Originally, Cornell’s athletic teams were known as the “Carnelian and White.” The nickname “Big Red” originated with Big Red Team, a 1905 football song by Romeyn Berry (Class of 1904), with music by Charles E. Tourison ’06, which won the football song competition that year. By 1907, the new nickname was in general use.

What college is called Big Red?

The Cornell Big Red is the informal name of the sports teams, and other competitive teams, that represent Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York. The university sponsors 36 varsity sports, as well as numerous intramural and club teams. Cornell participates in NCAA Division I as part of the Ivy League.

What is Cornell known for?

Its graduate schools include the highly ranked S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, College of Engineering, Law School and Weill Cornell Medical College. Cornell is also well known for its top-ranked College of Veterinary Medicine and the highly esteemed School of Hotel Administration.