"A college bowl game's name is only as good as its mascot. Over the years, these fun (and sometimes edible) mascots have elevated end-of-season games into social media and pop culture spectacles. Reflect on notable mascots throughout college football bowl game history below: Bowl Dog, 68 Ventures Bowl Bowl fact: Marshall quarterback Byron Leftwich won MVP in the bowl (then known as the GMAC Bowl) in back-to-back years (2001, 2002)."
"Ched-Z and Prince Cheddward, Citrus Bowl Bowl fact: It's the seventh-oldest college bowl game in the country. Cure Bear, Cure Bowl Bowl fact: Four nationally ranked teams have played in the bowl in its history: No. 9 Coastal Carolina (2020), No. 22 UTSA (2022), No. 23 Liberty (2020), No. 23 Troy (2022). Tubby, Duke's Mayo Bowl Bowl fact: The first ever Duke's Mayo Bowl game was played in front of 73,535 fans in 2002."
"Spirit, Fiesta Bowl Bowl fact: The first Fiesta Bowl in 1971 combined for 83 points, the highest total ever for a major bowl game. Zaxby's Chicken, Heart of Dallas Bowl Bowl fact: It has been known as the First Responder Bowl since 2018. Gronk, LA Bowl Bowl fact: 2026 will be the final edition of the LA Bowl. Elvis and showgirls, Las Vegas Bowl Bowl fact: Toledo and Nevada played in the first-ever overtime game on the Division I FBS level in 1995."
College bowl games often adopt playful mascots that boost visibility and fan engagement. Mascots range from animals and celebrities to food items, reflecting sponsors and regional ties. Many bowls pair mascots with notable historical facts such as record-setting games, sellout crowds, and memorable player performances. Some bowls have recurring military or academy participation while others mark milestones like first overtime games, long-running traditions, or final planned editions. Sponsorships and name changes influence mascot identities and bowl branding. Social media and pop culture amplify mascot recognition, turning mascots into symbols of specific bowls and generating broader interest in postseason matchups.
Read at ESPN.com
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