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List of college nickname changes in the United States

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In the United States, most universities and colleges that sponsor athletics programs have adopted an official nickname for its associated teams. Often, these nicknames have changed for any number of reasons, which might include a change in the name of the school itself, a term becoming dated or otherwise changing meaning, or changes in racial perceptions and sensitivities. In the case of the latter, many schools have recently deprecated nicknames that some might consider offensive to American Indians, a group that has been a traditional inspiration for athletic teams.

Changes

  • Adams State Grizzlies, adopted in the spring of 1996; known the "Indians" from the mid-1920s until November 1995{{cite news |author= |title=Adams State adopts new mascot |url=https://www.newspapers.com/the-daily-sentinel/142226339/ |newspaper=The Daily Sentinel |location=Grand Junction, Colorado |date=May 5, 1996 |page=7D |access-date=February 27, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Akron Zips, called the "Zippers" from 1927 to 1950; this was changed when the term became most associated with the type of clothing fastener.{{cite web |url=http://www.uakron.edu/about_ua/history/athletics_history_traditions.dot |title=Athletics History & Traditions |author= |date= |publisher=University of Akron |accessdate=December 15, 2010}}ESPN College Football Encyclopedia, p. 74, New York: ESPN Books, 2005, {{ISBN|1-4013-3703-1}}.
  • Alabama–Huntsville Chargers, changed from "Uhlan Chargers" to "Chargers" over time[http://uahhockey.com/blog/2014/08/01/origin-story-how-uah-got-its-nickname-and-colors/ Origin story: How UAH got its nickname and colors], University of Alabama Huntsville, August 1, 2014.,
  • Alaska Nanooks, changed from the "Polar Bears" to "Nanooks" (the Inupiaq word for polar bear) in 1963.[http://alaskananooks.com/sports/2009/9/1/GEN_0901095624.aspx Nanooks Quick Facts], University of Alaska Fairbanks, September 1, 2009.
  • Alvernia Golden Wolves, changed from "Crusaders" ahead of the 2017–18 season{{Cite web |url=http://www.alvernia.edu/news/university-nickname-june17/nickname-news-release.html |title=Alvernia University Announces New University Nickname |access-date=November 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109191108/http://www.alvernia.edu/news/university-nickname-june17/nickname-news-release.html |archive-date=November 9, 2017 |url-status=dead }}
  • Amherst Mammoths, adopted in 2017 after "Lord Jeffs" was dropped in 2016{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/27/us/amherst-college-drops-lord-jeff-as-mascot.html|title=Amherst College Drops 'Lord Jeff' as Mascot|first=Jess|last=Bidgood|date=January 26, 2016|via=NYTimes.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/news/education/2017/04/03/amherst-college-makes-mammoth-mascot-announcement|title=Amherst College makes mammoth mascot announcement|website=www.boston.com}}
  • Arizona State Sun Devils, formerly the "Owls",{{cite web |url=http://www.thesundevils.com/trads/asu-trads-sparky.html |title=Let's Call Them Sun Devils |work=The Official Athletics Site of Arizona State University |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=December 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104082112/http://www.thesundevils.com/trads/asu-trads-sparky.html |archive-date=November 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} then the "Bulldogs" from 1922 to 1946ESPN, p. 96.{{cite web|url=http://www.tempe.gov/museum/football/fbasu.htm|title=Arizona State University Football|publisher=Tempe History Museum|accessdate=April 3, 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007190122/http://www.tempe.gov/museum/football/fbasu.htm|archivedate=October 7, 2010}}
  • Arkansas Razorbacks, changed from the "Cardinals" in 1909.ESPN, p. 105.
  • Arkansas State Red Wolves, formerly the "Indians" (1931–2008), "Warriors" (1930–1931), "Gorillas" (1925–1930), and "Aggies" (1911–1925).ESPN, p. 114.
  • Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys — Originally nicknamed "Aggies"; the term "Wonder Boys" was first attached to the school's football team in an Arkansas Gazette story on November 17, 1920, and was soon officially adopted. The women's nickname of "Golden Suns" was adopted once Tech added women's sports.{{cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/ncaa/article/2016-10-28/closer-look-nine-most-unique-nicknames-college-sports |title=A closer look at nine of the most unique nicknames in college sports|first=Brian|last=Mull|publisher=NCAA.com|date=October 28, 2016 |accessdate=November 3, 2016}}
  • Army Black Knights, the current nickname was derived from newspapers calling the team the "Black Knights of the Hudson" in the 1930s. It was changed from the "Cadets" in 1999. Cadets is still considered an acceptable use, however.ESPN, p. 120.
  • Auburn–Montgomery Warhawks — Changed from "Senators" in 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.wsfa.com/story/15292440/auburn-montgomery-selects-warhawk-as-new-mascot-|title=Auburn Montgomery selects "Warhawk" as new mascot|date=19 August 2011 |publisher=WSFA|accessdate=June 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402035753/http://www.wsfa.com/story/15292440/auburn-montgomery-selects-warhawk-as-new-mascot-|archive-date=April 2, 2018|url-status=live}}
  • Ball State Cardinals, changed from the "Hoosieroons" in 1929.ESPN, p. 138.
  • Baruch Bearcats, changed from the "Statesmen" in 2002.{{cite web|url=https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/bcam/2011/11/01/a-short-history-of-baruch-mascots|website=Baruch Alumni Magazine|title=A Short History of Baruch Mascots|last=Gelfand|first=Alex|date=November 1, 2011|access-date=May 25, 2024}}
  • Belmont Bruins, changed from "Rebels" in 1995{{cite web|title=Belmont Drops Rebels for Bruins|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19950926&id=fAAyAAAAIBAJ&pg=3453,3493490|work=The Times Daily|date=September 26, 1995|accessdate=June 16, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124221647/http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19950926&id=fAAyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=A-UFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3453,3493490|archive-date=January 24, 2013|url-status=dead}}
  • Beloit Buccaneers, adopted in 1949; formerly the "Gold" from 1889 and then the "Blue Devils" from the mid-1920s{{cite web |author= |title=Centennial Celebration Mascot Profile: Before Buccaneers |url=https://midwestconference.org/news/2020/10/13/general-centennial-celebration-mascot-profile-before-buccaneers.aspx |publisher=Midwest Conference |date=October 14, 2020 |access-date=March 12, 2024 }}
  • Bethel Threshers, changed from "Graymaroons" in 1960{{cite journal |last=Sprunger |first=Keith L. |title=Maroon & Gray and the GrayMaroons: Notes from Bethel's Colorful History |url=https://context.bethelks.edu/issue/december-2014/article/maroon-gray-and-the-graymaroons-notes-from-bethels/ |date=December 2014 |journal=Context Alumni Magazine |issue=December 2014 |publisher=Bethel College |access-date=October 28, 2020 }}

