While college basketball fans have plenty to celebrate in the 2024 NCAA men's and women's tournaments, many of them also enjoy the mascots.
The bulldog is one of the most iconic ones in college sports. As many as 15 NCAA Division I schools have bulldogs as their mascots. Schools such as the Yale Bulldogs, Drake Bulldogs and Gonzaga Bulldogs will all have the breed represented in March Madness.
But bulldogs won't be the only mascots roaming the sidelines. From adorable animals to unique nods to school history, here's a breakdown of some mascots featured in this year's tournaments.
Stetson Hatters
Three Florida teams are playing in the men's bracket. While many know of Albert the Gator -- the No. 7-seeded Florida mascot -- and Owlsley the Owl from Florida Atlantic, lesser known No. 16 Stetson has a mascot who might turn heads.
This will be the Hatters' first appearance in the tournament since becoming a Division I team in 1971. The Hatters' origin comes from John B. Stetson -- the inventor of Stetson hats. Stetson made a donation to the DeLand Academy when the school was facing financial issues and Stetson was named chairman of the board of trustees in 1889, according to Stetson Athletics. The university was also renamed in his honor.
While there have been other versions, the current mascot represents Stetson.
Saint Mary's Gaels
The No. 9 Saint Mary's Gaels will make their third straight appearance in the tournament.
Per Merriam-Webster, a Gael is a Celtic, especially Gaelic-speaking inhabitant of Ireland, Scotland or the Isle of Man.
In the 1920s, sportswriter Grantland Rice coined Saint Mary's "the Gaels" due to the fact there were so many Irish players on the team, according to Saint Mary's Athletics.
Longwood Lancers
The No. 16 Longwood Lancers will compete in the tournament for the second time in the past three years. While they're known as the Lancers, their mascot is named Mr. Elwood.
Introduced in 2011, the Lancer was voted as the new mascot by alumni, faculty, staff and students. There were over 4,300 votes collected, according to Longwood Athletics, but they aren't the only Lancers to go dancing.
Women's basketball
California Baptist Lancers
On the women's side, the No. 15 California Baptist Lancers will be playing in their program's first Division I NCAA tournament.
Its official mascot name is "Lance the Lancer," according to California Baptist Lancers Athletics.
Presbyterian Blue Hose
Based out of the Big South Conference, the Presbyterian Blue Hose will be dancing for the first time in their school's history.
Presbyterian was initially referred to as the Blue Stockings, but the moniker was shortened to Blue Hose in 1954. The nickname is a nod to the blue socks that were standard in their uniform.
Chattanooga Mocs
The No. 14 Chattanooga Mocs will play No. 3 NC State Wolfpack.
While the Wolf Pack are a mascot many fans might recognize, the Mocs might have some scratching their heads.
A moc refers to the Tennessee state bird. The mascot itself is named after football coach A.C. "Scrappy" Moore, according to Chattanooga Athletics.