Ranking top 10 college basketball teams by their mascots ft. The Blue Devil, Joe Bruin and more 

While college basketball season does not kick off until later this year – likely in the first week of November – several former collegiate stars will have their lifelong dreams come true next week as the 2024 NBA draft begins on Wednesday, June 26. Although the players on college basketball rosters frequently change, one thing that remains the same is the mascots.

Here's a look at the top 10 mascots in college basketball.

Ranking top 10 college basketball teams by their mascots

#1. The Blue Devil

The Blue Devil has been the mascot of the Duke Blue Devils since 1929 and is one of the most recognizable mascots in all of college sports. He is often seen with the Cameron Crazies, one of the most recognizable student fan groups. Duke has won five national titles with The Blue Devil on the sidelines.

#2. Joe Bruin

While Joe Bruin originally was a live bear, the UCLA Bruins made the change to a costumed mascot in 1963. UCLA has won 11 championships with Joe Bruin as their mascot.

#3. Sparty

Sparty is another mascot that has become recognizable after making his debut in 1955. The Michigan State Spartans have won two national titles since introducing Sparty.

#4. The Jayhawk

The Jayhawk was introduced in the 1960s and has remained the Kansas Jayhawks' mascot since. Three of their four NCAA titles have come since introducing The Jayhawk.

#5. The Wildcat

The Wildcat was first introduced during the 1976-77 season. The Kentucky Wildcats have won four of their eight NCAA championships since introducing The Wildcat.

#6. Otto the Orange

Otto the Orange made his debut in 1980 and has remained in place for over four decades. The Syracuse Orange won their only NCAA title in program history with Otto on the sidelines.

#7. Albert Gator

Albert Gator was initially a live gator after being introduced in 1957. In 1970, the Florida Gators switched to a costume mascot. Both of their national titles have come since introducing Albert.

#8. Brutus Buckeye

Brutus Buckeye was introduced back in 1965 and remains one of the most iconic mascots in college sports. The Ohio State Buckeyes' lone national title precedes his time on the sidelines.

#9. The Stanford Tree

The Stanford Tree is one of the most unique mascots in college sports. While it is perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing mascot, its uniqueness alone deserves a spot on this list. The Stanford Cardinal introduced The Stanford Tree in 1975 and their lone NCAA title precedes the mascot's time with the university.

#10. Rameses

Rameses made his debut as a live ram in 1924, however, the costumed version did not appear until the 1987-88 season. All six of the North Carolina Tar Heels' NCAA titles have come since first introducing Rameses.