  • Binghamton Bearcats, changed from "Colonials" in 1999.{{cite news|first=Tony|last=Kornheiser|authorlink=Tony Kornheiser|title=Ex-Colonial objects to Bearcat adoption|work=Press and Sun-Bulletin|date=December 12, 1999|page=6E}}
  • Bloomsburg Huskies, adopted "Huskies" in 1933; previously known as the "Maroon and Gold"{{cite news |author= |title=Bloomsburg Called "Huskies" |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-speaker/125277497/ |newspaper=The Plain Speaker |location=Hazleton, Pennsylvania |date=October 11, 1933 |page=14 |access-date=May 25, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Bowling Green Falcons, changed from the "Normals" in 1927.ESPN, p. 168.
  • Bradley Braves, changed from "Indians" in the 1930s{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.bradley.edu/sites/kaboom/faq/ |publisher=Bradley University |access-date=July 18, 2020 }}
  • Brewton–Parker Barons, formerly the "Wildcats"
  • Brooklyn Bulldogs, known as the "Kingsmen" from 1932 to 1994 and then the "Bridges" until 2010{{cite news |author= |title=Brooklyn College's Teams "Kingsmen" |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union/123893672/ |newspaper=Brooklyn Times-Union |location=Brooklyn, New York |date=December 1, 1932 |page=1A |access-date=May 1, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Brown Bears, Senator Theodore F. Green suggested the nickname "Bears" in 1904,ESPN, p. 1038. but the unofficial nickname "Bruins" became more prevalent starting in the 1930s.Gordon M. Morton III, [https://books.google.com/books?id=bHIh6VNh_4kC Brown University Athletics: From the Bruins to the Bears], p. 21, Arcadia Publishing, 2003, {{ISBN|0-7385-1252-4}}. It was formerly used interchangeably with the official nickname, although some media disused "Bruins" after a minor league hockey team, the Providence Bruins, was established nearby in 1992.[https://archive.today/20120713181553/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/projo/access/573096061.html?dids=573096061:573096061&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Apr+13,+1995&author=DOUG+CHAPMAN&pub=The+Providence+Journal&desc='Baby+Bruins'+are+grown+and+need+their+own+name&pqatl=google 'Baby Bruins' are grown and need their own name], Providence Journal, April 13, 1995.
  • Buffalo Bulls, formerly known as the "Bisons" (1915–1930), changed to distinguish from the city of Buffalo's identically named professional teams.ESPN, 184.
  • Butler Bulldogs — First known as "Christians", alluding to the school's original name of North Western Christian University (though it had become Butler University in 1877, before the school had an athletic program). The "Bulldogs" nickname was first used in 1919 by a cartoonist for Butler's student newspaper, and was soon officially adopted.
  • Cal State Los Angeles Golden Eagles, changed from "Diablos" in January 1981{{cite web |url=http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/ppa/media/history.php |title=History of Cal State L.A. |author= |date= 22 October 2013|website= |publisher=Trustees of the California State University |access-date=May 11, 2016 |quote=}}
  • Campbell Fighting Camels — Officially adopted near the start of 1934; originated from a misunderstood conversation early in the 20th century between university founder James Archibald Campbell and a visitor trying to encourage him after a fire destroyed almost all of the school's original buildings. Before the official adoption of "Camels" (with "Fighting" added later), "Hornets", "Campbells", and "Campbellites" were variously used.
  • Capital Comets, changed from the "Crusaders" in 2021; formerly the "Fighting Lutherans"{{cite news |last=Hendrix |first=Sheridan |title=Goodbye crusaders, hello comets! Capital University announces new mascot |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/education/2021/09/30/capital-university-retires-old-mascot-become-comets/5935690001/ |newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch |location=Columbus Ohio |date=September 30, 2021 |access-date=November 25, 2022 }}
  • Carthage Firebirds — Known as "Redmen" before 2005; changed to "Red Men" and "Lady Reds" due to the NCAA's ruling on Native American-related nicknames. These nicknames were retired after the 2019–20 school year; the current nickname of "Firebirds" was adopted for all teams in February 2021.{{cite press release|url=https://athletics.carthage.edu/news/2021/2/19/general-carthage-selects-firebirds-as-new-team-name.aspx |title=Carthage Selects Firebirds as New Team Name |publisher=Carthage College |date=February 19, 2021 |accessdate=July 5, 2021}}
  • Case Western Reserve Spartans, formed from the combination of Western Reserve and Case Institute of Technology. Western Reserve's nicknames were the Pioneers (1921–1927) and Red Cats (1928–1971). Case Institute of Technology's nicknames were the Scientists (1918–1938) and Rough Riders (1930–1971). In the 1930s, both of those names were used.{{cite web |url=https://case.edu/its/archives/Sports/teams.htm|title=University Archives: Team Colors, Mascots, Names|access-date=May 12, 2017}}
  • Central Michigan Chippewas, formerly the "Bearcats" (1927–1942), "Dragons" (1925–1927), and the "Normalites" (until 1925). The current name was chosen in honor of the local Saginaw tribe, and has remained in use with the tribe's consent.ESPN, 202.{{cite web|url=https://cmuchippewas.com/sports/2018/7/6/ot-chippewa-name-html.aspx|title=History of the Chippewa name|publisher=Central Michigan}}
  • Chowan Hawks, reverted from "Braves" in 2006{{cite news|title=Chowan's feathery tough pleases NCAA|work=Richmond Times-Dispatch|first=John|last=O'Connor|date=June 2, 2006|page=E2}}
  • Coe Kohawks, adopted in 1922; previously known as the "Crimson" and the "Warriors"{{cite news |author= |title="Kohawks" Name Suggested By Prof. Foe Coe Athletics |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette/141789656/ |newspaper=The Evening Gazette |location=Cedar Rapids, Iowa |date=November 7, 1922 |page=10 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Colgate Raiders, changed from "Red Raiders" in 2001{{cite web | url=http://patriotleague.org/sports/2016/6/13/genrel-081501aaa-html.aspx| title=Colgate To Drop 'Red' From Its Nickname Red Raiders|date=August 15, 2001|publisher=Patriot League|accessdate=June 16, 2024}}
  • Colorado Buffaloes, changed from the "Silver and Gold" in 1934. They had also been known informally as the "Arapahoes", "Big Horns", "Frontiersmen", "Grizzlies", "Hornets", "Yellow Jackets", and (the football team) "Silver Helmets".ESPN, p. 229.
  • CSU–Pueblo ThunderWolves, changed from the "Indians" in 1995. The school name was changed from University of Southern Colorado in 2003.[http://www.gothunderwolves.com/information/traditions/thunderwolf The Birth of the ThunderWolf], Colorado State University at Pueblo, retrieved June 28, 2009.
  • Cumberland Phoenix, changed from Bulldogs in 2016{{cite web|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2016/01/04/cumberland-now-phoenix-not/78273132/|title=Bulldogs out, Phoenix in as Cumberland sports nickname|author=|date=|website=tennessean.com|accessdate=April 23, 2018}}
  • Cumberlands Patriots, changed from the Cumberland "Indians" (note the singular "Cumberland") in 2002, when the school was known as Cumberland College. The school adopted its current name of the University of the Cumberlands in 2005.
  • Dartmouth Big Green, formerly "Indians" which was disused since the 1970s in favor of an existing nickname, "Big Green".
  • Davis & Elkins Senators, formerly the "Scarlet Hurricane"{{cite news |last=Whitman |first=Dunbar |title=Know Them By Their Nicknames |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51965271/the-central-new-jersey-home-news/ |newspaper=The Central New Jersey Home News |location=New Brunswick, New Jersey |date=March 11, 1934 |page=16 |access-date=May 23, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Detroit Mercy Titans, originally the "Tigers"; changed in 1919 or 1924, depending on the source. The school was then known as the University of Detroit, and the change was presumably made to avoid confusion with Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers. While the school became the University of Detroit Mercy after a 1990 merger, the "Mercy" name was not added to the athletic branding until 2017.
  • Dickinson Red Devils, adopted the "Red Devils" nickname in 1930 after they were dubbed such by a writer from the Public Ledger;{{cite web |author= |title="Red Devils" |url=https://archives.dickinson.edu/sundries/red-devils |publisher=Archives & Special Collections at Dickinson College |location=Carlisle, Pennsylvania |access-date=September 17, 2021 }} Dickinson was previously known as the "Red and White".
  • Dickinson State Blue Hawks, changed from "Savages" in 1972{{cite news|title=Jenkinson: UND should give up the fight|work=Bismarck Tribune|date=November 13, 2005|page=2C}}
