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Velvet Digest

Why does Ole Miss have a shark mascot?

Author

Sophia Koch

Updated on April 03, 2026

For the second time in less than a decade, Ole Miss has a new official mascot. Landshark Tony draws its inspiration from the Rebels' so-called "Landshark Defense," with Ole Miss players often forming their hands in the shape of a shark fin in front of their helmets following big plays.

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Similarly, you may ask, why did they change the Ole Miss mascot?

Ole Miss adopts Landshark as new official mascot for athletic events. The as-yet named Landshark will replace Rebel the Bear, who was selected as the Ole Miss mascot in 2010. In 2003, the university retired Colonel Reb from the field in an effort to move away from symbols of the Old South.

Secondly, why did Ole Miss get rid of Colonel Reb? “The administration decided that Colonel Reb was an inappropriate symbol at Ole Miss — once aligned with Confederacy and slavery — so they moved to abandon him,” Wilkie said. In 2010, for the third time in history, the university hosted a competition for its next mascot.

In this way, what is the Ole Miss mascot?

Tony the Landshark Landshark

When did Ole Miss landsharks?

The Ole Miss Rebels are the 18 men's and women's intercollegiate athletic teams that are funded by and represent the University of Mississippi, located in Oxford. The first was the football team, which began play in 1893. Originally known as the "Mississippi Flood", the teams were renamed the Rebels in 1936.

Related Question Answers

What are Ole Miss's colors?

Navy blue Cardinal Yale Blue Harvard Crimson

What does Hotty toddy mean?

ESPN's Doug Ward wrote, "'Hotty Toddy' has no real meaning, but it means everything in Oxford. For students, fans and alumni, it is a greeting, cheer and secret handshake all rolled into one. 'Hotty Toddy' is the spirit of Ole Miss." He's spot on, as the cheer embodies the spirit of the school.

What is a Landshark?

landshark in British English (ˈlændˌ??ːk ) informal. a person who makes inordinate profits by buying and selling land. Collins English Dictionary.

Did every student at Ole Miss fight in the Civil War?

When the Civil War between the North and South began in America, many students at Ole Miss got involved. From 1861 to 1865, the University of Mississippi was closed because the school was more worried about fighting the Civil War than going to class. Only four people enrolled the first year of fighting.

What is the real name of Ole Miss?

University of Mississippi

Who is Colonel Reb based on?

Noted Ole Miss historian David Sansing has stated that “Blind Jim [Ivy] may have been the model for Colonel Rebel.” Sansing cites “the late Frank Everett” as the sole basis for this conclusion. “Blind Jim” Ivy was a campus fixture until his death in 1955, seven years before the school was integrated in 1962.

Did Ole Miss change their colors?

Ole Miss uniform history. Nike has provided the Rebels with recent uniform flare, updating its navy and red color scheme with several different alternate jersey and pants options on gamedays.

How did Ole Miss get its name?

The school got its nickname from the name for the student yearbook, The Ole Miss Annual. The yearbook was published for the first time in 1896. 'Ole miss' was a term slaves used to refer to the wife of a plantation owner.

What should I wear to the Ole Miss game?

Ole Miss fans have always dressed in their finest red and blue to celebrate football Saturday. Taking a quick glance in the Grove, you'll notice girls wearing high heels and pearls and men in bowties and suits. It's simply an Ole Miss tradition.

What college mascot is the Rebels?

University of Mississippi

Will the Ole Miss game be televised?

OXFORD, Miss. The game will be televised on ESPNU. Ole Miss hosts Southeastern Louisiana this Saturday in a non-conference matchup at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Kick is slated for 3 p.m. and will be televised on SEC Network Alternate.

How many students are at University of Mississippi?

23,780 (2017)

What is Ole Miss known for academically?

The most popular majors at University of Mississippi include: Accounting; Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia; General Studies; Psychology, General; and Marketing/Marketing Management, General. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 86 percent.

What Is a Rebel mascot?

Tony the Landshark

Why is Ole Miss the landsharks?

At Ole Miss, Landshark is a term that was first adopted by the Rebel football team's defensive unit. The term Landshark originated that season from senior linebacker Tony Fein, an Army veteran who served a one-year tour in the Iraq War before arriving in Oxford.

Has Ole Miss ever won a national championship in any sport?

Throughout the 115-year history of Ole Miss football, the Rebels have won six Southeastern Conference titles (1947, 1954, 1955, 1960, 1962, and 1963); they also have a claim to three national championships (1959, 1960, 1962).

Who is Ole Miss rival?

ole miss rival
Ole Miss rival
BAM
Ole Miss rival
BAMA

How old is Hugh Freeze?

50 years (September 27, 1969)

Who played the Land Shark on SNL?

Chevy Chase