Top 10 richest college football mascots

College football in 2025-26 will again center on the biggest brands in the sport. Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, Texas, Clemson, Georgia, Oregon, North Carolina, and others will draw attention because of their results, their fan bases, and the atmosphere they create every week. But college football is not only about rankings, playoff races, and NFL talent. A large part of the entertainment comes from the mascots, who stay active before, during, and after games.

Mascots are part of the show. They fire up the crowd, interact with fans, entertain children, and keep the energy up when games slow down. They also appear at weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, and school functions, which is where a lot of their earnings come from. Some of the best-known mascots in the sport have turned those appearances into major revenue streams for their schools. Brutus, Goldy, Sparty, the Clemson Tiger, Cocky, and the Oregon Duck are all familiar names to college sports fans.

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Ohio State’s Brutus Buckeye leads the list of highest earning mascot, while several others are close behind. Some schools have mascots that bring in six figures, and others use them to build visibility and support. Here are the top 10 richest college football mascots so far.

1. Brutus Buckeye – $130,028

Brutus Buckeye and the Ohio State University spirit squad competes in the 2026 College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. on Jan. 16, 2026. The Buckeyes won the game day category for their performance.

Ohio State’s Brutus Buckeye is the highest earner on the list. The mascot brought in the most appearance money and topped the rankings by a clear margin. Ohio State remains one of the biggest brands in college football, and Brutus helps keep that image strong. The school’s size and reach clearly help its mascot business.

2. Goldy Gopher – $119,605

Feb 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers mascot Goldie Gopher in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Williams Arena. The Minnesota Gophers beat the Purdue Boilermakers 62-58. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Minnesota’s Goldy Gopher sits in second place. The mascot’s appearance fees are strong because Goldy is active and in demand for a wide range of events. Minnesota’s athletic brand gives Goldy a strong platform. The mascot also shows how a school can turn tradition into revenue.

3. Sparty – $99,600

Sparty directs the Michigan State band during a time out in the second half of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional game against UConn at Capital One Arena in Washington DC on Friday, March 27, 2026. Michigan State lost the game 67-63.

Michigan State’s Sparty is third on the list. Sparty’s earnings come from a high number of appearances and some of the highest wedding rates in mascot land. Michigan State remains a major college football and college sports name. Sparty’s value comes from both visibility and consistency.

4. Tiger & Cubby – $95,771

Aug 30, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers mascot performs on the field before the game against the LSU Tigers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Clemson’s Tiger & Cubby ranked fourth. The mascot pair stays busy with paid appearances and has also landed brand work. Clemson has been one of the top teams in recent college football seasons, which helps keep the mascot relevant. The school’s success adds to the mascot’s appeal.

5. Cocky – $84,207

Dec 30, 2021; Charlotte, NC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks mascot Cocky dances during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

South Carolina’s Cocky came in fifth. The mascot earned well through a high volume of bookings across the year. South Carolina’s football program has enough name recognition to keep Cocky in demand. That kind of visibility supports steady mascot income.

6. Mr. & Mrs. Wuf – $83,636

Sep 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack mascots Mr. and Mrs. Wuf with Tubbie the mascot for Dukes Mayo during the first quarter between the North Carolina State Wolfpack and the Tennessee Volunteers at the Dukes Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

North Carolina State’s Mr. & Mrs. Wuf finished sixth. The pair earned strong money through a large number of paid appearances. NC State’s fan base and regional presence help the mascots stay booked. The duo also stands out because it is one of the few mascot partnerships on the list.

7. Rameses – $82,173

Mar 16, 2024; Washington, D.C., USA; North Carolina Tar Heels mascot, Rameses, performs during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

North Carolina’s Rameses placed seventh. The mascot’s earnings were close to Mr. & Mrs. Wuf, showing how strong the Triangle market is. UNC’s football program gives Rameses a steady platform. The mascot remains one of the most recognizable in the region.

8. The Duck – $76,613

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Oregon Ducks mascot reacts after the first half of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Indiana Hoosiers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Oregon’s The Duck came in eighth. Even with fewer appearances, the mascot still earned a strong total. Oregon’s national profile gives The Duck major value. The school’s brand strength clearly boosts the mascot’s earning power.

9. Hook ’Em – $50,175

Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Texas Longhorns mascot Hook ‘Em stands on the sideline during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Texas’ Hook ’Em finished ninth. The mascot’s earnings were lower than the top group, but still notable. Texas is one of college football’s biggest names, so Hook ’Em remains a visible part of the program. The mascot’s earnings show the commercial value of the Longhorn brand.

10. Raider Red – $49,850

Mar 22, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders mascot Raider Red gestures outside the arena before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Drake Bulldogs at Intrust Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images

Texas Tech’s Raider Red rounded out the top 10. The mascot stayed busy and earned nearly the same amount as Hook ’Em. Texas Tech may not have the same scale as some schools above it, but Raider Red still has strong local demand.

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The list shows how mascot income can stay high even outside the biggest blue-blood programs.

Conclusion

The earnings of college football mascots highlight how valuable they are beyond game day entertainment. From Brutus Buckeye leading the list to consistent earners like Goldy and Sparty, mascots have become strong revenue generators for their programs. Their presence boosts fan engagement, brand value, and off-field income. As college football grows, mascots will continue to play a key role in both visibility and financial success.