  • D'Youville Saints, changed from "Spartans" in 2020{{cite press release|url=http://athletics.dyc.edu/general/2019-20/releases/We-ve_got_BIG_NEWS_from_D-Youville- |title=We've got BIG NEWS from D'Youville! |publisher=D'Youville Saints |date=June 22, 2020 |accessdate=July 17, 2020}}
  • East Carolina Pirates, changed from the "Teachers" in 1934.ESPN, p. 258.
  • Eastern Michigan Eagles, changed from the "Hurons" (1929–1991) due to pressure from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights; the teams had previously been known as the "Normalites" and the "Men from Ypsi".ESPN, p. 265.
  • Eastern Nazarene Lions, changed from the "Crusaders" in 2009{{cite web|title = Eastern Nazarene unveils new college mascot|url = http://www.enc.edu/news/2009/lions.html|accessdate =June 16, 2024|date=May 13, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090519050138/http://www.enc.edu/news/2009/lions.html| archive-date = 2009-05-19| url-status = dead}}
  • Eastern Washington Eagles, changed from "Savages" in 1973{{cite news|newspaper=Palm Beach Post |title=School selects eagle as mascot |agency=UPI |date=July 13, 1973|page=D5}}
  • Elon Phoenix, formerly the "Fighting Christians" until 2000{{cite news|first=Anna|last=Griffin|title=Fightin' Christians torch name|work=The Charlotte Observer|date=May 10, 2000|page=4B}}
  • Emory and Henry Wasps, adopted in 1921, formerly "Wildcats", "Jackrabbits", and "Whitetoppers"{{cite web |author= |title=Why are Emory & Henry teams called the Wasps? |url=https://www.gowasps.com/general/Wasps |publisher=Emory & Henry College Athletics |location=Emory, Virginia |access-date=February 27, 2024 }}
  • Evangel Valor, changed from "Crusaders" in 2021{{cite news |last=Wheeler |first=Wyatt D. |title=Evangel University becomes Valor after dropping Crusaders mascot |url=https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2021/09/22/evangel-university-changes-nickname-valor-drops-crusader-mascot-horse-logo/5784833001/ |newspaper=Springfield News-Leader |location=Springfield, Missouri |date=September 22, 2021 |access-date=August 17, 2023 }}
  • FIU Panthers, changed from "Sunblazers" to "Golden Panthers" in 1987ESPN, p. 287. and "Panthers" in 2010.
  • Furman Paladins, football team changed from "Hurricane" in 1961, baseball team changed from "Hornets" in 1961, basketball team has been "Paladins" all along.{{cite web |url=http://www.furmanpaladins.com/athletics/origin_of_the_paladin/index|title=Paladin Origins|access-date=May 12, 2017}}
  • George Washington Revolutionaries, changed from "Hatchetites" in 1928 and from "Colonials" in 2023{{cite press release|url=https://gwtoday.gwu.edu/its-revolutionaries |title=It's Revolutionaries! |publisher=George Washington University |date=May 24, 2023 |access-date=May 24, 2023}}
  • Georgia Southern Eagles, formerly the Blue Tide (1924–1941) and Professors (1941–1959){{cite news|first=Mickey|last=Logue|title=Tech, Denton Seal Finest Year Here|work=The Atlanta Constitution|date=February 13, 1960|page=9}}
  • Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, "Yellowjackets" (as one word) first came into use after it appeared in the Atlanta Constitution in 1905; other nicknames included "Techs" (discontinued c. 1910), "Engineers", "Blacksmiths" (1902–1904), and "Golden Tornado" (1917–1929)[http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/trads/geot-trads.html Georgia Tech Traditions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071226113349/http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/trads/geot-trads.html |date=December 26, 2007 }}, Georgia Institute of Technology, retrieved August 15, 2010.
  • Hampton Pirates and Lady Pirates, known as the "Seasiders" from 1916 to 1932
  • Hanover Panthers, formerly the "Hilltoppers"
  • Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow Wahine, known as "Fighting Deans" before 1923; the school's nickname was "Rainbows" from 1923 through 2000,ESPN, p. 326. when the university allowed all of its athletic teams to adopt their own individual nicknames: the baseball team retained the "Rainbows" nickname; the men's basketball, swimming and diving, and tennis teams adopted "Rainbow Warriors"; the football, men's golf, and men's volleyball teams adopted "Warriors"; and all women's teams adopted the nickname "Rainbow Wahine". In 2013, the university announced that all men's teams would become "Rainbow Warriors" effective with the start of the 2013–14 school year. In one more recently added women's sport, beach volleyball, the official nickname remains "Rainbow Wahine", but that team has mostly deprecated it in favor of "SandBows".
  • Hawaii Pacific Sharks, changed from "Sea Warriors" in 2014{{cite news|first=Stanley|last=Lee|title=Sea Warriors no more; HPU now the Sharks|work=Honolulu Star-Advertiser|date=August 2, 2014|page=C6}}
  • Hillsdale Chargers, changed from "Dales" in 1968{{cite news |author= |title=Hillsdale Athletes Called Chargers Now |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42207021/chicago_tribune/ |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |location=Chicago, Illinois |date=May 5, 1968 |page=90 |access-date=January 13, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Hofstra Pride, formerly the "Flying Dutchmen"{{Cite web |last=Farmer |first=Sam |date=2001-03-13 |title=Hofstra Sheds Colorful Name for Meaningful One |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-mar-13-sp-37041-story.html |accessdate=June 16, 2024|website=Los Angeles Times}}
  • Huron Screaming Eagles, known as the "Scalpers", which was unofficially dropped in 1973; the "Tribe" then came into usage, was officially adopted in 1975, and remained until about 1997{{cite news |author= |title=It's Official: Huron-Tribe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52032852/argus-leader/ |newspaper=Argus Leader |location=Sioux Falls, South Dakota |date=November 24, 1975 |page=20 |access-date=May 24, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Husson Eagles, formerly the "Braves"{{cite news|title=Indian mascot talk reveals progress|first=Eric|last=Russell|work=Bangor Daily News|date=May 17, 2010|page=B1, B4}}
  • Ithaca Bombers, formerly the "Blue Team", "Blues", "Blue and Gold", "Collegians" and "Seneca Streeters." The name was changed to the "Cayugas" by a student vote in 1937. The origin of the nickname "Bombers" is unclear, but the first known reference was in a December 17, 1938 issue of the Rochester Times-Union article on the basketball team. Some faculty have expressed reservations of the current nickname's martial connotations.[http://www.ithaca.edu/ithacan/articles/0012/07/sports/LSstories_swir.htm Stories swirl around about Mascots], Ithaca College, December 7, 2000.
  • IUP Crimson Hawks, changed from the "Indians" in 2006; "Indians" nickname was coined in 1930 by a sports writer for the Indiana Gazette{{cite news |last=Zeise |first=Paul |title=IUP gets new nickname and it's Crimson Hawks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-post-gazette/139968174/ |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |location=Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |date=December 16, 2006 |page=D5 |access-date=January 31, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Iowa State Cyclones, changed from "Cardinals" in 1895ESPN, p. 373.
  • Jacksonville State Gamecocks – When the school was known as Jacksonville State Normal School, the nickname was Eagle Owls. In 1946, by which time the school had become Jacksonville State Teachers College, a group of fans wanted a mascot more emblematic of Southern American culture. Another group of fans supposedly wanted a change in school colors from the original blue and gold. According to local lore, both camps got their wish; Jacksonville State's nickname became Gamecocks in 1947, with teams wearing the red and white still in use today.{{cite web|url=https://jsugamecocksports.com/sports/2008/8/5/GEN_0805084206.aspx |title=Why We Are the Gamecocks |publisher=Jacksonville State Gamecocks |accessdate=April 30, 2021}}
  • Johnson Royals, changed from the "Preachers" and "Lady Evangels" to the "Royals" in 2013[http://tn.johnsonu.edu/About/JohnsonU-Blog/October-2013/New-Mascot.aspx], Johnson University, October 18, 2013.
  • Juniata Eagles, changed from "Indians" in 1994{{cite news |author= |title=Juniata dumps Indian mascot |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41324037/the_times_leader/ |newspaper=Times Leader |location=Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania |agency=Associated Press |date=May 1, 1994 |page=12C |access-date=December 30, 2019 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Kansas City Roos – As part of the 2019 rebranding of the University of Missouri–Kansas City athletic program from "UMKC" to "Kansas City", the nickname was shortened from the historic "Kangaroos" to "Roos" (which had been in use alongside "Kangaroos" for many years).{{cite press release|url=http://www.umkckangaroos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=18300&ATCLID=211806301 |title=UMKC Athletics Completes New Brand Identity |publisher=Kansas City Athletics |date=July 1, 2019 |accessdate=July 1, 2019}} Only the athletic program was rebranded; the university name remains unchanged, and "UMKC" is still used for academic branding purposes.
