Mascot Madness: Our Picks For The Cutest Animals in The NCAA

From Butler’s Blue III to the black bear sisters at Baylor, we’ve collected our top mascots just in time for March Madness.

The Sweet 16 Four-Legged Mascots

From Butler's Blue III to the black bear sisters at Baylor, we've collected our top mascots just in time for March Madness.

©Vetstreet

1 of 18 © Courtesy of Baylor Univesity

Blue III, Butler University

We're sorry that Butler University's Bulldogs won't be playing in this year's men's NCAA tournament because Blue III is, hands down, our favorite mascot. While this cutie isn't the official Butler University mascot yet, Blue III (his real name is Trip), an English Bulldog puppy, is being mentored by the current Butler mascot, Blue II, and will assume official mascot duties when Blue II retires.

The mascot-in-training is not only an adorable furry cheerleader, he is quite Internet- and social-media-savvy. You can keep track of Blue III's courtside celebrating and what he's learning in puppy class on his website, Twitter, webcam and Foursquare.

2 of 18 Photo: © Butler University

Mike, Louisiana State University

LSU fans have a truly regal and fierce, not to mention adorable, mascot: a Bengal tiger. When Mike VI isn't roaring through Tiger Stadium, you can find him in his 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art habitat on the Louisiana State University campus. However, he will not be accompanying the LSU players to their games -- he'll be cheering them on from Baton Rouge. Geaux Tigers!

3 of 18 Photo: © Courtesy of LSU

Jack, Georgetown University

Georgetown University's mascot is Jack the Bulldog. The first Jack, an English Bulldog, was purchased by students in 1964; he was meant to be called Hoya (after the school's rallying cry of "Hoya Saxa!"), but refused to respond to any name but Jack. The current Jack's favorite pastimes include tearing up cardboard boxes (usually painted with the opposing team's colors) and riding in golf carts.

4 of 18 Photo: © Courtesy of Georgetown University

Ralphie, University of Colorado

You won't see Ralphie the Buffalo shooting hoops with the Colorado men's basketball team (his size gives him an unfair advantage and his hoofs would do a number on the court), but there's no doubt that the University of Colorado's handsome (and a little intimidating) mascot is a truly amazing sight to see. And we all know that a big mascot means big spirit!

5 of 18 Photo: © Courtesy of University of Colorado

Dubs, The University of Washington

The University of Washington's furry mascot is an Alaskan Malamute named Dubs. According to his weekly blog, the four-legged fur ball "loves being a dawg." Who doesn't?

6 of 18 Photo: © Courtesy of University of Washington

Boomer and Sooner, The University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma Sooner Schooner is a Conestoga wagon pulled by two gorgeous white ponies, Boomer and Sooner, who race across Owen Field after every OU touchdown. We wish these stunning horses could make a basketball debut during March Madness, but alas, those hooves just aren't hard-court-friendly, and their rig is a little large for a basketball arena.

Bevo, The University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas mascot, a Longhorn named Bevo, is central to the school's "Hook 'Em, Horns" enthusiasm. The current Bevo is the fourteenth Longorn to represent the school; in January 2005, he attended the second inauguration of President George W. Bush. Unfortunately, he will not be following the Longhorns to the Big Dance. Again, it's the hooves. Sorry, Bevo.

Smokey, University of Tennessee

Smokey IX is the handsome Bluetick Coonhound mascot for the University of Tennessee Volunteers. With his dashing cape, this spirited pooch brings lots of Vols spirit to home games. This year, we'll be looking for Smokey at the women's NCAA tournament along with legendary coach Pat Summitt, who has led the Lady Vols to eight NCAA championships.