The University of Mississippi says almost 13,100 alumni, season-ticket holders, students and others have voted to narrow down the list of possible replacements for Colonel Reb. The replacement of Colonel Reb comes after the image was retired 7 years ago as Ole Miss continues its move away from Old South symbols.

While Ole Miss sports teams will still be called the Rebels, an new animal or human character is being pursued. The Ole Miss Mascot Selection Committee says the list has been narrowed down to five choices: horse, land shark, Hotty and Toddy, lion and bear. The school’s signature cheer is “Hotty Toddy;” the committee says the phrase could be embodied by a couple of Muppet-like characters. If they make it to the next poll, the Ole Miss family will have a chance to see and vote on the graphic depictions for the pair.

“Obviously the goal is to find out what everybody wants,” said committee member, Ty New. “This is a student led process, but we also want to hear everybody’s opinion whether it’s an alumni, ticket holder, or of course all the students.” The committee plans to conduct several focus groups on campus, and will hold more in the coming weeks across Mississippi.

Tags: Colonel Reb, Lafayette, Ole Miss