  • Kansas State Wildcats, changed from the "Aggies" and the "Farmers" in 1915, before reverting to the old nicknames that same year, when the school was known as the Kansas State Agricultural College. It was changed permanently in 1920.ESPN, p. 393. The school changed its name to Kansas State University later.
  • Kent State Golden Flashes, changed from the "Silver Foxes" in 1927ESPN, p. 402.
  • Kentucky Wildcats, formerly "Blue and White" through 1909{{cite web|title=University of Kentucky Traditions|url=http://www.uky.edu/UKHome/subpages/traditions.html|publisher=University of Kentucky|date=January 20, 2015|access-date=March 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711073947/http://www.uky.edu/UKHome/subpages/traditions.html|archive-date=July 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}
  • Kenyon Owls, changed from "Lords" and "Ladies" in 2022; the teams were earlier known as the "Mauve", the "Purple", the "Purple and White", the "Hilltoppers", and simply as "Kenyon".{{cite news |author= |title=Kenyon College changes nickname to Owls |url=https://mountvernonnews.com/stories/627412433-kenyon-college-changes-nickname-to-owls |newspaper=Mount Vernon News |location=Mount Vernon, Ohio |date=June 13, 2022 |access-date=June 24, 2024 }}{{cite web |author= |title=A History of Kenyon Monikers |url=https://www.kenyon.edu/kenyons-athletics-monikers/a-history-of-kenyon-monikers/ |publisher=Kenyon College |access-date=May 9, 2022 }}
  • Keuka Wolves, known as the "Storm" until 2014 and as the "Wolfpack" from 2014 to 2016, a nickname changed upon threat of legal action from North Carolina State University{{Cite web|url=http://www.syracuse.com/axeman/index.ssf/2016/02/keuka_college_to_change_wolfpack_nickname_after_pressure_from_nc_state.html|title=Keuka College to change 'Wolfpack' nickname after legal pressure from N.C. State|date=February 11, 2016|website=syracuse}}
  • Knox Prairie Fire, known as the "Old Siwash" or "Siwash" until 1993{{cite news |author= |title="Prairie Fire" new Knox college moniker |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53041368/the-dispatch/ |newspaper=The Dispatch |location=Moline, Illinois |date=July 13, 1993 |page=23 |access-date=June 8, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Kutztown Golden Bears, known as the "Golden Avalanche" from the mid-1930s until 1961 when "Golden Bears" was adopted.{{cite web |author= |title=Biography - Avalanche |url=https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/avalanche/biography.html |publisher=Kutztown University of Pennsylvania |access-date=February 19, 2024 }}
  • Lehigh Mountain Hawks, changed from the "Engineers" in 1995{{cite news|first=Chuck|last=Ayers|title=Lehigh's simplified symbol on hold after traditionalists raise objections|work=The Morning Call|date=December 13, 2001|page=B1}}
  • Long Beach State Beach (or "The Beach"), officially known as 49ers before 2020–21, although the school had been transitioning to "The Beach" for several years. The baseball team continues to use Dirtbags.{{cite web |url=https://www.presstelegram.com/2019/05/13/this-is-how-cal-state-long-beach-will-begin-as-transition-into-the-sharks/ |title=Cal State Long Beach will begin year-long transition to using "sharks" as its new mascot|first=Emily|last=Rasmussen |date=May 13, 2019 |publisher=MediaNews Group, Inc. |work=www.presstelegram.com |accessdate=June 17, 2024}}
  • Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, changed from the "Bulldogs" to Raging Cajuns in the early 1960s. The "g" was dropped from the end of the first word later.ESPN, p. 436.
  • Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks, changed from the "Indians" in 2006{{cite news|first=Paul|last=Letlow|title=Warhawks offer ULM fresh start|work=The News-Star|date=June 27, 2006|page=2C}}
  • Loyola Ramblers, changed from "Grandees" around 1926; the earlier nickname was selected in a contest held by the student newspaper but failed to catch on.[http://loyolaramblers.cstv.com/trads/loyc-trads.html Why Ramblers?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110729044637/http://loyolaramblers.cstv.com/trads/loyc-trads.html |date=July 29, 2011 }}, Loyola University Chicago, retrieved August 14, 2011.
  • Macalester Scots, adopted in 1930; formerly known as the "Macs"{{cite web |author= |title=Mascot and Athletics Brand: Frequently Asked Questions |date=9 January 2024 |url=https://www.macalester.edu/150/new-athletics-visual-identity-and-mascot/frequently-asked-questions/ |publisher=Macalester College |access-date=March 12, 2024 }}
  • Maranatha Baptist Sabercats – Changed from "Crusaders" in 2014.
  • Marquette Golden Eagles, changed from the "Warriors" in 1994, which had been used at least since 1960.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19940504&id=bb0fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LtgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4542,383292 |work=The Gadsden Times|first=Sharon|last=Thelmer |title=Marquette becomes the Golden Eagles |date=May 3, 1994 |page=D4 }}
  • Marshall Thundering Herd, made official in the mid-1960s, although it was in unofficial use since the 1930s alongside the nickname the "Big Green".ESPN, p. 458.
  • Maryland Terrapins, made official in 1932,[http://www.umterps.com/trads/md-m-fb-mas.html Testudo: Tale of the Top Shell] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516033155/http://www.umterps.com/trads/md-m-fb-mas.html |date=May 16, 2011 }}, University of Maryland, retrieved August 20, 2011. although in unofficial use earlier;Reveille, University of Maryland Yearbook, Class of 1928, p. 182, 1928. formerly the "Old Liners", and before that, the "Aggies" and "Farmers" when the school was known as Maryland Agricultural College.Rick Snider, [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2005/aug/29/20050829-122511-3724r/ Ill will lingers at Navy, Maryland; Rivalry to restart in Crab Bowl], The Washington Times, p. 1, August 29, 2005.
  • Maryville Scots, formerly the "Highlanders"
  • MCLA Trailblazers, formerly the "Mohawks", changed in 2002{{cite news|first=Kris|last=Dufour|title=MCLA: From Mohawks to Trailblazers|work=North Adams Transcript|date=May 14, 2002|page=B1}}
  • McMurry War Hawks, known as the "Indians" until that nickname was dropped in 2006{{cite news |last=Newbury |first=Don |title=McMurry: Indians are no more |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram/53488729/ |newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |location=Fort Worth, Texas |date=October 27, 2006 |page=Z5 |access-date=June 16, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Memphis Tigers, originally adopted in 1915 when the school was known as the West Tennessee State Normal School, but changed to "Teachers" and "Tutors" when the school name was changed to West Tennessee State Teachers College. In 1939, the Tigers nickname was reintroduced. The school later changed its name to Memphis State College and then the University of Memphis.
  • Miami RedHawks, changed from the "Redskins" in 1997, the team had previously been known as the "Big Reds", the "Reds and Whites", the "Red-Skinned Warriors", and the "Miami Boys".[http://www.muredhawks.com/trads/mioh-nickname.html Nickname History], Miami University, retrieved June 28, 2009.
  • Michigan State Spartans, changed from "Aggies" in 1925, which had been used contemporaneously with the unofficial nicknames of the "Fighting Farmers" and "Farmers".ESPN, p. 509.
  • Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, adopted in 1934 to replace a "wide range of names"ESPN, p. 518.
  • Midwestern State Mustangs, changed from "Indians" in November 2005{{cite news |last=Work |first=Ann |title=MSU defends actions over mascot |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95092361/times-record-news/ |newspaper=Times Record News |location=Wichita Falls, Texas |date=December 10, 2005 |page=1B |access-date=February 16, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}{{cite news |last=Work |first=Ann |title=Mascot (continued) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/95092386/times-record-news/ |newspaper=Times Record News |location=Wichita Falls, Texas |date=December 10, 2005 |page=2B |access-date=February 16, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Milwaukee Panthers, changed from "Cardinals" in 1964, when the school was branded athletically as "Wisconsin–Milwaukee". There was an earlier nickname change, but that coincided with a merger that resulted in a change of the school name. For that change, see below.
  • Minnesota State Mavericks, changed from "Indians" on July 1, 1977, when the school was known as "Mankato State".{{cite web |author= |title=FAQ's |url=https://msumavericks.com/sports/2009/10/6/GEN_1006090753.aspx |date= |website= |publisher=Minnesota State University, Mankato |access-date=July 6, 2020 }}

