The athletic teams representing Clemson University officially carry the fierce and widely recognized nickname of the "Tigers." This proud moniker is accompanied by the school's traditional orange and purple color scheme and is famously embodied on campus by the costumed mascot, The Tiger. The origin of the nickname dates back to the late nineteenth century when a prominent sports journalist compared the university's football squad to the formidable felines, and the title quickly became an enduring symbol of athletic strength, school spirit, and competitive tradition.