In the colorful world of college mascots, few are as instantly recognizable—or lovable—as Otto the Orange. With that goofy grin and endless energy, Otto isn’t just a fruit with legs—he’s a full-blown Syracuse University legend. From hyping up crowds in the JMA Wireless Dome to starring in ESPN commercials, Otto has peeled his way into the hearts of Orange Nation. But his journey from a quirky idea to a Hall of Famer?
What Is the Syracuse Orange Mascot?
Otto the Orange is Syracuse University’s official mascot, and yes, he’s a walking, talking orange. DeOrangeut, in blue pants and a blue hat stamped with the university’s initials, Otto always smiles, dances, and makes his presence known at games, especially inside the raucous JMA Wireless Dome.
He’s more than a crowd-pleaser—the face of Syracuse spirit. Beyond the campus, Otto’s appeared in national media, including ESPN’s famous “This is SportsCenter” ads. It turns out that America loves dancing oranges just as much as Central New York does.
Otto’s rise to fame wasn’t exactly smooth. Syracuse’s mascot history is one of reinvention, controversy, and, eventually, student-led triumph.
In the early 1980s, Syracuse was in search of a new identity. The university had retired the Saltine Warrior, a Native American mascot that rightly came under scrutiny. So, the hunt began for something new—ideas ranged from a penguin in an orange scarf to an orangutan and even the “Abominable Orangeman.” But none had the charm or longevity of a round, happy orange.
Early versions of Otto appeared at games, but he didn’t even have a name. A few suggestions floated around (including “Opie”), but at a cheerleading camp in Tennessee, the name “Otto” won out—mainly because it avoided any unfortunate rhymes. The cheer team loved it, and the students embraced it. From that point on, Otto started rolling into school tradition.
Why Was the Syracuse Orange Mascot?
Even though Otto showed up at every major sporting event and campus activity, he didn’t become official until December 1995. The university considered switching mascots again, with suggestions like a wolf in the mix. But students pushed back hard, rallying around Otto in droves. Chancellor Kenneth “Buzz” Shaw listened to the people, noting that “the majority opinion was strongly in favor of the Orange” and that Otto gave Syracuse a unique edge in college sports branding.
Since becoming official, Otto hasn’t just stayed relevant—he’s become an icon. Whether leading cheers, photobombing fans, or spreading good vibes across campus, Otto has kept the Syracuse spirit alive and well. He’s the mascot who brings people together, makes kids smile, and whom alumni look for first when returning to campus.
Otto’s legacy reached a new high on August 12, 2023, when he was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. During the ceremony, Ben Youngerman, a Syracuse alum who once wore the Otto costume, summed it up perfectly:
“Otto is pure joy rolled up into a four-foot ball. An orange best friend for everyone, no matter who you are.”
Otto’s story isn’t just about school spirit—it’s about progress, unity, and student voice. The move from a controversial mascot to a goofy orange ball of joy reflected Syracuse University’s commitment to inclusivity and evolving with the times.
KEEP READING: History of the Virginia Tech Hokies Mascot
And Otto’s still going strong, bouncing into arenas and showing up on national TV. That unique mascot is proving that sometimes the best way to bring people together… is with a smiling piece of fruit.
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