  • Mississippi State Bulldogs, changed from "Maroons" in 1961, they were known as the "Aggies" under the school changed its name from Mississippi A&M in 1932.
  • Montclair State Red Hawks, changed from "Indians" in 1989{{cite news |last=Hendrie |first=Caroline |title=Montclair State Indians become Hawks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53350227/the-record/ |newspaper=The Record |location=Hackensack, New Jersey |date=July 21, 1989 |page=16 |access-date=June 13, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Morningside Mustangs, changed from "Chiefs" in 1998; known as the "Maroons" from about 1910 until the late 1950s{{cite news |last=Schoenherr |first=Julie |title=Morningside put 'Chiefs' gear on giant 'garage sale' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/32888381/sioux_city_journal/ |newspaper=Sioux City Journal |location=Sioux City, Iowa |date=April 4, 1998 |page=1 |access-date=June 15, 2019 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Murray State Racers, changed from "Thoroughbreds" in 1961. However, the baseball team, which had just bought new uniforms before the change was announced, asked to defer its nickname change for a year. Reaction to this move was favorable enough that the baseball team continued to use "Thoroughbreds" until adopting "Racers" in 2014.
  • Nebraska Cornhuskers, adopted in 1900, the teams had formerly been known as the "Antelopes", "Bugeaters", "Old Gold Knights", "Rattlesnake Boys", and "Treeplanters"{{cite web |url=http://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/deep-red-the-story-behind-the-name-cornhuskers/article_2fa80a93-6d8f-5800-8223-772a759ff5a0.html|title=Deep Red: The story behind the name 'Cornhuskers' |publisher=journalstar.com |date=June 20, 2009 |accessdate=June 17, 2024|last=Christopherson|first=Brian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026181432/http://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/football/deep-red-the-story-behind-the-name-cornhuskers/article_2fa80a93-6d8f-5800-8223-772a759ff5a0.html |archive-date=October 26, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}
  • Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves, changed from "Coyotes" to "Plainsmen" in 1933 and to "Prairie Wolves" in 2000{{cite news |author= |title=Nebraska Wesleyan Now "Plainsmen" |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/herald-and-review/138981685/ |newspaper=Decatur Herald |location=Decatur, Illinois |agency=Associated Press |date=October 31, 1933 |page=4 |access-date=January 17, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}{{cite news |author= |title=Nebraska college changes mascot to Prairie Wolves |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/40640093/st_joseph_newspress/ |newspaper=St. Joseph News-Press |location=St. Joseph, Missouri |agency=Associated Press |date=October 9, 2000 |page=10 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Nevada Wolf Pack, adopted in 1923, they had previously been known as the "Sagebrushers" and "Sage Hens"ESPN, p. 578.
  • Newberry Wolves, adopted in 2010 to replace "Indians", which had been dropped two years earlier. The teams had competed without a nickname in the interim.[http://www.thestate.com/2010/06/08/1321989/newberry-wolves-to-go-on-the-prowl.html Newberry 'Wolves' to go on the prowl; College settles on nickname to replace ‘Indians’] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715183614/http://www.thestate.com/2010/06/08/1321989/newberry-wolves-to-go-on-the-prowl.html |date=July 15, 2010 }}, The State, June 8, 2010.
  • North Carolina State Wolfpack, adopted in 1922, previous nicknames had included the "Aggies", "Farmers", "Techs", and "Red Terrors"ESPN, p. 606.
  • North Dakota Fighting Hawks – First known as the "Flickertails" until 1930, at which time "Fighting Sioux" was adopted.[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MN&p_theme=mn&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11568DE5F4752360&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Those fighting Sioux nickname lose sight of most Indian views], Minneapolis Star-Tribune, November 13, 2006.
  • North Georgia Saints and Lady Saints — The first sports teams at what was then North Georgia College & State University were men's teams known as "Cadets", a nod to the school's status as a senior military college. When basketball became the first women's sport, that team was initially known as the "Golddiggers", referencing the school's location in the old gold-mining town of Dahlonega. By the late 1970s, the athletic program had settled on "Saints" and "Lady Saints". NGCSU no longer exists under that name, as it was merged into the University of North Georgia in 2013 with the new nickname of "Nighthawks" (see below).
  • North Greenville Trailblazers, adopted in 2024; the football team was referred to as "Moonshiners" in 1924; the school's nickname was "Black Widow Spiders" from 1950 to 1953, "Mountaineers" or "Mounties" from 1953 to 2001, and "Crusaders from 2001 to 2024; the women's basketball team was called the "Lassies" from 1958 to 1969.{{cite press release|url=https://www.ngu.edu/north-greenville-seeks-to-honor-history-blaze-trail-with-new-mascot/|title=North Greenville Seeks to Honor History, Blaze Trail With New Mascot|last=O'Gwynn|first=Marty|publisher=North Greenville University|date=April 30, 2024|access-date=April 30, 2024}}
  • North Texas Mean Green, formerly known as the "Eagles" (1922–1966), there are conflicting accounts on the origin of the nickname.{{cite web|last1=Coleman|first1=Rufus|title=How Our Green Got Mean|url=http://northtexan.unt.edu/archives/w04/mean.htm|publisher=The North Texan|accessdate=October 27, 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Ehsan|first1=Azad|title=Looking back at a century of Mean Green|url=http://ntdaily.com/looking-back-at-a-century-of-mean-green/|accessdate=October 27, 2016|work=North Texas Daily|date=September 5, 2013}}
  • Northeastern State RiverHawks, dropped Redmen in May 2006, adopted RiverHawks on November 14, 2006
  • Northern Illinois Huskies, adopted in 1940, previous names had included "Cardinals", "Evansmen", "Northerners", "Profs", and "Teachers"ESPN, p. 622.
  • Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks, changed from "Crusaders" in 2017.{{cite press release|url=https://www.nnu.edu/news/nnu-is-excited-to-announce-new-university-mascot |title=NNU excited to announce new university mascot |publisher=Northwest Nazarene University |date=October 16, 2017 |access-date=October 11, 2022}}
  • Northwestern Wildcats, changed from the "Purple" in 1924ESPN, p. 628.
  • Notre Dame Fighting Irish, officially adopted in 1927, although it had been in use much earlier. Other nicknames included the "Catholics" in the 1880s and 1890s, and the "Ramblers" in the 1920s.ESPN, p. 638.
  • Ohio Bobcats, replaced the "Green and White" in 1925ESPN, p. 648.
  • Oklahoma Sooners, replaced the "Rough Riders" and "Boomers" in 1908ESPN, p. 668.
  • Oklahoma City Stars, formerly "Goldbugs" prior to 1946 and the "Chiefs" thereafter{{cite news |author= |title=Oklahoma City Goldbugs Now to Be Called Chiefs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/51833940/the-ponca-city-news/ |newspaper=The Ponca City News |location=Ponca City, Oklahoma |date=August 14, 1946 |page=10 |access-date=May 21, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Oklahoma State Cowboys and Cowgirls — Oklahoma A&M used the nickname of the "Agriculturalists" in the 1890s, which was shortened to "Aggies" and "Farmers". "Tigers" was briefly used as well, but proved unpopular. In 1924, the media began referring to the teams as the "Cowboys" and it was later officially adopted.ESPN, p. 678.
  • Ole Miss Rebels, changed from the "Flood" in 1935 because of the negative association with natural disasters, most notably the 1927 flood that devastated the state's Delta region.[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jun-29-adna-rebels29-story.html Ole Miss Mascot a New Confederate Casualty], The Los Angeles Times, June 29, 2003.
  • Omaha Mavericks, adopted in the summer of 1971, previously known as "Indians" from 1939 to 1971{{cite book|last=Johansen|first=Bruce E.|title=The Native Peoples of North America: A History, Volume 1|year=2006|publisher=Rutgers University Press|page=428|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yiKgBuSUPUIC&pg=PA428|isbn=9780813538990}}
  • Oregon Ducks, formerly the "Webfoots." "Ducks" introduced in the 1940s and nicknames were used interchangeably until the 1970s; "Ducks" officially adopted in 1978.ESPN, p. 686.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1310&dat=19950903&id=rkZWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=E-sDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5284,977767|title=Team mascot never ducked controversy, historical record shows|date=September 3, 1995|newspaper=The Register-Guard|accessdate=March 6, 2013}}
  • Oregon State Beavers, previously known as the "Aggies" and then the "Orangemen". The yearbook was named The Beaver in 1916, which later led to the athletics teams' adoption of the nickname.ESPN, p. 694.
  • Pacific Boxers, changed from "Badgers" in 1968{{cite web |author= |title=Pacific University Mascot, Boxer |url=https://www.pacificu.edu/about/boxer-spirit/our-mascot |publisher=Pacific University |access-date=July 17, 2022 }}
  • Presbyterian Blue Hose — Officially changed from "Blue Stockings" c. 1954, though sportswriters had used "Hose" interchangeably with "Stockings" since the turn of the 20th century.{{cite web|url=http://www.gobluehose.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=1505337 |title=What Is A Blue Hose? |publisher=Presbyterian College Athletics |accessdate=November 3, 2016}}
  • Quinnipiac Bobcats, changed from the "Braves" in 2002{{cite news|title=Quinnipiac changes name to Bobcats|work=Florence Morning News|date=August 28, 2002|page=2C}}
  • Richmond Spiders, changed from the "Colts" in 1894.[http://www.richmondspiders.com/trads/rich-mascot.html The University of Richmond Spiders] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616235327/http://www.richmondspiders.com/trads/rich-mascot.html |date=June 16, 2011 }} University of Richmond, retrieved June 28, 2009.
  • Rio Grande RedStorm, changed from the "Redmen" and "Redwomen" in 2008.
  • Ripon Red Hawks, changed from "Redmen" in 1994{{cite news |last=Price Nelsen |first=Rosemary |title=Ripon College becomes the Red Hawks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64731690/the-oshkosh-northwestern/ |newspaper=Oshkosh Northwestern |location=Oshkosh, Wisconsin |date=April 16, 1994 |page=A1 |access-date=December 6, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}{{cite news |last=Price Nelsen |first=Rosemary |title=Hawks (continued) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64731716/the-oshkosh-northwestern/ |newspaper=Oshkosh Northwestern |location=Oshkosh, Wisconsin |date=April 16, 1994 |page=A2 |access-date=December 6, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Rutgers Scarlet Knights, changed from the "Queensmen" in 1955ESPN, p. 740.
  • Samford Bulldogs, adopted in December 1916; previously called "Crimson and Blue" and "Baptists"; Samford University was known as Howard College until 1965{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Jennifer |title=Bulldogs, Tigers or Bears |url=https://library.samford.edu/special/treasures/2008/bulldogs.html |publisher=Samford University Library |access-date=January 31, 2024 }}
  • St. Bonaventure Bonnies, changed from the "Brown Indians" and "Brown Squaws" in 1979
  • St. John's Red Storm, changed from the "Redmen" in 1994 for gender and cultural considerations.{{cite news|title=St. John's Red Storm|work=The Fresno Bee|date=June 10, 1994|page=D2}}
  • Saint Leo Lions, formerly the "Monarchs", changed in 1999{{cite news|title=Lions are new pride of Saint Leo|first=Dave|last=Walters|work=The Tampa Tribune|date=August 5, 1999|page=16}}
  • Saint Mary's Cardinals, changed from "Redmen" in 1988{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/64982443/smc-to-be-called-the-cardinals/|title=SMC to be called the Cardinals|newspaper=Winona Daily News|page=9|date=September 3, 1988|accessdate=June 17, 2024|via=newspapers.com}} {{open access}}
  • San Diego State Aztecs, replaced the "Staters" and "Professors" in 1925ESPN, p. 750.
  • Santa Clara Broncos, adopted in 1923; prior nicknames included the "Missionites", the "Prunepickers", the "Friars", the "Missions", and the "Padres"{{Cite web|url=https://www.santaclarabroncos.com/general/2001-02/releases/072601aaa.html|title=School Colors, School Mascot, and School Song|via=www.santaclarabroncos.com}} The school changed its name from the "University of Santa Clara" to "Santa Clara University" in 1985.{{Cite web|url=https://www.scu.edu/aboutscu/history/|title = History - About SCU - Santa Clara University}}
  • Seattle Redhawks, formerly the "Chieftains"{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DlhUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lo8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6740%2C4024523 |work=Ellensburg Daily Record |title=Seattle U switches nickname from Chieftains to Redhawks |date=January 6, 2000|page=31}}
  • Sioux Falls Cougars, changed from "Braves" in 1978{{cite news |author= |title=SFC changes mascot |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30697243/rapid_city_journal/ |newspaper=Rapid City Journal |location=Rapid City, South Dakota |date=July 30, 1978 |page=54 |access-date=April 17, 2019 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Sonoma State Seawolves, changed from "Cossacks" in 2002{{cite news|title=CSU Sonoma Cossacks to become the Seawolves|work=Los Angeles Times|date=February 28, 2002|page=B10}}
  • Southeast Missouri State Redhawks, known as the "Indians" and "Otahkians" before 2004{{cite news |author= |title=SFC changes mascot |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53572846/the-gazette/ |newspaper=The Gazette |location=Cedar Rapids, Iowa |date=July 1, 2004 |page=19 |access-date=June 16, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm, changed from "Savages" in 2006{{cite web|url=https://tulsaworld.com/archive/savage-no-more/article_7b592adf-15a9-588d-9b36-d2947543fe21.html|title=Savage no more|work=Tulsa World|date=January 27, 2006|first=S.A.|last=Ruckman|accessdate=June 16, 2024}}
  • South Florida Bulls, shortened from "Brahman Bulls" in the mid-1980sESPN, p. 784.
  • Southern Illinois Salukis, formerly known at the "Maroons" from 1913 to 1951{{cite web|url=http://siusalukis.cstv.com/ot/saluki-mascot.html |title=Saluki Mascot |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=July 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708212123/http://siusalukis.cstv.com/ot/saluki-mascot.html |archivedate=July 8, 2011 }}
  • Southern Miss Golden Eagles, adopted in 1972, the school had several previous nicknames,ESPN, p. 798. including "Normalites", "Yellow Jackets", "Confederates", and "Southerners"
  • Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm, changed from the "Redskins" in 1998{{cite news|title=Mascots: Debate rages on decades later|work=The Daily Oklahoman|date=July 14, 2002|page=6C}}
  • Southern Utah Thunderbirds, changed from "Broncos" in April 1961{{cite news |author=|title=CSU Symbol Now 'Thunderbirds' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/iron-county-record/164990981/ |newspaper=Iron County Record |location=Cedar City, Utah |date=April 20, 1961 |page=1 |access-date=February 8, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Southwestern Moundbuilders, adopted in 1910; prevoiously known as the "Methodists" and "Preachers"{{cite web |author= |title=Do you know the history of the Mound? |url=https://ps.sckans.edu/news/view/227/ |publisher=Southwestern College |date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=November 12, 2024 }}
  • Spalding Golden Eagles, formerly the "Pelicans"{{cite news|title=Friars end season of U of L men's soccer team|work=The Courier-Journal|date=October 26, 2006|page=C2}}
  • Springfield Pride, changed from "Chiefs" in 1996{{cite news |last=Donne |first=Jeff |title=Students demand 'Chiefs' name back |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/66840241/bennington-banner/ |newspaper=Bennington Banner |location=Bennington, Vermont |agency=Associated Press |date=March 17, 1994 |page=6 |access-date=January 3, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Susquehanna River Hawks, changed from "Crusaders" in 2016{{cite news |last=Woodall |first=Candy |date=April 2, 2016 |title=Susquehanna University reveals new mascot |url=http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/04/susquehanna_universitys_new_ma.html |work=The Patriot-News |location=Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |access-date=August 27, 2017 }}

