AUSTIN — Happy National Mascot Day to those who celebrate! While many teams across the country have a mascot that they love, not many programs have a mascot as recognizable as the Texas Longhorns. Bevo, the living Longhorns mascot, is one of the most popular mascots in all of college sports. 

To celebrate National Mascot Day, here are some fun facts to learn more about the Longhorns mascot:

Bevo First Came to Life in 1916

Bevo was bought by Texas Alum Stephen Pinckney for $124. Bevo’s original name was Bo, and was eventually changed to Bevo because of the popularity of a non-alcoholic drink called Bevo

There have been 15 Bevos

There have been 15 different iterations of Bevo since 1916. Bevo XV was introduced in 2016 at the 100-year anniversary of the original Bevo. Bevo XV is originally from Liberty Hill, Texas and is owned by John and Betty Baker. The Bakers have also owned Bevo XIII and Bevo XIV. 

Bevo Has Attended Many Big Events

Bevo is not just a celebrity on campus, Bevo has attended some of the biggest events in this country’s history. Bevo XIII attended George W. Bush’s first inauguration in Washington DC, while his predecessor Bevo XIV attended his second inauguration in 2005. He has also met famous celebrities Matthew McConaughey, Kristen Bell, and George Bush.

Bevo XIII was the Winningest Bevo

Bevo XIII is also a product of John and Betty Baker of Liberty Hill, Texas. He is by far the winningest Bevo of all time as he was the mascot for 16 years. From 1990-2005, Bevo was a part of four different conference championship teams as well as some huge victories. He was also part of Ricky Williams’ Heisman Trophy season as well as countless other player accolades. Bevo XII was a part of 191 different Texas football games, but unfortunately, he was not there for the 2005 national championship. 

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