Hook ‘Em
Austin, TX · Various
| Team / Organization | The University of Texas at Austin |
|---|---|
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| League / Division | NCAA (SEC) |
| First Debuted | November 29, 1975 |
| Species / Type | Texas Longhorn |
| Best Known For | Multiple UCA Nationals appearances; high-energy skits and social media content; 300+ appearances annually; Bevo’s younger brother |
| Year Nominated | 2026 |
Profile
Hook ’Em has become one of the most recognizable mascots in college sports, bringing Longhorn spirit, big-energy performances, and unmistakable Texas swagger to games and events across the country. The costumed mascot dates back to 1975, when former student Steven Sockler pushed to create a live mascot counterpart to the already iconic Hook ’em Horns tradition. Sockler worked with art professor Hugh Head during the summer of 1975 to build the original head, using a construction helmet as the base and welding rods to form the horns.
Hook ’Em quickly became a major part of Texas game-day culture. Accounts of the mascot’s early history note that the costume was first approved for basketball use in 1975, before expanding into a much bigger role over time. Since then, Hook ’Em has grown from a student-built sideline character into a full-scale ambassador for the University of Texas, appearing at athletic events, campus traditions, and major national showcases. Texas also uses an inflatable sidekick, AirHorn, as part of the spirit program, with university spirit materials listing both Hook ’Em and AirHorn as distinct mascot roles.
What makes Hook ’Em stand out is the mix of tradition and personality. He is tied directly to one of the most famous hand signs in college athletics, introduced at Texas in 1955, and his look translates that Longhorn identity into a living, crowd-firing character. Hook ’Em has traveled far beyond Austin as well, including a trip to Shanghai, China, for the Texas men’s basketball opener against Washington in 2015, a game Texas described as the first regular-season contest ever played in China. That blend of school tradition, visibility, and big-stage presence helped make Hook ’Em one of the most recognizable mascots in the country.
Fun Facts
- The first Hook ’Em costume was built in the summer of 1975 by former student Steven Sockler and art professor Hugh Head, using a construction helmet and welding rods to shape the horns.
- Hook ’Em traveled to Shanghai, China, in 2015 for the Texas men’s basketball opener against Washington, which Texas described as the first regular-season game ever played in China.
- Hook ’Em has an inflatable little brother named AirHorn, and the Texas spirit program lists AirHorn as an official inflatable mascot alongside Hook ’Em.
- The Hook ’em Horns hand sign, which inspired the mascot, was introduced at a Texas pep rally in 1955 and quickly became one of the most recognizable symbols in college athletics.
