Evolution of the University of Oregon logo
This September marks the 25th anniversary of the iconic "O" logo for the Ducks, symbolizing the culmination of a brand that has grown to international recognition.
Webfoot Era 1894 – Late 1930’s
The University of Oregon's mascot history traces back all the way to 1894, when a newspaper article referred to the football team as the "Webfoot’s." By 1902, the name had become popular on campus and was even used as the official title of the 1902 yearbook.
Front cover of 1902 yearbook titled ‘The Webfoot’ Courtesy of Oregon Library Archives
In 1926, a naming contest won by Oregonian sports editor L.H. Gregory solidified "Webfoot’s" as the official name, with a student vote in 1932 further affirming it.
During this period, both "Webfoot’s" and "Ducks" were used to describe the student body, although there remains debate as to when "Ducks" officially took over, with some discussion continuing up until 1995.
Disney Era 1947 - 2010
An archive photo of Leo Harris and Walt Disney pictured together circa early 1940’s wearing matching letterman jackets with the ‘puddles’ mascot pictured beneath them.
The year 1947 was also significant for the arrival of Leo Harris as UO's Athletic Director. Harris, in a unique way, struck a casual, handshake agreement with Walt Disney to use Donald Duck’s image as the official UO mascot. This agreement allowed UO to use Donald Duck free of charge, as long as he was portrayed respectfully. Disney Studios created multiple versions of Donald for the UO, with the most recognizable featuring Donald in full Oregon gear, emerging from a giant yellow and green "O."
1974-1993
Disney Oregon Logo’s
In 1966, after Walt Disney’s passing, the Walt Disney Company noticed there was no formal contract between Disney and UO. When this was questioned, UO produced a single photo of Harris with Walt Disney, who was wearing a UO letterman jacket featuring Donald Duck.
Over the years, the agreement with Disney was revised several times. In 1989, royalties were introduced into the contract, and in 1991, a revision limited the sale of UO merchandise featuring Donald to Eugene, the main campus, and Portland, where other UO campuses are located.
Donald Duck was so beloved that in 1984, during his 50th birthday tour, the UO honored him as an honorary alumnus, welcoming him at the Eugene airport.
Although the use of Donald Duck remains somewhat connected to Oregon's history, in 2010, the university and Disney reached an agreement to further distance Donald Duck from the Ducks' modern branding.
Logo Timeline
1994 – 1998
The 1994 redesign featured a geometric "UO" monogram representing the University of Oregon. The two letters were stacked vertically, slightly angled, and designed in a bold, straight typeface with clean, geometric lines. The green letters were outlined in white and yellow, giving the logo a bright but simple and understated appearance.
1999 – Present Day
In 1999, the University of Oregon embraced a more minimalist approach with their logo. The new design featured nothing but a green capital "O" on a white background. In contrast to previous logos, which incorporated angular elements, this version was characterized by perfectly smooth, rounded lines, emphasizing simplicity and modernity.
The one adopted in 2011 sports the “O” with two wings on the sides, while the 2007 emblem features a duck’s webfoot. The 1999 Oregon football logo features Donald Duck with his fists clenched.
The Mandrake, also designed by Nike, arrived in 2002, and was an attempt to appeal to a younger generation. Credit WSJ
It didn’t take long for the Mandrake to get nicknames like “Robo Duck” and “Duck Vader.” The new “companion” mascot, was never suppose to replace Donald, but provide more marketing flexibility for the University, as they had total ownership over the Mandrake unlike Donald Duck. However, he was a failure and lasted one year. The lack of love for Robo Duck solidified Donald representing the “Fighting Ducks.”
Fighting Duck
Modern day Duck logo
Today, the Duck mascot remains beloved, often portrayed in costume, while the sleek and minimalist "O" logo continues to stand as a strong symbol of Oregon’s athletic excellence.
This combination of tradition and modern branding has helped Oregon develop a powerful identity that resonates across the sports world, blending its past with a forward-looking vision. The evolution of the logo is a testament to Oregon's adaptability and desire to stay relevant while honoring its rich history
Written by Sammy Aronoff