If counted as a group, the big cats would get the top spot, but when broken down into individual species, a much-loved bird of prey is able to swoop in for the victory. According to a 2005 USA Today article, which cites the book , "Mascots! The History of Four and Two Year College & University Mascots and Nicknames," the eagle is the most popular college mascot of all. There are no less than 74 eagle mascots at colleges across the United States.
Not surprisingly, it doesn't take long to find a big cat among the most popular mascots. According to USA Today's article, Tigers are the second most prevalent creature among college mascots, appearing at the helm of 46 different college sports programs. In 2010, the Auburn Tigers enjoyed a one-touchdown, 24-17 win over SEC West rival LSU Tigers on the way to an undefeated season and national championship.
Cute but foreboding, the stocky, muscular bulldog is ideal for an American college mascot. At least American colleges seem to think so; the third most popular mascot appears in 39 different college sports programs. Some prominent bulldogs that you're probably familiar with include Jack the Bulldog of the Georgetown Hoyas, and Uga, the top dog in the University of Georgia bulldog pack.
Popularity isn't measured solely by prevalence; it also has to do with which team mascot is loved the most. While sports fans could argue this point until next football season, there is one telling measure to judge by. In 2007, Forbes put together a list of The Most Valuable College Football Teams. As anyone that knows college football could guess: the top team was the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with an estimated value of $91 million. And that number indicates that the most popular mascot in terms of fan following is likely the Notre Dame Leprechaun. Though the Leprechaun wasn't the original mascot of Notre Dame, it has reached iconic status in college football.