Kansas Jayhawk Logos

Centennial Jay / Skinny Legs

The 1912 Jayhawk marks the first official visual representation of the University of Kansas mascot, brought to life by Henry Maloy, a cartoonist for the University Daily Kansan. Prior to Maloy’s illustration, the Jayhawk existed mostly in name—widely used but never visually defined. Maloy’s iconic drawing gave the mythical bird a personality and physical form that captured the imagination of students and fans alike. Most notably, he added shoes to the Jayhawk’s feet, humorously explaining they were for “kicking opponents,” a detail that became a defining characteristic.

Unique among all iterations, the 1912 Jayhawk is the only version that excludes the "KU" monogram. Its gangly proportions—with extremely thin legs, a compact torso, and an upright posture—led fans to nickname it “Skinny Legs,” and the “Centennial Jay.” The design has even been likened to a flamingo due to its distinctive stance and silhouette. Though it would only remain the official emblem until 1919, this early Jayhawk set the tone for the character and evolution of KU’s beloved mascot.

Chunky Jay

The 1920 Jayhawk introduced a notable evolution in the mascot’s design—shifting from whimsical to resolute. This second official version of the Jayhawk adopted a more serious expression, reflecting a stronger and more assertive school spirit. Most significantly, it was the first time the “KU” monogram was incorporated directly into the design. This addition marked the beginning of a now-iconic tradition, as the monogram has appeared on nearly every Jayhawk logo since.

Visually, the 1920 Jayhawk is stouter and stockier than its predecessor, earning it the nickname “Chunky Jay.” Its thick limbs and broader body contrast sharply with the lanky, shoe-wearing 1912 version. Uniquely, the 1920 Jayhawk is also the only version that does not wear shoes—a notable departure from the playful footwear symbolism of “kicking opponents” introduced earlier. Although this design was in use for fewer than three years—making it the shortest-lived Jayhawk logo—it played a crucial transitional role in the mascot’s visual development, laying the foundation for the more enduring designs that followed.

Duck Jay

Following the stern and compact design of the 1920 Jayhawk, artists Jimmy O'Byron and George Hollingbery revived a friendlier, more animated personality for the University of Kansas mascot in 1923. Their collaboration resulted in a lively, duck-like Jayhawk that reintroduced whimsy and approachability to the character. The overall silhouette mirrors the shape of a duck, with rounded features and a buoyant posture that stood in contrast to its more serious predecessor.

One of the most distinctive features of the 1923 Jayhawk is its beak—the largest of any version before or since—giving it a bold, almost comical charm. Though it maintained the "KU" monogram introduced in 1920, the softened expression and exaggerated proportions made this Jayhawk emblem more lighthearted and inviting, perhaps reflecting a cultural mood of optimism in the Roaring Twenties. Used from 1923 to 1928, this version is remembered as a brief but beloved chapter in the evolution of the Jayhawk, restoring character and energy to the mascot's design lineage.

Spurred Jay / Cowboy Jay

By 1929, the Jayhawk underwent a dramatic transformation, adopting a fiercer and more athletic identity. Designed by Forrest O. Calvin, this iteration was intended to strike a balance between pride and intimidation—a mascot meant to rally fans and unnerve rivals. This version introduced a powerful stance and sharper lines, with visual cues that made it feel more battle-ready than any previous version.

Most notably, Calvin added a back talon to each of the Jayhawk’s yellow shoes, enhancing its aggressive edge. These talons, the largest and most pronounced of any Jayhawk design, have led some fans to interpret the shoes as cowboy boots with spurs—a nod to the Jayhawk’s frontier roots and defiant spirit. This version also synthesizes traits from earlier designs—combining the structure of the 1920 logo with some of the rounded personality of the 1923 version—while foreshadowing the modern Jayhawk’s refined outline. In use from 1929 to 1940, this Jayhawk marked a turning point in mascot design: a move toward a more mature and iconic form that would guide future renditions for decades to come.

Smiling Jay / Classic Jayhawk

The 1946 Jayhawk, drawn by Harold D. Sandy, became the defining image of the University of Kansas mascot—and the version most associated with KU to this day. After decades of experimentation with posture, mood, and style, Sandy brought the Jayhawk to life with a bold new energy: this was the first smiling Jayhawk in over 20 years. With its friendly grin, upright posture, and refined anatomy, the 1946 Jayhawk struck a perfect balance between approachability and pride.

Visually, the most notable update was the shift in color tone: Sandy introduced a vibrant royal blue, replacing the darker navy blues of earlier designs. This change helped modernize the mascot’s look and made it stand out more clearly on uniforms and promotional materials. The legs, shoes, and feather structure were further stylized, giving the bird a polished, athletic form that captured the spirit of mid-century collegiate athletics. Used officially from 1946 to 2005, this version didn’t just represent a new era—it defined it. Widely beloved and instantly recognizable, Sandy’s Jayhawk became a symbol of school pride not just at KU, but across the country.

Modern Jayhawk

In 2006, the University of Kansas introduced a carefully updated version of its classic Jayhawk, building directly on Harold D. Sandy’s iconic 1946 design. Rather than reinventing the mascot, the goal was refinement: a modernized, professional rendering that could carry the brand into the digital and global era. The most notable update came in the form of typography—this Jayhawk now wears the "KU" monogram in Trajan font, a typeface inspired by the stone carvings of ancient Rome, lending the logo a timeless, collegiate elegance.

Another key change is directional flexibility. While all previous Jayhawks faced left, the 2006 version was designed to face either left or right, offering adaptability across media, merchandise, and branding applications. This small but significant adjustment made the mascot more versatile for modern design standards. Still grinning with confidence and full of personality, the 2006 Jayhawk honors the legacy of Sandy’s design while meeting the aesthetic needs of the 21st century. In use from 2006 to the present, it remains a proud emblem of Jayhawk tradition and identity.