In December 2024, the Indiana University Student Body Congress passed the "Bring Back the Bison Act." A Bison has historically been a state symbol for Indiana, with Hoosier the Bison debuting in 1966.
For the last half-century Indiana Athletics has gone without an official team mascot. Hoosier the Bison will be worn on Indiana game days on the sideline, courts and fields wearing crimson and white. Hoosier the Bison will be another level of excitement to the fans and players for the future of Indiana athletics.
The university officially announced the mascot’s return Monday, describing Hoosier the Bison as a symbol of “spirit, passion, tradition, unity and success.”
Hoosier The Bison is back, baby. Indiana University’s official mascot - Hoosier The Bison - has returned to the IU-Bloomington campus after a nearly 60-year hiatus. The Bison will make its public debut Aug. 30 when Indiana hosts ODU pic.twitter.com/pH3oKB2QSL
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 14, 2025
“For centuries BISON walked through what is now known as BLOOMINGTON along the Buffalo Trace. As a result, BISON imagery has been found over the last 200 years on the campus of INDIANA UNIVERSITY. It is the distinguishing feature of the State Seal.In 1965, THE BISON became the official mascot of INDIANA UNIVERSITY. In 1969, it disappeared.On December 16, 2024, a small but committed group of students discussed bringing back THE BISON.This is their story …”
Indiana host Old Dominion in Bloomington for the season opener on August 30th.
IU Athletics said more details — including appearances and official merchandise — will be announced in the coming weeks. Hoosier the Bison will also be apart of the social media platforms Facebook, X and Instagram.
""I love the bison," Cignetti said in May. "I love it.""