What is a Nittany Lion? Explaining Penn State nickname ahead of Orange Bowl vs Notre Dame

Category: Sports

The nickname 'Nittany Lions' for Penn State's football team originated in 1904 during a game against Princeton, where a player referenced the local mountain lion. The name was popularized by student Harrison 'Joe' Mason, who advocated for it in a humor magazine. The mascot evolved from an African lion costume to a mountain lion representation, culminating in the iconic Nittany Lion Shrine established in 1942.

Keywords: Penn State, Nittany Lions, college football

Source: USA TODAY College

Update At: 1/9/2025

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