TLDR: The Oregon Ducks’ mascot is stirring up old rivalry tensions despite the Ducks’ recent departure from the Pac-12 Conference. This comes in the form of playful jabs exchanged with Washington’s mascot, Harry the Husky, on social media platform X. Oregon, recently joining the Big Ten Conference, maintains its competitive spirit against its long-time rival Washington Huskies, even outside of gameplay. As anticipation builds ahead of their Week 14 face-off, Oregon’s Duck mascot has been actively taunting Harry the Husky, labeling him as a ‘narc’ in a tweet among other humorous remarks. The comical taunts are being posted hourly, yet Harry the Husky remains silent, not engaging in the banter. Despite the Ducks suffering a narrow 36-33 loss to Washington in their previous encounter, the Duck’s persistence in these antics underscores the intensity of the rivalry that lingers beyond conferences and scores.

In an environment marked by shifting alliances and conference realignments, the Oregon Ducks, now part of the Big Ten Conference, are refusing to release their hold on an enduring rivalry. The departure from their former Pac-12 Conference hasn’t quelled the Ducks’ competitive edge against long-standing rivals, like the Washington Huskies. The Duck, Oregon’s beloved mascot, has taken to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to reignite a friendly feud with Washington’s mascot, Harry the Husky. This spirited exchange is embedded in the cultural fabric of college football, providing a fresh twist to interschool dynamics.

Leading up to the Week 14 meeting between these two prestigious schools, the Duck has been vocal in expressing its playful, if not cheeky, disdain for Harry the Husky. At precisely 12:01 a.m. ET on a recent Tuesday, the Duck tweeted a provocative message labeling Harry a “narc,” signaling the start of what appears to be a series of playful jabs. Known for its tenacity and commitment to school spirit, the Duck seems to take great pleasure in poking fun at the Huskies, leveraging humor to highlight the competitive spirit that cannot easily be overshadowed by conference changes or time.

Despite Oregon’s narrow 36-33 loss to Washington in the previous season’s encounter, the Duck continues to be undeterred. The consistency with which these playful messages are broadcast—every hour on the hour—reflects a dedication to maintaining a robust rivalry. It’s a tradition that galvanizes the fan bases on both sides, reminding everyone of the passion that underpins college sports rivalries. Yet, the silence from Harry the Husky suggests a tactical restraint amidst these exchanges, possibly waiting for the game itself to make its statement.

Such social media antics serve as a vibrant reminder that rivalries in sports are not confined to the field. These exchanges represent more than mere competition; they embody a storied history and vibrant culture of spirited competitions and are a key part of what makes college football compelling. As the Ducks wade through a new conference landscape, the Duck mascot ensures that the spirit of their rivalry with the Huskies remains very much alive and engaging, reflecting the unique blend of tradition and modern college sports culture.