Everyone knows the University of Texas, Austin mascot, Bevo, the most famous Longhorn in the world. However, how did Bevo get his name? There are a few theories about this. But what is the truthful one?
Bevo! (photo courtesy Texas Daily)
The most popular story is the Texas A&M incident. In 1917, Aggie pranksters captured the first Bevo and branded him with 13-0, the final score of the Texas and Texas A&M game. Texas, of course, was upset (twice), so they made the alteration. To reclaim their mascot, Texas Longhorns students supposedly transformed the brand: the 1 and 3 became the B, the dash became an E, and a V was added before the O, spelling Bevo.
While that theory is the most popular, there are other theories. In the Alumni Magazine, UT historians suggest the name comes from “Beeve,” an old term for cattle. An O was added as a fitting name for a steer.
An editor for the magazine could have officially dubbed him “Bevo” after his debut in 1916, likely inspired by the “Beve” idea. Unfortunately, he died before he could explain his choice.
The A&M branding story is a great folklore, but the actual derivation remains a mystery. Still, “Bevo” reigns supreme among college mascots. Just ask any UT fan.
