Which version of Brutus Buckeye is your favorite?

In 1965, while other universities were bringing live animals to games as their mascots, Ohio State students Ray Bourhis and Sally Huber went rogue. Instead, they suggested a buckeye as Ohio State’s mascot, which is a nut that derives from the official tree of Ohio.

And so, in October 1965, the very first Brutus Buckeye was born. He was made out of paper mâché and lasted approximately two weeks. While the first model of Brutus was well-received by fans, it was just too heavy to be worn.

The Ohio State University Archives (Photo by Jim Baer)

Thus, a new 22-pound fiberglass version was introduced in November 1965.

The Ohio State University Archives

This (much lighter) Brutus was unique in that the mouth could be turned upside down when the team was playing poorly, as seen below.

The Ohio State University Archives

This version lasted about a decade, undergoing only slight changes. Then, in 1975, Brutus got another makeover that didn’t last long for reasons you can probably deduct.

The Ohio State University Archives

Fans, students and alumni disliked the “squinting eye” and “vicious sneer” of this guy, and so the November 1965 Brutus model made a comeback in 1976.

His next makeover came in 1977.

The Ohio State University Archives

This one is easily the cutest version, and he was also well-received by fans at the time. But, once again, the costume was too heavy to wear. So in 1981, they made the costume as light and simple as possible, and one step closer to the Brutus we know and love today.

Ohio State University Archives

A little wonky, but we’re getting somewhere! Throughout the 80’s and 90’s, Brutus underwent a few outfit changes and facial touchups. Finally, in the early 2000s, Brutus became the crazy, head-punching mascot we know and love today.

Ohio State (osu.edu)

Alright, let’s hear it—which is your favorite version of The Best Damn Mascot In The Land? Let us know in the comments!