Move Over Big Red, There’s a College Mascot Called ‘The Fighting Okra’

If you're a Kentuckian, you know that the state is home to one of the most unique college mascots in the entire country. The official mascot of Western Kentucky University is Big Red. Described on Wikipedia as "a furry blob," Big Red dates back to 1979, when it was created by a student named Ralph Carey. Today, Big Red is one of the most recognized and celebrated college mascots in the U.S.

Since its creation, Big Red has competed in the Capital One Mascot Challenge multiple times, has appeared on Wheel of Fortune, The Ellen Degeneres Show, and more. Simply put, Big Red is kinda of a big deal and the students at WKU- the Hilltoppers- adore their mascot.

The same can't be said for the students at Delta State University, a Division II school in Cleveland, Mississippi. That school's official mascot is The Statesman. He wears a green and white suit that's accentuated with a green top hat initialed with the letters- DSU. Yeah, you're right. That's boring! Decades ago, the students there knew it.

So, back in the 90s, they took matters into their own hands and created an unexpected, colorful and, well, tasty alternative to The Statesman. He was green and white too, but not a statesman at all. He was furry green vegetable.

Meet the Delta State Fighting Okra!

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According to SportsCasting.com, the school was initially reluctant about the okra idea. But, the students were ALL about it and eventually won out. Today, Delta State embraces their second mascot and the school is still releasing hilarious videos featuring their beloved 'Fighting Okra.'

Like Big Red, the Fighting Okra has gained national notoriety. Last year, it was featured in an ad for ESPN's Sportscenter.

By the way, shout out to Erinn Williams, a diehard University of Kentucky Wildcat fan. She is how I found out about Delta State's bizarre, yet wildly entertaining mascot. Erinn shared this on Facebook over Labor Day weekend. She wrote:

I've been in bed sick since Friday night. I've had a lot of time to waller, sweat, pray, and ultimately scroll. I was today years old when I discovered a school has "okra" as a mascot and I'm annoyed and embarrassed I didn't know this. Clearly, I'm a Kentucky fan . . . but I will be ordering "fighting okra" merch soon!

If you'd like to order 'fighting okra' merch too, you can check out Delta State's official Fighting Okra store HERE!