The Bison is back: Indiana Hoosiers announce return of beloved ’60s mascot

Hoosier the Bison is returning home to Indiana University.

On Tuesday, the school announced that Hoosier the Bison, Indiana University’s beloved mascot from 1965 to 1969, will be back roaming the sidelines in Bloomington. The announcement was made in a cameo-filled video that featured several prominent figures in the athletic department, including football coach Curt Cignetti and men’s basketball coach Darian DeVries.

The decision to bring back the mascot comes after a successful football season, in which the Hoosiers went 11-2 overall en route to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. In the midst of their surprise season, the IU Student Government introduced the Bring Back the Bison Act of 2024. The bill passed in December.

Prior to its official return, the bison could still be found around Bloomington, including an image of it holding a mug of beer at local bar Nick’s English Hut.

Hoosier the Bison will make his official return in the fall, according to the video announcement.

(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

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