Husker Traditions

Nebraska’s school colors are Scarlet and White.

In 1890, Nebraska’s original nickname was the Golden Knights, then became the Bugeaters. In 1900, a Lincoln sportswriter, Cy Sherman, wanted a new nickname. Iowa had been called the Cornhuskers, some, but their fans seemed to prefer Hawkeyes, so Sherman started using Cornhuskers. It stuck, and is now the official nickname for the state.

Herbie Husker, the costumed mascot, arose from a 1974 Cotton Bowl trip. A cartoonist from Lubbock, Texas, drew a cartoon which has evolved to the present Herbie, the latest version making his appearance in 2003. ‘Lil Red, the giant balloon mascot, bounces around the field and sidelines on gameday, to the delight of Husker fans.

The Cornhusker Marching Band plays the music of gameday, songs including "March of the Cornhuskers,” the "Band Song,” ”Hail Varsity,” and "No Place Like Nebraska."

The term Blackshirts refers to the nickname given to starters on the Husker defensive unit. It originated in 1964, when head coach Bob Devaney was looking for a way to distinguish defensive units, in practice. He dispatched an assistant to find shirts, and the assistant brought back black ones for use by the first team. The popularity of the designation grew with defensive success during the ‘70s, and survives, today.

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