She Spent Years Performing as Ohio State’s Buckeye Mascot. Here’s How She Kept It a Secret from Even Her Closest Friends (Exclusive)

Emily Hayward, a recent graduate of Ohio State University, has garnered attention for her remarkable contribution to the university’s spirit as Brutus Buckeye, the school’s beloved mascot. For years, she played this iconic character while keeping her true identity a secret from many of her friends and peers. This clandestine experience has led her to reflect on the unique challenges and profound joy that came with embodying such a cherished figure.

Throughout her time at university, Hayward donned the Brutus costume, performing for thousands of fans at sporting events, making television appearances, and travelling with various athletic teams. Yet, the majority of people around her remained oblivious to the person beneath the mascot’s oversized head. “A small circle of people knew I was Brutus, and keeping the secret was honestly one of the hardest and strangest parts of the experience,” Hayward shared in an exclusive interview.

The anonymity that came with being Brutus Buckeye provided Hayward with a unique perspective. Unlike athletes who are celebrated for their individual accomplishments, Brutus represents a longstanding tradition that transcends any single person. Hayward expressed this sentiment, stating, “When the head goes on, it stops being about you entirely. You get to be a part of something that countless people have loved for generations.”

For much of her time in the role, the weighty Brutus costume occupied a prominent spot in her apartment. “Brutus lived on the dresser in my bedroom for a few years before we eventually got a locker room, so there were definitely some close calls,” Hayward recalled. She often had to ask her flatmate to stash the costume away to avoid surprising visitors. Being a mascot was not always discreet, as she would rely on various excuses to explain her carrying of the giant costume around campus. “My go-to excuses were that I was an equipment manager or that the bag was full of pom-poms for the cheer team,” she said, even admitting to telling people it was camera equipment to quash any further inquiries.

Securing the role of Brutus was no simple feat. Hayward successfully navigated a rigorous audition that assessed not just school spirit but also fitness, creativity, and improvisational skills. The audition process made her keenly aware of how much could be conveyed through body language alone. “There was excitement, but also a huge sense of responsibility. Brutus means so much to so many,” she reflected.

Throughout her college years, Hayward managed the demands of her studies alongside her mascot duties. This balancing act allowed her to partake in once-in-a-lifetime experiences that initiated many memorable moments for her. “Looking back now, I realise I experienced things most people only see from the stands or on TV,” she explained, recalling times when she unexpectedly found herself babysitting children of football legends while wearing the bulky costume.

As graduation approached, Hayward felt the weight of her secret becoming increasingly unsustainable. After her graduation ceremony in May 2025, she decided to reveal her identity as Brutus Buckeye publicly, posting a video that quickly went viral, racking up over 630,000 views on social media. “The exposure and the love the video received was surreal,” she admitted. “I never imagined it would reach so many people.” The general surprise of those around her highlighted the effective concealment of her identity.

Janitorial duties aside, Hayward now works with Johnson & Johnson MedTech as a clinical account specialist. The overwhelmingly positive response to her reveal strengthened her belief that the tradition of Brutus extends beyond the individual wearing the costume. As she reflected on her journey, she noted, “More than anything, it reminded me how much Brutus means to people.”

Now, Hayward encourages others to embrace opportunities, even when they feel unorthodox or daunting. “Some of the best experiences in life begin the moment you stop worrying about how you’ll be perceived,” she advised. Although her time in the Brutus suit officially concluded after her graduation, she continues to feel a lasting connection to the character and its tradition.

In March 2025, Hayward’s final appearance as Brutus took place during the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, which symbolised a fitting closure to her time in the role. Looking back, she feels fortunate for having taken the leap to become Brutus, as it has irrevocably shaped her time at university and beyond.

Even as she begins to chart her career path, Hayward remains connected to Ohio State. She frequently returns to cheer on her alma mater, particularly during special events, such as the celebration of Brutus’s 60th birthday, where fellow alumni gathered to commemorate their shared experiences. “It’s a little different watching games from the stands instead of the sidelines, but Ohio Stadium will always feel like home,” she stated fondly. The impact of her experiences as Brutus Buckeye continues to resonate in her life, serving as a reminder that the spirit of tradition is preserved by those willing to don the mascot suit and embody its legacy.