- Sep 30, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes Ralphie VI, the live buffalo mascot runs the field with handlers leading the team out for their game against the USC Trojans at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado Buffaloes’ Mascot Set to Retire Soon

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Ana Kieu | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 9:44 PM ET

The Colorado Buffaloes’ mascot, Ralphie VI, also known as Ember, is set to retire soon. Here’s why the retirement of Ember is being considered during the early stages of the 2025 NCAA season, and here’s where he’ll go after his life on the football field.

Colorado Buffaloes’ Mascot to Retire

The Colorado Buffaloes’ mascot, Ember, is set to retire. Ember’s replacement, Ralphie VII, has been named for a debut. However, Ralphie VII’s timetable remains unclear. Bleacher Report posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Colorado has announced that buffalo Ralphie VI, nicknamed ‘Ember,’ is retiring after four years of service and will transition to a ranch. Ralphie VII is continuing her offseason training, but there is no timeline for a debut.”

Colorado Buffaloes’ Outlook

The Colorado Buffaloes’ outlook seems to be a mixed bag ahead of the 2025-26 NCAA season for the Big 12. The Buffaloes were projected to face some setbacks during 2025-26. For the football program, the new-look team is without cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and several other players.

But the namesake team retooled amid head coach Deion Sanders’ bladder cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. And, for the men’s basketball program, the less-than-average team learned the home and road opponents, an extremely tough slate on paper. Head coach Tad Boyle and company recently added international recruit Alon Michaeli, a 6-foot-9 forward from Kfar Saba, Israel. Michaeli, 19, filled the team’s final roster spot and could provide some much-needed frontcourt help.

Final Thoughts

The Colorado Buffaloes’ decision to retire Ember may not sit well with Buffaloes fans. However, Colorado Athletics seems to know what’s best for Ember, who reportedly wants to be happy relaxing on a ranch, and should respect Ember’s wishes like Taylor Stratton, Director of the Ralphie Live Mascot Program, and the company do.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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