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https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6479031/2025/07/10/big-ten-rivalry-trophy-history/
On Halloween 1903, Michigan coach Fielding Yost bought an oversized water jug to sit on his team’s sideline during the Wolverines’ game at Minnesota. When the Gophers tied the score at 6-6 with two minutes remaining, the crowd of more than 20,000 people and maroon-painted livestock stormed the field. The game was ruled a draw, and Yost left his jug on the field.
When Yost asked for it back, Minnesota athletic administrator L.J. Cooke responded, “If you want it, you’ll have to win it.” In 1909, Yost reclaimed the Little Brown Jug and, in the process, ignited the Big Ten’s love affair with symbols of victory.
Nearly 12 decades later, traveling trophies remain a foundational part of Big Ten football, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Minnesota. The Gophers compete for trophies with four Big Ten teams, and three rank as the most recognizable in college football. In many ways, they have become more iconic than the games themselves.
“That’s the great thing about being at the University of Minnesota,” Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said. “College football is about the pageantry and the tradition, and we’re keeping that at the University of Minnesota. Our fans are really excited about that, especially with Wisconsin and Iowa.”
In an atrium outside Minnesota’s locker room, there is a glass case for the Little Brown Jug, which Michigan has retained since 2015. There’s a dedicated pig pen for Floyd of Rosedale, the 98-pound bronze hog for which the Gophers have played Iowa since 1935. There’s a holding cell for Paul Bunyan’s Axe, which goes to the Wisconsin-Minnesota winner. In addition, there’s a spot for the Governor’s Victory Bell against Penn State.
The Pig, the Axe and the Jug are organic, magical and historic; the Governor’s Victory Bell doesn’t share in that longevity. Minnesota has played Wisconsin (134 games), Iowa (118) and Michigan (106) since the 1800s, while the Gophers and Nittany Lions have met just 16 times.
Therein lies the duality of the Big Ten’s trophy culture. Winning is important, but the keepsake is immortal. Before 2020, players would dash across the field to grab their prize within a few feet of the losing team. That regularly led to scuffles, so trophies are now placed in end zones
On Halloween 1903, Michigan coach Fielding Yost bought an oversized water jug to sit on his team’s sideline during the Wolverines’ game at Minnesota. When the Gophers tied the score at 6-6 with two minutes remaining, the crowd of more than 20,000 people and maroon-painted livestock stormed the field. The game was ruled a draw, and Yost left his jug on the field.
When Yost asked for it back, Minnesota athletic administrator L.J. Cooke responded, “If you want it, you’ll have to win it.” In 1909, Yost reclaimed the Little Brown Jug and, in the process, ignited the Big Ten’s love affair with symbols of victory.
Nearly 12 decades later, traveling trophies remain a foundational part of Big Ten football, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Minnesota. The Gophers compete for trophies with four Big Ten teams, and three rank as the most recognizable in college football. In many ways, they have become more iconic than the games themselves.
“That’s the great thing about being at the University of Minnesota,” Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said. “College football is about the pageantry and the tradition, and we’re keeping that at the University of Minnesota. Our fans are really excited about that, especially with Wisconsin and Iowa.”
In an atrium outside Minnesota’s locker room, there is a glass case for the Little Brown Jug, which Michigan has retained since 2015. There’s a dedicated pig pen for Floyd of Rosedale, the 98-pound bronze hog for which the Gophers have played Iowa since 1935. There’s a holding cell for Paul Bunyan’s Axe, which goes to the Wisconsin-Minnesota winner. In addition, there’s a spot for the Governor’s Victory Bell against Penn State.
The Pig, the Axe and the Jug are organic, magical and historic; the Governor’s Victory Bell doesn’t share in that longevity. Minnesota has played Wisconsin (134 games), Iowa (118) and Michigan (106) since the 1800s, while the Gophers and Nittany Lions have met just 16 times.
Therein lies the duality of the Big Ten’s trophy culture. Winning is important, but the keepsake is immortal. Before 2020, players would dash across the field to grab their prize within a few feet of the losing team. That regularly led to scuffles, so trophies are now placed in end zones