FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Razorbacks have a fresh face—or snout—in their storied lineup of live mascots, with the arrival of Tusk VII announced Tuesday on social media.
Tusk VII, the son of the current mascot Tusk VI, was born Oct. 29 at the family farm in Dardanelle, weighing in at 12 pounds. The new piglet joins a tradition dating back to 1994, when the first Tusk entered Razorback Stadium on a leash, evolving into the motorized cart-riding icon that charges the field before kickoffs and basketball games.
“The next Razorback legend has snorted his way into the world,” the @ArkRazorbacks X account posted, sharing photos of the black-and-white piglet nestled in hay. “Tusk VII — Son of Tusk VI has arrived!!” The announcement drew immediate cheers from fans, with replies flooding in from alumni and boosters: “Woo Pig! Can’t wait to see him at War Memorial” and “Already cuter than half our O-line.”
Tusk VI, now 3 years old, has been the face of Razorback spirit since taking over in 2022 from his father, Tusk V. The lineage traces back through generations, with each Tusk selected from a farm owned by the Daniels family, who have stewarded the program for decades. The pigs, purebred razorbacks, are trained to tolerate crowds and travel, making appearances at over 100 events annually.
University officials said Tusk VII will begin light socialization soon, with a full reveal planned for the 2026 football season. In the meantime, he’ll grow under the care of handlers, learning the ropes—or reins—of mascot life.
For Razorback Nation, the birth is a timely boost amid a rebuilding year, reminding fans that new beginnings often come with a snort and a wiggle of the tail. As one commenter put it: “If Tusk VII can handle Donald W. Reynolds, he’s ready for anything.”
