The Colorado Buffaloes are the football program of the University of Colorado Boulder. The Buffaloes compete in the Big 12 Conference, as of 2024. The Colorado Buffaloes won one national championship in 1990 under the leadership of coach Bill McCartney. The Colorado Buffaloes hold an all-time record of None–545–36 and a Bowl record of None–170. Travis Hunter, a cornerback and wide receiver for the team, won the 2024 Heisman trophy and is the second Colorado Buffaloes player to achieve this feat. Rashaan Salaam won the Heisman Trophy in 1994. The Buffaloes play their home games at Folsom Field. Their mascot is Ralphie and they have a marching band, known as the Golden Buffalo Marching Band.
Colorado Buffaloes Mascot
The Colorado Buffaloes mascot, Ralphie, is a live buffalo that represents the University of Colorado Boulder athletics. Ralphie has been the university’s mascot since 1966 and appears at every home football game, leading the team onto the field in a thrilling charge. The current buffalo, Ralphie VI, continues the tradition of running across the field at Folsom Stadium. She lives in an undisclosed location on a ranch in a protected environment.
Colorado mascot name
The mascot of the Colorado Buffaloes, is Ralphie, a live buffalo. Ralphie charges across the end zone, making a beeline for the opposing sideline.
Ralphie is a female buffalo. This distinctive naming choice originates in history and tradition, dating back to 1934 when the university students adopted "Buffaloes" as their nickname. The decision to select a bison as the university's mascot emerged from a circumstance that involved renting a bison calf and a cowboy to handle her.
From Ralphie I's service from 1966 to 1978 to the current Ralphie VI, each buffalo has contributed to CU's national recognition, showcasing the university's spirit and connection to its heritage. Ralphie V was retired following the 2019 season before Ralphie VI made her debut on September 3, 2021.
Ralphie the VI
Ralphie the VI made her debut as the mascot for the Colorado Buffaloes on September 3, 2021. Nicknamed Ember, Ralphie is an American female bison and has a speed of 25 kmph. A team of 15 student-athletes, known as 'Ralphie handlers' receive varsity letters for their hard work to guide Ralphie across the field. During her debut, Ralphie VI weighed 500 pounds at 15 months old.
List of Ralphies
| Name | Nickname | Place of Birth | Born | Debut Run | Final Run | Died |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ralphie I | Ralph | Sedgewick, CO | November 1965 | September 16, 1967 | November 18, 1978 | May 13, 1982 |
| Ralphie II | Moonshine | Longmont, CO | May 25, 1975 | November 18, 1978 | September 19, 1987 | September 19, 1987 |
| Ralphie III | Tequila | Laramie, WY | June 3, 1985 | November 7, 1987 | November 28, 1997 | January 20, 1998 |
| Ralphie IV | Rowdy | Gallatin Gateway, MT | April 1997 | September 5, 1998 | August 31, 2008 | March 19, 2017 |
| Ralphie V | Blackout | Cimarron, NM | October 2006 | September 6, 2008 | October 5, 2019 | – |
| Ralphie VI | Ember | Chadron, NE | May 27, 2020 | September 3, 2021 | – | – |
Also Read: What Is CU Boulder's New Mascot?
FAQs on Colorado Buffaloes
A. The Colorado Buffaloes mascot is a real buffalo named Ralphie.
A. Ralphie leads the football team onto the field at the beginning of the game and halftime.
A. The tradition began in 1934, and the name Ralphie is a nod to history.
A. The university students adopted "Buffaloes" as their nickname, and the tradition started with renting a bison calf.
A. The university has had several spirited female buffalo mascots, with Ralphie V currently in service.
A. The new name of the Ralphie the Buffalo is Ralphie VI.
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