Ohio State mascot Brutus fires up the crowd. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State-Ohio is a mascot matchup 15 years in the making

By Pearson Gillam | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 7:18 PM ET

For the first time in 15 years, the Ohio State Buckeyes will square off against the Ohio Bobcats. While there will be plenty of talent on the field to watch and the expected result is a Bobcat beatdown, more eyes may peer toward the mascots on the sideline.

The last time Ohio's and Ohio State's mascots battled

Rufus, Ohio’s mascot, and Brutus, Ohio State’s mascot, have shared some bad blood ever since their fateful showdown on September 18, 2010. As Brutus led the Buckeyes onto the field, Rufus suddenly attempted to tackle the buckeye nut to the turf. Upon failure, Brutus responded with a taunt before carrying on to the north end zone. But Rufus was ready for round two.

He got the jump on Brutus and wrestled him to the ground. Rufus connected on a few right hooks before a security member finally separated the two. Rufus was escorted off the field, while Brutus seemingly laughed off the situation.

Brandon Hanning, who donned the Bobcat head that day, auditioned for the role a year in advance solely to pull off this stunt. However, at the time of the viral moment, Hanning had dropped out of Ohio, so no consequences or legal action followed.

The current students representing Rufus and Brutus probably have this incident in the back of their minds heading into Saturday’s matchup, but it’s unlikely that anything of the same nature will occur. Although, an Ohio spokesman reportedly said the two mascots may engage “in a little lighthearted mascot side-eye — just for old times’ sake.” No matter what happens on the sidelines, the Buckeyes will look to cruise to a 3-0 start.

Pearson Gillam

I am a writer from Atlanta, Georgia, who attends Oklahoma State University. I am majoring in Sports Media and have experience covering the school's track and field team for the local newspaper. I have expertise in college football and college basketball, but I also enjoy the NFL, cross-country running, and track and field.

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