  • Stanford Cardinal, adopted in 1981, formerly known as the "Indians" (1930–1972) and the plural "Cardinals" (1972–1981)ESPN, p. 806.
  • Stonehill Skyhawks, changed from the "Chieftains"{{cite news|title=Skyhawks replace the Chieftains|work=The Boston Globe|first=Paul|last=Harber|date=May 15, 2005|page=8}}
  • Stony Brook Seawolves, adopted in 1994; previously known as "Soundmen" or "Baymen" (1950s), Warriors (1960–1966), and "Patriots"/"Lady Patriots" (1966–1994){{cite web |url=http://www.stonybrook.edu/sb/traditions/athletics.shtml |title=Stony Brooks Traditions |author= |date= |publisher=Stony Brook University |accessdate=December 21, 2011}}
  • Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs, changed from Moccasins in 1997.{{cite web|url=https://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/so-just-what-is-a-moc/|title=So, Just What Is a Moc?|first=John|last=Branch|date=March 19, 2009|work=The Quad|publisher=The New York Times|accessdate=June 17, 2024|url-access=limited}}
  • TCU Horned Frogs, adopted in 1915, formerly known as the "Christians"{{cite news |author= |title=They're No Longer 'Christians'; They're 'Horned Frogs' Now |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83848113/fort-worth-star-telegram/ |newspaper=Fort Worth Telegram |location=Fort Worth, Texas |date=April 15, 1915 |page=20 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Texas Tech Red Raiders, changed from "Matadors" (1925–1932), which had been inspired by the campus's Spanish architecture.ESPN, p. 870.
  • Toledo Rockets, adopted in 1923 by sportswriters who shortened it from "Skyrockets", coined by a student in the press box for a football game. Writers had previously called the football team the "Blue and Gold" and "Munies".ESPN, p. 878.
  • Troy Trojans, reverted from "Red Wave" in 1973. Troy had been known as first the Bulldogs" and then the "Teachers" between 1909 and 1920, the "Trojans" from 1920 to 1931, and the "Red Wave" from 1931 to 1973.ESPN, p. 886.
  • Tulane Green Wave, known as the "Olive and Blue" from 1893 to 1919, and referred to as the "Greenbacks" by the student-run The Tulane Weekly in 1919. Became known as the "Green Wave" from 1920 after the song "The Rolling Green Wave" published in the Tulane Hullabaloo.ESPN, p. 890.
  • Tulsa Golden Hurricane, adopted in 1922, formerly known as the "Orange and Black", "Kendallites", "Presbyterians", "Tigers", "Tulsans", and "Yellow Jackets".ESPN, p. 898.
  • UCLA Bruins, adopted in 1928, formerly known as the "Cubs" until 1923, in reference to the school's connection to the University of California Golden Bears. Known as the "Grizzlies" from 1923 until 1928, when UCLA joined the Pacific Coast Conference, which already included the Montana Grizzlies.ESPN, p. 910.
  • UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, changed in 1936 from Roadrunners. Football coach Theodore "Spud" Harder requested a new name when he took over in 1934. A student vote settled on "Gauchos" in 1936, based on the 1927 film The Gaucho{{cite web |url=http://www.ucsbgauchos.com/fan_zone/Locos/nickname |title=Nickname "Gauchos" |accessdate=November 14, 2016}}
  • UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs, changed in 1986 by student referendum from "Sea Lions", which had been used since the school began sponsoring NCAA athletics in 1981.[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=J2YaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=aCoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2077,569161&dq=ucsc+banana-slugs+sea-lions&hl=en Slug 'em, Slugs! College students OK new mascot], The Milwaukee Journal, May 10, 1986.
  • UCF Knights, reverted from "Golden Knights" from 1993 to 2007.{{cite news|first1=Kyle|last1=Hightower|title='Golden' era ends for UCF|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=April 13, 2007|page=D3}}
  • UConn Huskies, officially adopted as the nickname in 1934; they had previous been unofficially known as the "Aggies" and the "Statesmen".ESPN, p. 246. "UConn", long used as a short form for the school's formal name of "University of Connecticut", became the official athletic brand in 2013–14.
  • UMass Minutemen, changed from the "Redmen" and "Redwomen" in 1972. According to the university, the old nickname referred to the uniforms worn by the athletic teams, but it was changed nonetheless out of sensitivity to American Indians.
  • Union Garnet Chargers, changes from "Dutchmen" and "Dutchwomen" in 2023{{cite news |last=Singelais |first=Mark |title=Union changes nickname to Garnet Chargers |url=https://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/union-changes-nickname-garnet-chargers-18278126.php |newspaper=Times Union |location=Albany, New York |date=August 3, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 }}
  • USC Trojans, replaced the "Methodists" and "Wesleyans" in 1912ESPN, p. 788.
  • USP Devils, formerly the "Red Devils"
  • UT Martin Skyhawks, changed from "Pacers" in 1995{{cite news|title=UTM unveils its new Skyhawks logo|first=Dan|last=Morris|work=The Jackson Sun|date=April 26, 1995|page=1C}}
  • Utah Utes, formerly used "Redskins" nickname simultaneously with "Utes" nickname but discontinued using "Redskins" in 1972{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/2014/4/16/20539595/utes-nickname-won-t-stay-forever|title=Utes nickname won't stay forever|author=Brad Rock|date=April 16, 2014|access-date=August 31, 2019|publisher=Deseret News}}
  • Utah Tech Trailblazers, changed from "Flyers" to in December 1951 when the school was called Dixie Junior College, then from "Rebels" to "Red Storm" in 2009, and to "Trailblazers" in 2016 when the school was known as Dixie State University{{cite news |author= |title=Jaysee School Takes Over "Rebel' Name |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-salt-lake-tribune/tribune// |newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune |location=Salt Lake City, Utah |date=December 23, 1951 |page=18 |access-date=February 7, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • UVA Wise Cavaliers – Formerly nicknamed "Highland Cavaliers"; dropped "Highland" in 2017.
  • Valparaiso Beacons – Dropped the longtime "Crusaders" nickname in February 2021 due to negative associations with violence, as well as use of "crusader" imagery by certain hate groups.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/30882084/valparaiso-dropping-crusaders-name-mascot-logos |title=Valparaiso dropping Crusaders name, mascot, logos |accessdate=February 11, 2021}} The new nickname of "Beacons" was announced on August 10 of that year.{{cite press release|url=https://www.valpoathletics.com/athletics/news/2021-22/20576/valparaiso-university-unveils-new-nickname/ |title=Valparaiso University Unveils New Nickname |publisher=Valparaiso Beacons |date=August 10, 2021 |accessdate=August 10, 2021}}
  • VCU Rams – The "Rams" nickname was inherited from Richmond Professional Institute, one of the two institutions that merged in 1968 to form the current Virginia Commonwealth University. From 1948 to 1963, RPI's nickname was "Green Devils", reflecting the school's affiliation with The College of William & Mary. RPI and several other institutions were separated from W&M in 1962, and RPI adopted "Rams" a year later.
  • Virginia Tech Hokies, gradually transitioned from the original nickname of the "Fighting Gobblers"
  • Washington Huskies, adopted February 3, 1922; formerly the "Sun Dodgers" (1919–1921) and very briefly the "Vikings" in December 1921{{cite web|url=http://www.gohuskies.com/trads/huskies-name.html |title=The Origin of "Huskies" |work=GoHuskies.com |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=July 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306021951/http://www.gohuskies.com/trads/huskies-name.html |archivedate=March 6, 2012 }}
  • Wayne State Warriors, known as the "Tartars" from 1927 to 1999
  • Western Connecticut Wolves, changed from "Indians" to "Colonials" in December 1974 and then to "Wolves" in April 2022{{cite news |author= |title=Indians Change To Colonials |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-tribune/126603197/ |newspaper=The Scranton Times |location=Scranton, Pennsylvania |agency=Associated Press |date=December 12, 1974 |page=38 |access-date=June 17, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}{{cite news |last=Yankowski |first=Peter |title=After two-year search, WestConn chooses 'Wolves' as new university mascot |url=https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/After-two-year-search-WestConn-chooses-17091215.php |newspaper=The News-Times |location=Danbury, Connecticut |date=April 19, 2022|access-date=June 17, 2023 }}
  • West Georgia Wolves, changed in 2006 from "Braves", which had been used since the 1930s{{cite web |author= |title=Traditions |url=https://uwgathletics.com/sports/2017/6/22/211633870.aspx |publisher=University of West Georgia |access-date=December 8, 2024}}
  • Western Michigan Broncos, changed from "Hilltoppers" in 1939{{cite news |author= |title=Western State Athletic Teams No Longer Will Be Called Hilltoppers; Select "Broncos" as New Name |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kalamazoo-gazette/169238665/ |newspaper=Kalamazoo Gazette |location=Kalamazoo, Michigan |date=January 15, 1939 |page=17 |access-date=March 30, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}{{cite news|title=Hilltoppers are now Broncos|work=The Park City Daily News|date=January 22, 1939|page=7}}
  • Wheaton Thunder, changed from "Crusaders" in 2000{{cite news |author= |title=Wheaton drop Crusaders nickname |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/42815209/the_palm_beach_post/ |newspaper=The Palm Beach Post |location=West Palm Beach, Florida |date=September 30, 2000 |page=2C |access-date=January 22, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Widener Pride, changed from "Pioneers" in 2006{{cite web| url=http://www.widener.edu/admissions/news/news_story.asp?iNewsID=296| publisher=Widener University| title=Widener University Announces New Mascot| accessdate=June 16, 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071001050511/http://www.widener.edu/admissions/news/news_story.asp?iNewsID=296 |archive-date = 2007-10-01}}
  • Willamette Bearcats, adopted in November 1915; previously known as the "Methodists" and "Missionaries"{{cite web |author= |title=Birth Of The Bearcat |url=https://library.willamette.edu/archives/omeka/exhibits/show/mascot/origin#:~:text=The%20football%20players%20at%20the,Bearcat%2C'%22%20he%20explained. |publisher=Willamette University Archives |access-date=December 2, 2024 }}
  • Wisconsin–La Crosse Eagles, known as Indians from 1937 to 1989{{cite news |author= |title=U-W La Crosse drops 'Indian' team name |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93168055/wausau-daily-herald/ |newspaper=Wausau Daily Herald |location=Wausau, Wisconsin |date=April 22, 1989 |page=5A |access-date=January 22, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks, changed from Quakers in 1958{{cite news |author= |title=Quakers Now Warhawks at Whitewater College |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94356186/janesville-daily-gazette/ |newspaper=Janesville Daily Gazette |location=Janesville, Wisconsin |date=April 24, 1958 |page=2 |access-date=February 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • Wooster Fighting Scots, "Scots" adopted in October 1931; previously known as the "Presbyterians", "Golden Knights", "Black Bears", and "Grenadiers"{{cite news |author= |title=Wooster Named Scots, Headline Writers Cheer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer/167906855/ |newspaper=Cleveland Plain Dealer |location=Cleveland, Ohio |agency=Associated Press |date=October 8, 1931 |page=21 |access-date=February 6, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}

