Important Scoop Drops About Colorado’s New Buffalo, Ralphie VII

Ralphie has long been one of college football’s most evocative pregame rituals. Since Ralphie I first thundered onto Folsom Field in 1966, the live buffalo has symbolized Colorado pride and grit. The recent retirement of Ralphie VI, nicknamed Ember, means the Buffs are in transition, and the buzz around Ralphie VII underscores both fans’ impatience for tradition and their hunger for renewed excitement .

The fact that Ralphie VII may struggle to contain her excitement is a promising sign. In a program riding the momentum of national attention, a bold animal energy is the perfect companion to Colorado’s revived identity on the field. There is a clear patience required. From Ember’s sometimes muted performances in her final run to the chatter about her lackluster showing at the Alamo Bowl, fans have been waiting for a return to form.

At its heart, the tradition of Ralphie is about more than just a mascot. It’s about channeling native strength and spirited energy into a half-minute of pageantry that unifies players, students, and fans alike. If Ralphie VII’s handlers are having trouble keeping pace, that may simply mean she’s nearing the kind of legend her predecessors set in motion.