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Nebraska announces Herbie Husker mascot is returning to his roots

Derek Peterson

By Derek Peterson

Published:

Nebraska is making a long-sought-after change.

The Herbie Husker you knew and loved is coming back. The overalls, the ear of corn in his pocket, and the classic blonde hair will all return in an “updated and modernized” version of Herbie Husker that will debut at Nebraska’s annual spring game this Saturday, April 22.

The program announced the change on Monday, signaling the end of the red button-up-wearing, brunette Herbie that has been on Husker sidelines for the last 2 decades.

“Herbie Husker has been one of the iconic symbols of Nebraska Athletics for nearly 50 years,” athletic director Trev Alberts said in a release.  “Our fans are passionate about all things related to the Huskers, and they have a particular fondness for Herbie.  We are excited to present modernized Herbie Husker marks and logos and thrilled to unveil our new Herbie mascot at Saturday’s spring game.”

The return to a Herbie Husker costume and logo that closely resembles the original version of the character comes as Nebraska celebrates the 50-year anniversary of its creation.

The Herbie Husker character evolved out of Nebraska’s trip to the Cotton Bowl during the 1973 season. Artist Dirk West designed a Cornhusker cartoon for the Cotton Bowl press headquarters, and Nebraska Sports Information Director Don Bryant later contacted West for permission to use the cartoon. West refined his original cartoon and improved some of the character’s features. That Herbie Husker character first appeared on the cover of the 1974 Nebraska Football media guide and has been a fan-favorite ever since.

In 2003, Herbie’s appearance was changed to a red workshirt, blue jeans, and work boots. The redesign was not well-received, and the blonde Herbie logo remained a staple of Husker gear.

New merchandise with the updated Herbie Husker logo is available online and will also be made available for purchase at Saturday’s spring game.

NU says sport-specific logos have also been created for 10 of Nebraska’s varsity programs.  The program has also updated its marks for Lil’ Red and the Blackshirts.

Derek Peterson

Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.