed the Tigers since the late 1800s. In the 1970s, mascot Zach Mills began the tradition of doing push-ups after every score equal to the number of points Clemson had in the game. Mills performed 287 push-ups, a record that was later eclipsed by Ricky Capps, who performed 465 push-ups in a victory over Wake Forest. The tradition is now commonly emulated by other college mascots.
Traveler - University of Southern California
This mascot’s journey began in 1961 when a noble Trojan rode a beautiful white horse at USC's home opener against Georgia Tech. From then on, all USC touchdowns at home are celebrated by a rousing rendition of "Conquest" and a lap around the Coliseum. Seven “Travelers” have graced USC’s home fields and ranged from a pure Arabian breed, to a Tennessee Walker and others a mix of the two.
Now that you've met all of our plush animal pacifiers, which is your team mascot? Did you know the story behind the name?
Big Al - The University of Alabama
The role of the Georgia Tech mascot extends beyond parades and sporting events, as Buzz is also involved in community service and charity work. The university aims to use Buzz's image to not only inspire school spirit but to also promote positive change and engagement within the community. In conclusion, the Georgia Tech mascot, affectionately known as Buzz, is a unique and beloved symbol of the university's spirit and innovative nature. Despite not representing a specific insect species, Buzz's black and gold appearance has become iconic and is embraced by the Georgia Tech community. The continued presence and involvement of Buzz in various university activities and community service initiatives highlight its importance as a unifying and inspiring figure..
Reviews for "The Georgia Tech Mascot Critter: More than Just a Furry Friend"
- John - 1 out of 5 stars - The Georgia Tech Mascot Critter is absolutely ridiculous. I mean, come on, it's a yellow jacket that looks like it's been crossed with a turtle. It's just not intimidating at all. I don't understand how this became the official mascot of a renowned university like Georgia Tech. It's time they reevaluate this choice and come up with something more fitting for the school's image.
- Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - As an alumna of Georgia Tech, I have always been proud of my alma mater, but the mascot critter is just a disappointment. It lacks creativity and does not accurately represent the school's spirit. I appreciate the effort in trying to construct a unique mascot, but this one seems like a rushed attempt. Georgia Tech deserves a mascot that can truly ignite excitement among the students and fans. This critter just doesn't do it.
- David - 1 out of 5 stars - I cannot understand why on earth the Georgia Tech mascot is this strange critter. It looks like a weird mix of different animals and doesn't really evoke any sense of school pride or enthusiasm. I attended a few sports events at Georgia Tech, and every time the mascot showed up, I couldn't help but cringe. It's time for the university to consider a redesign and come up with a new mascot that actually represents the excellence and innovation of Georgia Tech.