Oregon Duck mascot dons Labubu-style costume, drawing mixed reactions from fans
The University of Oregon’s mascot appeared in a plush-toy inspired outfit during Saturday’s rout of Oklahoma State, prompting both praise and criticism on social media.
The Oregon Duck — known as Puddles — appeared at Saturday’s Oregon vs. Oklahoma State game in a life-sized costume modeled on the popular Labubu plush toy, drawing a wide range of reactions from fans and social media users.
Rather than the mascot’s customary green-and-yellow shirt and beanie, the Duck emerged from the tunnel in a beige, fur-covered suit with rounded ears and the toy’s signature sharp-tooth grin applied to the bill. The character’s eyes, bill and webbed feet remained consistent with the traditional mascot design.
The appearance prompted immediate commentary on X, where one user called the costume “nightmare fuel.” Other posts alternately described the outfit as “amazing but terrifying” and compared it to cosplay within the furry community. Several users praised the school’s creativity, saying the stunt was emblematic of college football’s eccentric traditions.
Oregon, ranked No. 4, dominated the game, beating Oklahoma State 69-3 to move to 2-0 on the season. The team will travel to face Northwestern in its first Big Ten matchup of the year.
The costume change reflects the broader popularity of Labubu, a line of plush toys that has become a pop culture presence in 2025 and has been seen among children, social media influencers and celebrities. The toys’ distinctive aesthetic has been adopted in merchandising and occasional promotional appearances, and college mascots experimenting with pop-culture looks is a familiar feature of gameday pageantry.
University officials did not immediately release a statement about the decision to outfit Puddles in the Labubu-inspired suit. The mascot’s appearance came during in-game festivities and did not affect play; the Ducks secured a lopsided victory on the field.
Mascot variations have provoked mixed responses at other programs as well, with fans often debating whether inventive designs enhance or detract from school traditions. For Oregon, a program long associated with bold uniforms and marketing partnerships, the costume was another example of visible branding choices tied to fan engagement and entertainment.
Saturday’s reactions on social media illustrated that dynamic: commentary ranged from amusement to discomfort, and supporters of the team noted the lighthearted moment amid a decisive win. The Ducks will carry momentum and the controversial costume discussion with them as they prepare for their upcoming conference opener at Northwestern.