Nebraska reveals new-look Herbie Husker at spring game

Nebraska is about to begin a new era of football under first-year head coach Matt Rhule, and the Cornhuskers are doing so by unveiling a new Herbie Husker.

The new Herbie Husker debuted at the team’s spring game on Saturday, rolling out onto the football field in style on the back of a motorcycle. Sporting a big red cowboy hat and overalls, he was escorted onto the field as the bike roared.

Check out his entrance below.

The new Herbie Husker is introduced to Memorial Stadium #Huskers pic.twitter.com/2j0f8N4poN

— Drake (@DrakeKeeler) April 22, 2023

The new-look Herbie Husker is a modernized version of the mascot and logo that have served Nebraska for nearly 50 years.

“Herbie Husker has been one of the iconic symbols of Nebraska Athletics for nearly 50 years,” athletics director Trev 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.”

The university partnered with Torch Creative in modernizing the rebranded Herbie Husker starting 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.”

Fans at the team’s spring game got the first glimpse at the new and improved Herbie Husker, and now fans around the world can check it out courtesy of social media.

It’s a big rebranding deal for Nebraska on a long-time logo and mascot.

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.