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

Jordan GreeneWed, June 3, 2026 at 4:52 PM UTC

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Emily Hayward and Brutus Ohio State
Credit: @slapshotsarah; @ohiostatefb -

Emily Hayward performed as Ohio State's mascot, Brutus Buckeye, while keeping her identity secret from most people

She balanced a rigorous audition process, college classes and appearances while embracing the tradition of the beloved character

Her post-graduation reveal video went viral, highlighting her unique experiences and the lasting impact of Brutus on fans

For years, some of the biggest moments of Emily Hayward's life happened in front of thousands of people.

The catch? Almost nobody knew it was her.

While attending Ohio State University, Hayward spent weekends performing in front of packed stadiums, appearing on television and traveling with athletic teams as Brutus Buckeye — all while keeping her identity hidden from many of the people closest to her.

“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, 24, tells PEOPLE exclusively.

Emily Hayward with Brutus
Credit: @slapshotsarah

That anonymity is part of what makes the role so unique.

Unlike athletes or performers who are recognized for their individual achievements, Brutus is designed to be bigger than any one person. The focus remains entirely on the character, allowing generations of students to step into the role while preserving the tradition itself.

“When the head goes on, it stops being about you entirely, and you get to be such a huge part of something people have loved for generations,” she says.

Emily Hayward as Brutus
Credit: @ohiostatefb

For much of her time in the role, the Brutus costume lived right 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,” she says. “I remember plenty of times I had to call my roommate and ask her to move him into a closet or another room so nobody got jump-scared by the giant mascot head sitting around our apartment.”

“As you can imagine, the Brutus suit isn't the most inconspicuous thing to carry around campus,” Hayward says. “My go-to excuses were that I was an equipment manager or that the bag was full of pom-poms for the cheer team.”

Sometimes, she decided to get creative.

“Occasionally I'd tell people I played club hockey or that it was camera equipment and just hope nobody asked any follow-up questions,” she says. “The funniest part is that nobody ever really suspected Brutus. People would accept almost any explanation before assuming their friend was secretly carrying around the school mascot.”

Emily Hayward in Brutus mascot with football team
Credit: @ohiostatefb

Earning the opportunity to wear the suit, however, was no easy task.

Hayward first had to make it through a demanding audition process that tested far more than school spirit. When she learned she had made the team, excitement quickly gave way to a sense of responsibility.

“It tested physical fitness, creativity, improvisation and your ability to fully commit to the character without ever speaking,” she says. “You learn very quickly how much can be communicated through body language and energy alone.”

“There was obviously excitement, but also a huge sense of responsibility,” she says. “Brutus means so much to so many people.”

Emily Hayward with Brutus statue
Credit: Emily Hawyard

That responsibility followed her throughout college as she balanced classes, training sessions and appearances while quietly living a double life.

“Some of the biggest moments of my life were happening behind the scenes, and I couldn't openly share them,” she says.

Still, the role opened doors to experiences most Buckeye fans only ever witness from the stands.

“Looking back now, I realize I experienced things most people only ever see from the stands or on TV,” she says.

From College GameDay broadcasts and rivalry games to commercial shoots and special events around the country, Hayward found herself at the center of some of Ohio State's most memorable moments.

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Not all of those memories were what she expected.

“I somehow found myself babysitting football legends' children more than once while in [the] suit,” she says. “Those moments and random interactions are still some of the memories that make me laugh the most.”

Eventually, though, the secret she had spent years protecting was bound to come out.

Following her May 2025 commencement, Hayward publicly revealed that she had been Brutus and shared a video documenting the moment.

After Ohio State University posted the reveal on Instagram, the clip quickly took off, amassing more than 630,000 views and leaving many viewers stunned that the former biomedical engineering student had been hiding behind one of college sports' most recognizable mascots.

“The exposure and the love the video received was surreal,” she says. “I originally reached out to my friend Ben Majors to film the reveal more as a personal keepsake than anything else. I never imagined it would reach so many people.”

The reaction, however, wasn't what surprised her most.

“I think the funniest part was that most people genuinely had no idea,” she says. “When the suit goes on, people don't see the person inside — they just see Brutus.”

For Hayward, who now works with Johnson & Johnson MedTech as a clinical account specialist in Pittsburgh, Pa., the overwhelming response reinforced something she had learned throughout her time in the role: the tradition has never been about the student inside the suit.

“More than anything, it reminded me how much Brutus means to people and how connected so many people feel to his character and tradition,” she says.

“If there's anything I hope people take away from my story, it's to not take themselves too seriously and to take the leap of faith even when something feels unconventional or outside your comfort zone,” she says.

“Some of the best experiences in life begin the moment you stop worrying so much about how you'll be perceived and start embracing the opportunity in front of you," she adds.

Emily Hayward at Ohio State University
Credit: @slapshotsarah

Looking back now, Hayward says she's grateful she took a chance on something that initially felt far outside her comfort zone.

Although her time as Brutus officially came to an end after graduation, Hayward says the role still remains a meaningful part of her life.

Her final official event as Brutus took place during the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer in March 2025 — a full-circle moment she says felt like the perfect way to close that chapter.

“I was invited back as an alumni and got to put the suit on one more time for such an incredible cause," she says.

Even now, Hayward still returns to Ohio State games whenever she can.

Last season felt especially meaningful as the university celebrated Brutus Buckeye's 60th birthday and reunited mascot alumni from multiple generations.

“I still go back for games any chance I get, and last year was especially special because we celebrated Brutus's 60th birthday and brought together alumni from so many different generations,” she says.

“Getting to be surrounded by people who all shared this unique experience and love for the role was special," she adds. "It's a little different watching games from the stands instead of the sidelines as an alumni, but Ohio Stadium will always feel like home.”

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