=Changes of women's team nicknames only=

  • Austin Peay Governors – Historically, women's teams had been "Lady Govs", but all teams became "Governors" no later than the 2015–16 school year.
  • Baylor Bears – Historically, women's teams had been "Lady Bears". By the end of the 2010s, most teams had dropped "Lady" from the nickname, and the last three holdouts of basketball, soccer, and volleyball did the same for the 2021–22 school year.{{cite news|url=https://www.kcentv.com/article/sports/baylor-drop-lady-bears-nickname-womens-teams/500-f3231efb-4cc2-401e-8c46-1529c8bf431a |title=Baylor University to drop 'Lady Bears' nickname from women's teams |first=Kurtis |last=Quillen |publisher=KCEN-TV |location=Temple, TX |date=September 3, 2021 |accessdate=September 4, 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/32143240/baylor-women-hoops-drops-lady-team-name-known-bears |title=Baylor women's hoops drops 'Lady' from team name, to be known as Bears |first=Mechelle |last=Voepel |website=ESPN.com |date=September 4, 2021 |accessdate=September 4, 2021}}
  • Colorado Buffaloes — Women's teams were the "Lady Buffs" until 1993, when the school announced it would adopt the men's nickname for all teams.
  • Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds — Women's teams were the "Zias" from the establishment of women's sports at the school in the 1970s until 2015, when the school announced it would adopt the men's nickname for all teams.
  • New Mexico State Aggies — Women's athletic teams were known as the "Roadrunners" until 2000, following a vote by female athletes to adopt the same nickname as the men's teams.ESPN, p. 590.
  • Tarleton Texans — The school's first varsity women's teams played under the men's nickname of "Texans" in the 1968–69 school year, but female athletes expressed a desire for a distinctive nickname, and the women's nickname was changed the following year—although the spellings of "Texanns", "Tex-Anns", and "TexAnns" were all used before the "TexAnns" spelling was adopted in 1972. During the 2018–19 school year, two players and a student manager in the women's basketball program began a campaign to return the women's nickname to "Texans", and after receiving overwhelming support from other female athletes, the school approved the change effective in 2019–20.{{cite web|first=Jonah|last=Javad|date=January 24, 2019|accessdate=July 16, 2019|title=Tarleton State drops 'TexAnns' name for female athletes|url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/tarleton-state-drops-texanns-name-for-female-athletes/287-29eec9b4-faa6-4952-b961-b003fbe77c3d|website=WFAA}}{{cite press release|url=https://tarletonsports.com/news/2019/1/26/cross-country-all-tarleton-athletic-teams-to-unite-as-texans-this-fall.aspx |title=All Tarleton athletic teams to unite as 'Texans' this fall |publisher=Tarleton State Athletics |date=January 26, 2019 |accessdate=September 13, 2019}}
  • Tennessee Volunteers — In November 2014, the university announced that after the 2014–15 school year, only women's basketball would retain the Lady Volunteers nickname. At that time, all other women's teams became simply Volunteers.{{cite press release|url=http://www.utsports.com/genrel/111014aab.html |title=One Tennessee: Branding Restructure |publisher=University of Tennessee Athletics |date=November 10, 2014 |accessdate=November 11, 2014}} This change was reversed during the 2017–18 school year, with all women's teams once again allowed to use "Lady Volunteers" if they so wish.
  • Washburn Ichabods — Women's teams were known as "Lady Blues" until 2013, when the school announced that women's teams would adopt the men's nickname.
  • Western Illinois Leathernecks —Women's teams were known as "Westerwinds" until 2009, when they adopted the men's nickname of Leathernecks.
  • A number of schools historically used the "Lady" prefix for all women's teams, but now have a policy of using "Lady" only in sports that have both men's and women's teams. Schools that have this policy include:
  • LSU Tigers and Lady Tigers
  • Texas Tech Red Raiders and Lady Raiders

