What is the mascot of the Colorado Buffaloes?

Last Modified Dec 31, 2024 10:34 GMT
North Dakota State v Colorado
Colorado Buffaloes Mascot, Source: Getty Images

The Colorado Buffaloes are the football program of the University of Colorado Boulder. The Buffaloes compete in the Big 12 Conference, as of 2024. The Colorado Buffaloes won one national championship in 1990 under the leadership of coach Bill McCartney. The Colorado Buffaloes hold an all-time record of None–545–36 and a Bowl record of None–170. Travis Hunter, a cornerback and wide receiver for the team, won the 2024 Heisman trophy and is the second Colorado Buffaloes player to achieve this feat. Rashaan Salaam won the Heisman Trophy in 1994. The Buffaloes play their home games at Folsom Field. Their mascot is Ralphie and they have a marching band, known as the Golden Buffalo Marching Band.

Colorado Buffaloes Mascot

The Colorado Buffaloes mascot, Ralphie, is a live buffalo that represents the University of Colorado Boulder athletics. Ralphie has been the university’s mascot since 1966 and appears at every home football game, leading the team onto the field in a thrilling charge. The current buffalo, Ralphie VI, continues the tradition of running across the field at Folsom Stadium. She lives in an undisclosed location on a ranch in a protected environment.

Colorado mascot name

The mascot of the Colorado Buffaloes, is Ralphie, a live buffalo. Ralphie charges across the end zone, making a beeline for the opposing sideline.

Ralphie is a female buffalo. This distinctive naming choice originates in history and tradition, dating back to 1934 when the university students adopted "Buffaloes" as their nickname. The decision to select a bison as the university's mascot emerged from a circumstance that involved renting a bison calf and a cowboy to handle her.

From Ralphie I's service from 1966 to 1978 to the current Ralphie VI, each buffalo has contributed to CU's national recognition, showcasing the university's spirit and connection to its heritage. Ralphie V was retired following the 2019 season before Ralphie VI made her debut on September 3, 2021.

Ralphie the VI

Ralphie the VI made her debut as the mascot for the Colorado Buffaloes on September 3, 2021. Nicknamed Ember, Ralphie is an American female bison and has a speed of 25 kmph. A team of 15 student-athletes, known as 'Ralphie handlers' receive varsity letters for their hard work to guide Ralphie across the field. During her debut, Ralphie VI weighed 500 pounds at 15 months old.

List of Ralphies

NameNicknamePlace of BirthBornDebut RunFinal RunDied
Ralphie IRalphSedgewick, CONovember 1965September 16, 1967November 18, 1978May 13, 1982
Ralphie IIMoonshineLongmont, COMay 25, 1975November 18, 1978September 19, 1987September 19, 1987
Ralphie IIITequilaLaramie, WYJune 3, 1985November 7, 1987November 28, 1997January 20, 1998
Ralphie IVRowdyGallatin Gateway, MTApril 1997September 5, 1998August 31, 2008March 19, 2017
Ralphie VBlackoutCimarron, NMOctober 2006September 6, 2008October 5, 2019
Ralphie VIEmberChadron, NEMay 27, 2020September 3, 2021

Also Read: What Is CU Boulder's New Mascot?

FAQs on Colorado Buffaloes

A. The Colorado Buffaloes mascot is a real buffalo named Ralphie.

A. Ralphie leads the football team onto the field at the beginning of the game and halftime.

A. The tradition began in 1934, and the name Ralphie is a nod to history.

A. The university students adopted "Buffaloes" as their nickname, and the tradition started with renting a bison calf.

A. The university has had several spirited female buffalo mascots, with Ralphie V currently in service.

A. The new name of the Ralphie the Buffalo is Ralphie VI.

Related Stories

Deion Sanders sends a strong message to Buffaloes after pulling plug on dismal spring practice - “That’s a problem.” Deion Sanders sends a strong message to Buffaloes after pulling plug on dismal spring practice - “That’s a problem.”
Deion Sanders sends a strong message to Buffaloes after pulling plug on dismal spring practice - “That’s a problem.”
1d
"He kept me on my toes": Travis Hunter's first trainer makes massive claim while answering how Heisman winner stands out "He kept me on my toes": Travis Hunter's first trainer makes massive claim while answering how Heisman winner stands out
"He kept me on my toes": Travis Hunter's first trainer makes massive claim while answering how Heisman winner stands out
1d
Penn State OC makes stance crystal clear on Drew Allar as he gears up for the 2025 season Penn State OC makes stance crystal clear on Drew Allar as he gears up for the 2025 season
Penn State OC makes stance crystal clear on Drew Allar as he gears up for the 2025 season
'Iceman' Quinn Ewers reveals how he stays rock solid in clutch moments, shares Alabama takedown story 'Iceman' Quinn Ewers reveals how he stays rock solid in clutch moments, shares Alabama takedown story
'Iceman' Quinn Ewers reveals how he stays rock solid in clutch moments, shares Alabama takedown story
Josh Pate addresses TV ratings potentially playing a part in College Football Playoff Josh Pate addresses TV ratings potentially playing a part in College Football Playoff
Josh Pate addresses TV ratings potentially playing a part in College Football Playoff
1d
"Well cause you were 13": Fans disapprove Lane Kiffin's new CFP proposal after inaugral 12-team bracket finds success "Well cause you were 13": Fans disapprove Lane Kiffin's new CFP proposal after inaugral 12-team bracket finds success
"Well cause you were 13": Fans disapprove Lane Kiffin's new CFP proposal after inaugral 12-team bracket finds success
1d
Top 3 Michigan stars who could be drafted in Round 1 ft. Kenneth Grant Top 3 Michigan stars who could be drafted in Round 1 ft. Kenneth Grant
Top 3 Michigan stars who could be drafted in Round 1 ft. Kenneth Grant
17h
Will Mykel Williams get drafted into the NFL? Exploring the chances for Georgia DE in 2025 draft Will Mykel Williams get drafted into the NFL? Exploring the chances for Georgia DE in 2025 draft
Will Mykel Williams get drafted into the NFL? Exploring the chances for Georgia DE in 2025 draft
1d
Jeremiah Kelly death: What happened to Cincinnati football star? Jeremiah Kelly death: What happened to Cincinnati football star?
Jeremiah Kelly death: What happened to Cincinnati football star?
Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III to replace ex-Steelers player at Fox Sports: Reports Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III to replace ex-Steelers player at Fox Sports: Reports
Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III to replace ex-Steelers player at Fox Sports: Reports
20h
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications