Brutus Buckeye and Rufus the Bobcat Face Off in Tug-of-War

Ohio State and Ohio University mascots continue their storied rivalry on the field.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:39pm

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During the annual Ohio State vs. Ohio University football matchup, the two schools' iconic mascots, Brutus Buckeye and Rufus the Bobcat, engaged in a highly anticipated tug-of-war competition, replaying their famous on-field brawl from years past.

Why it matters

The rivalry between Ohio State and Ohio University, known as the "Battle of the Bricks," is one of the oldest and most spirited in college sports. The mascot showdown between Brutus and Rufus has become a beloved tradition that captures the essence of this longstanding feud.

The details

Ahead of the game, Brutus Buckeye, the mascot for Ohio State, challenged Rufus the Bobcat, Ohio University's mascot, to a tug-of-war competition on the field. The two mascots have a history of on-field brawls, and this latest clash continued their storied rivalry.

  • The tug-of-war took place during the Ohio State vs. Ohio University football game on September 13, 2026.

The players

Brutus Buckeye

The official mascot of Ohio State University, known for his energetic antics and fierce school spirit.

Rufus the Bobcat

The official mascot of Ohio University, representing the school's Bobcats athletic teams and known for his scrappy attitude.

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What they’re saying

“The tug-of-war between Brutus and Rufus is always the highlight of the Ohio State-Ohio University game. It's a tradition that captures the essence of this rivalry.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, Ohio State University

What’s next

The outcome of the tug-of-war will be a topic of discussion leading up to the next Ohio State-Ohio University matchup, as both mascots and their fans eagerly await a rematch.

The takeaway

The ongoing rivalry between Ohio State and Ohio University, embodied by the spirited competition between their mascots Brutus Buckeye and Rufus the Bobcat, continues to captivate college sports fans and showcase the unique traditions that make the "Battle of the Bricks" one of the most entertaining matchups in the country.