Nebraska reveals updated 'Herbie Husker' logo, will share new mascot at spring game
Nebraska Athletics updated “Herbie Husker,” the iconic mascot of the university’s athletic department. The last update came 20 years ago and this appeared to be a modernized version of Herbie.
In a statement released by athletic director Trev Alberts, he said the school wanted to update and modernize Herbie. It’ll be revealed at Saturday’s Nebraska football spring game.
After nearly 50 years, Herbie Husker got a new look.
“Herbie Husker has been one of the iconic symbols of Nebraska Athletics for nearly 50 years,” Alberts said. “Our fans are passionate about all things related to the Huskers, and they have a particular fondness for Herbie. We are excited to present modernized Herbie Husker marks and logos and thrilled to unveil our new Herbie mascot at Saturday’s spring game.”
Nebraska rebranded Herbie Husker with the help of Torch Creative back in January 2022.
“Partnering with Trev, Lonna, and the University of Nebraska on modernizing Herbie has been a dream come true for Torch Creative,” the company said. “We have the ultimate respect for their passion for Cornhusker Athletics and worked to match this enthusiasm in creating a more contemporary look for Herbie yet harkens back to the original 1974 version. Much like that iteration, we hope the modern Herbie continues to represent the heritage of the university and its passionate fanbase.”
The mascot update is for all athletics, but Alberts is a part of a big transformation at Nebraska.
It’s all about “Being Nebraska.”
“The football piece is so huge for the overall culture,” Alberts told On3’s Ivan Maisel. “When the football culture is right, it cascades down into the rest of the athletic department.”
Well football fans will get their first look at the new Herbie during the spring game.
The Herbie Husker character evolved out of Nebraska’s trip to the Cotton Bowl following the 1973 season. Artist Dirk West designed a Cornhusker cartoon for the Cotton Bowl press headquarters, and Nebraska Sports Information Director Don Bryant later contacted West for permission to use the cartoon.
West refined his original cartoon and improved some of the character’s features. The new Herbie Husker character first appeared on the cover of the 1974 Nebraska Football media guide and has been a favorite of Nebraska fans over the past five decades.
At this point, it’s fitting there’s an update during a new era of Nebraska football. New head coach Matt Rhule took over after a return to the college game.