=As a result of a school name change or merger=

  • Case Western Reserve Spartans – Before the schools merged, Case Institute of Technology used the nicknames of the "Scientists" (1918–1938) and the "Rough Riders (1930–1971). Western Reserve was known as the "Pioneers" (1921–1928) and the "Red Cats" (1928–1971).[http://www.case.edu/its/archives/Sports/teams.htm Team Colors, Mascots, Names], Case Western Reserve University, retrieved June 28, 2009. While the schools merged in 1967, the undergraduate student bodies (and athletic departments) were separate until 1971, and during the transition, Western Reserve used the athletic identity of its undergraduate arm, Adelbert College.
  • Cleveland State Vikings – Fenn College used the nickname of the "Foxes" until the school was renamed in 1965.
  • Coastal Carolina Chanticleers – When Coastal was founded in 1954 as a junior college, the school's nickname was "Trojans". It adopted its current nickname shortly after becoming a part of the University of South Carolina in 1960, due to a desire for a nickname more compatible with the "Gamecocks" of its parent. The nickname remained even after Coastal became an independent institution in 1993.
  • Colorado State Rams – Colorado A&M used the nickname of the "Aggies".ESPN, 238.
  • Lewis & Clark Pioneers – used the nickname "Pirates" from 1919 to 1938 when the school was known as Albany College.{{cite web |author= |title=The Orange And The Black |url=http://digitalcollections.lclark.edu/exhibits/show/150_home/orangeandblack |publisher=Lewis & Clark College |access-date=February 26, 2023 }}
  • LIU Sharks – Established in 2019 when Long Island University merged its two previous NCAA athletic programs—the Division I LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds and Division II LIU Post Pioneers. Only the athletic programs merged; the Brooklyn and Post campuses are separately accredited and remain in operation. The Sharks inherited the Division I membership of the Brooklyn campus.
  • Maryland Terrapins – Maryland Agricultural College used the nickname of the "Aggies" and the "Farmers". The school was renamed Maryland State College in 1916 and the University of Maryland in 1920.
  • Michigan State Spartans – Michigan Agricultural College used the nickname of the "Aggies" alongside unofficial nicknames of the "Fighting Farmers" and "Farmers" until 1925.
  • Milwaukee Panthers – The institution through which the current University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee traces its history, originally the Wisconsin State Normal School and after several name changes Wisconsin State College–Milwaukee, used "Green Gulls" as its nickname until 1956. At that time, it merged with the University of Wisconsin's graduate extension campus in Milwaukee to form UW–Milwaukee, with the nickname changing to "Cardinals".
  • Mississippi State Bulldogs – Mississippi A&M changed its nickname from the "Aggies" to the "Maroons" when the school was renamed Mississippi State College in 1932. In 1961, the school was renamed Mississippi State University and the nickname was changed to the "Bulldogs".ESPN, p. 542.
  • NC State Wolfpack – North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (North Carolina A&M) was known as the "Aggies" or "Farmers". The school changed its name to the current North Carolina State University in 1917.[http://www.ncsu.edu/installation/NCSUHistory.html NC State History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304085402/http://www.ncsu.edu/installation/NCSUHistory.html |date=March 4, 2010 }}, Chancellor's Installation, North Carolina State University, retrieved May 30, 2010.
  • North Georgia Nighthawks – In January 2013, North Georgia College & State University, nicknamed "Saints" and "Lady Saints", was merged with Gainesville State College, a two-year technical school with no athletic program, to create the University of North Georgia. The new school adopted the nickname of "Nighthawks" for all teams.
  • UConn Huskies – Connecticut Agricultural College used the nickname "Aggies". The school was renamed Connecticut State College in 1933,[http://www.uconn.edu/history/yesteryear/archives/academics/ct_agricultural.php Yesteryear Archives: Connecticut Agricultural to UConn] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527124204/http://www.uconn.edu/history/yesteryear/archives/academics/ct_agricultural.php |date=May 27, 2010 }}, University of Connecticut, retrieved August 9, 2010. and the following year, the "Huskies" nickname was adopted.
  • UMass Lowell River Hawks – The University of Lowell, itself the product of a 1971 merger between Lowell State College and the Lowell Technological Institute, used "Chiefs" as its nickname before it was absorbed into the University of Massachusetts system in 1991.
  • UT Southern FireHawks – In 2021, Martin Methodist College, nicknamed "RedHawks", sold its campus to the University of Tennessee system, becoming the University of Tennessee Southern.
  • UTRGV Vaqueros – In November 2014, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, which began full operation in July 2015 with the merger of the University of Texas–Pan American (UTPA) and University of Texas at Brownsville, announced that the nickname of the new school would be Vaqueros. The pre-merger UTPA Broncs became the UTRGV athletic program after the merger.{{cite news|title=UT-RGV mascot recommended to be the Vaquero |url=http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/ut-rgv-mascot-colors-announced/article_25556888-6517-11e4-824d-0017a43b2370.html |first=Victoria |last=Brito |newspaper=The Monitor |location=McAllen, Texas |date=November 5, 2014 |accessdate=November 5, 2014}}

Junior colleges

  • Imperial Valley Desert Warriors, adopted in 2023; known as the "Arabs" from the 1950s until 2021{{cite news |author= |title=IVC Now to be Known as the 'Desert Warriors' |url=https://calexicochronicle.com/2023/06/27/ivc-will-now-be-known-as-the-desert-warriors/ |newspaper=Calexico Chronicle |location=Calexico, California |date=June 27, 2023 |access-date=June 17, 2024 }}
  • Pasadena City Lancers, changed from "Bulldogs" in 1954 when Pasadena City College merged with John Muir College; Muir's teams were known as the "Mustangs"{{cite news |last=Seizer |first=Bob |title=Pasadena Looms as Grid Power |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/los-angeles-mirror/146761700/ |newspaper=The Mirror |location=Los Angeles, California |date=August 31, 1954 |page=4, part III |access-date=May 7, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Bill |title=Pasadena pre-season choice for Western State grid title |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news/146760582/ |newspaper=Daily News |location=Los Angeles, California |date=September 1, 1954 |page=29 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • San Bernardino Valley Wolverines, changed from "Indians" in January 2001{{cite news |last=Hobson |first=Shawn |title=Hobson's Choice; BCC women striving for six in a row |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/desert-dispatch/149531175/ |newspaper=Desert Dispatch |location=Barstow, California |date=January 30, 2001 |page=B1 |access-date=June 17, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}{{cite web |author= |title=A Championship Pedigree |url=https://sbvcathletics.com/fan_zone/ChampionshipSeasons |publisher=San Bernardino Valley College Athletics |access-date=June 17, 2024 }}
  • Southwestern Jaguars, changed from Apaches in May 2001{{cite news |last=Perry |first=Tony |title=Monty Montezuma Is No More |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/163600526/ |newspaper=The Los Angeles Times |location=Los Angeles, California |date=May 17, 2001 |page=B6 |access-date=January 21, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com {{Open access}} }}
  • West Los Angeles Wildcats, changed from "Oilers" in 2008, which was adopted in 1969{{cite web |author= |title=West Los Angeles College 2023-2024 Catalog |url=https://www.wlac.edu/sites/wlac.edu/files/2023-08/catalog.pdf |publisher=West Los Angeles College |date=May 1, 2024 |page=13 |access-date=June 17, 2024 }}
  • Yakima Valley Yaks, changed from "Indians" in 1998{{cite news |author= |title=No More Yakety-Yak: Here Comes 'Yak Attack' |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19980615&slug=2756197 |newspaper=Seattle Times |location=Seattle, Washington |date=June 15, 1998 |access-date=April 21, 2024 }}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}

Nickname changes

Nickname changes

College Sports

United S