Otto is in a marathon race and needs the support of Orange Nation.

The beloved University mascot is one of 20 finalists nationwide nominated for Best College Mascot as part of USA Today Sports’ Readers’ Choice Awards. From now through Aug. 17 at 11:59 a.m., supporters can cast daily votes to help Otto claim the title.

The nomination isn’t the first time Otto’s central role in the Syracuse community has been recognized. The adored orange, who participates in 800 events a year, was a member of the 2023 class of the Mascot Hall of Fame.

Julie Walas ’07, G’13, the University’s mascot coach, says when she told Otto about the USA Today nomination, the orange’s excitement was palpable.

“Otto, of course, can’t talk—but when I gave Otto the news, you’d think that orange was shouting with delight,” she says. “Otto did a lot of excited dancing and jumping, but then got very focused. Otto wanted a strategy—because Otto likes to win!”

More Than a Mascot

Walas says the USA Today nomination shows Otto’s legacy and impact are still “very much alive and growing.”

“It means everything,” she says of the nomination. “Otto has been part of this community since the early 1980s and became our official mascot in 1995. To be recognized nationally, alongside just 20 finalists from across the country, is a huge honor for our entire program. This isn’t about one costume or one performer; it’s a reflection of 40-plus years of students who have poured their hearts into making Orange Nation smile.”

Otto, she says, is the “one constant” that shows up for every version of the Orange community, from first-year students at their first football game and alumni returning to campus to kids’ birthday parties and families at a hospital visit.

Otto’s devoted presence on and off campus, powered by cheering fans, is what makes the lovable orange a symbol of Syracuse’s community spirit, not just a mascot, Walas says.

“Otto doesn’t just cheer for wins; Otto shows up in the hard moments too,” she says. “Otto is a unifier. Otto welcomes you no matter how long you’ve been an Orange fan, Otto just wants everyone to feel like they belong.”

How Orange Nation Can Help

Walas says Otto’s message to Orange fans right now is simple: “Thank you for making me who I am! Now let’s bring this one home together.”

With voting open now through Aug. 17 at 11:59 a.m., fans can vote once per day, every day, until the polls close.

“We are encouraging students, alumni, families and fans to set a daily reminder and vote every single day,” Walas says. “Every vote counts, and with daily voting allowed, consistency is everything.”

For more than 40 years, Otto has shown up for the community—now it’s time for the community to show up for Otto, she says.

“This nomination belongs to every fan who has ever hugged Otto, danced with Otto at a game or cheered with Otto in the stands,” says Walas. “Otto is one of four ACC nominees this year, and we’d love nothing more than to bring this title home to Syracuse. Thank you to everyone who has supported Otto for every award, induction and initiative—let’s show the country why Otto’s the best.”