Meet Joe Vandal
The one and only Joe Vandal
Outgoing, proud and unmistakably Idaho, Joe Vandal is the official mascot of University of Idaho and one of the university’s most recognizable ambassadors.
Joe represents the spirit of the entire Vandal community — students, alumni, employees, fans and friends. You’ll find him rallying crowds at athletic events, leading parades, making appearances across the state and bringing Vandal pride wherever he goes.
He’s a Vandal through and through, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
The legend of Joe Vandal
Joe’s epic journey began in 1956, when yell leader Bill Currie appeared on the sidelines during a football game as the spirited and enthusiastic “Joe the Vandal.” Currie and his mother, who worked in the university’s art department, created the original costume, complete with a papier-mâché head.
But the Vandal name goes back even further. Student sportswriter Harry Lloyd “Jazz” McCarty first used “Vandals” to describe Idaho’s basketball team in 1918, which played defense with such intensity and ferocity that the nickname stuck. By 1921, it had been adopted for all university teams.
Joe truly stands above the rest (seriously, he’s tall). University of Idaho is the only institution of higher education in the country with the Vandal as its mascot.
Fast facts
- Born: Sept. 22, 1956
- Astrology sign: Virgo, ruling planet Mercury
- Best buddy: The loudest Vandal fan nearby
- Position: Vandal Spirit Superintendent
- Height: 6’0”–6’9” of pure Vandal enthusiasm
- Hometown: Moscow, Idaho
- Alma mater: University of Idaho
- Favorite color: Pride Gold
- Signature move: Power pose
- Favorite greetings: High fives, fist bumps, waves and V’s up
- Communication style: Actions speak louder than words
Joe Vandal in action
More about Joe
Joe is friendly, active and fun-loving, with a mischievous streak. He loves being the center of attention but always brings that attention back to the Vandals he supports. He’s a cheerleader at heart, fiercely competitive and immensely proud to represent University of Idaho.
Career highlights
Joe has packed a lot into his career as the world’s one and only college Vandal mascot.
- Back-to-back Big Sky Mascot Challenge Champion
- Ranked by USA Today’s For The Win as the No. 1 mascot in the 2026 NCAA men’s March Madness field
- Immortalized in bronze with his own larger-than-life, 9-foot-tall statue on the Moscow campus
Joe and the University of Idaho brand
Joe Vandal is more than a familiar face on the sidelines. He is an official University of Idaho mascot and an important part of the university brand.
Joe’s role extends well beyond game day. He represents University of Idaho at athletic, university and community events at the local, state and even national level, helping unite, motivate and entertain the Vandal community wherever he goes.
Joe’s character, likeness and official marks represent University of Idaho and are managed as part of the university brand.
Joe Vandal FAQs
What is the University of Idaho mascot?
The Vandal is the official mascot of University of Idaho, represented by Joe Vandal. U of I is the only institution of higher education in the country with the Vandal as its mascot.
Does Joe Vandal talk?
Nope. Joe communicates through gestures, movement and good old-fashioned Vandal charisma.
Who is inside the Joe Vandal suit?
Nice try. Joe’s trained performers keep their identities secret and stay in character whenever they wear the suit.
When was Joe Vandal created?
Joe made his debut in 1956, when University of Idaho yell leader Bill Currie appeared as “Joe the Vandal” during a football game.
What is a Vandal?
The Vandal nickname dates to 1918, when student sportswriter Harry Lloyd “Jazz” McCarty used it to describe Idaho’s basketball team. It was later adopted for all university teams. Today, being a Vandal extends well beyond athletics — it’s an identity shared across the University of Idaho community.
Is Joe Vandal only an athletics mascot?
No. Joe represents University of Idaho as a whole and appears at athletic, university and community events.
Can I request Joe Vandal for an event?
Joe Vandal makes appearances at select University of Idaho and community events. An appearance fee applies, and availability varies based on scheduling and event needs.
Joe Vandal on social
Request Joe Vandal
Want Joe at your event? Joe makes select appearances at University of Idaho and community events. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and depend on actor availability, event schedules, travel, safety requirements and other factors. An appearance fee applies, and submitting a request does not guarantee an appearance.
University of Idaho employees can submit a Joe Vandal appearance request on Inside U of I. Request Joe Vandal
Community members and external organizations: Contact epierson@uidaho.edu to inquire about a Joe Vandal appearance.