Cardinal Red was chosen as the official school color by student body vote in 1895. The two choices were cardinal and heliotrope. Each color had its strong supporters, but cardinal triumphed in the end. White was added as a complimentary color at a later date.

We have not always been known as the Razorbacks. From 1894, when UA football began, until 1910, we were the Cardinal, a mascot that was chosen, primarily, because our school color was Cardinal Red. In 1909, Arkansas Football Coach Hugo Bezdek gave a speech to the students that would start the move to change mascots. While addressing a large group of students at the Fayetteville train station, after returning from a 16-0 victory over Louisiana State on October 30, 1909, Coach Bezdek informed the crowd that his team had performed not like football players but "like a wild band of Razorback hogs." The Razorback, which is characterized by a ridged back and tenacious wild fighting ability, had long been associated with Arkansas. The students loved the comparison, and the nickname became increasingly popular. In 1910, the student body voted to change the official University mascot from the Cardinal to the Razorback.

The live mascot tradition dates back to the 1960s and a number of hogs have represented Arkansas through the years. Tusk IV, a 500-pound Russian boar that closely resembles a wild razorback hog, is the current official live mascot. He resides on a local farm and leaves his home to attend all Arkansas home games.

Additionally, the University has a family of uniformed mascots. Big Red, the "Fighting Razorback", is the traditional mascot for the University and represents the intimidating fighting spirit of the Razorbacks at all athletic events. Sue E is the female hog and is famous for her costume changes and dancing ability. Sue E and Pork Chop, the "kid-sized" mascot, are very popular with the younger fans and can be seen at all athletic events. Boss Hog, a nine-foot inflatable mascot, joined the mascot family during the 1998-99 football season.