IUPUI Jaguars Logo PNG
The IUPUI Jaguars logo is fierce, formidable, and dangerous. The emblem conveys the inner strength of the athletes. Energy is combined with nobility, ensuring they do not cross the line or show disrespect toward their opponents.
IUPUI Jaguars: Brand overview
The Jaguars’ athletic program began at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) when two Indianapolis campuses merged their sports teams. Initially competing at the NAIA level, the Jaguars soon adopted their fierce emblem as the official mascot. Athletic programs steadily grew, expanding offerings for student-athletes and upgrading training facilities. After rising through NCAA Division II, the Jaguars significantly transitioned to NCAA Division I, marking a major shift in their competitive standing. Joining the Mid-Continent Conference, later renamed the Summit League, provided stability and frequent postseason play opportunities. Men’s basketball gained recognition by securing a Summit League championship and debuting in the NCAA tournament. The Jaguars eventually joined the Horizon League, aligning geographically with nearby rivals and intensifying local competition. Throughout recent seasons, men’s and women’s basketball have been consistently competitive, attracting talented athletes. Home basketball games are hosted in the upgraded Indiana Farmers Coliseum, reflecting the commitment to maintaining top-quality venues. Today, the Jaguars remain a stable presence within NCAA Division I athletics.
Meaning and History
What is IUPUI Jaguars?
This is the athletic division of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, which competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Horizon League. The mascot is a jaguar with colors of red, gold, and black. The program includes basketball, soccer, and swimming teams, bringing together the campus and the urban community.
1972 – 1998
The logo incorporates the team’s original name, Metros, derived from the word Metropolis, which is associated with the urban center of Indianapolis. This name reflects the team’s connection to the region’s cultural and athletic heritage. The word is rendered in a broken square script font, giving the text energy and dynamism.
The inscription ascends upward, symbolizing steady growth and the pursuit of new heights. The design emphasizes rigorous training and consistent progress, starting from the basic level of competitions and advancing to professional arenas.
The intertwining of the letters reflects the team’s challenging journey. The community started with intramural practices and then moved on to the NAIA. The team then moved up to NCAA Division II and finally reached Division I, marking a significant milestone in its development.
1998 – 2007
The team’s entry into the Mid-Continent Conference prompted an update of its visual identity and name. For the first time, the logo features the program’s full name, including the university abbreviation IUPUI, which stands for Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.
The abbreviation is placed in the groove between the enlarged first and last letters of the word “Jaguars,” symbolizing the unity and cohesion of all the university’s teams, emphasizing their belonging to one large family. This unification reflects a shared goal and mutual support among sports community members.
The inscription is accompanied by a fierce image of a jaguar peeking out from beneath the name. The animal is depicted in a pose radiating aggression and danger. The predator bears sharp fangs, extends claws, and fixes a piercing gaze forward as if carefully watching an opponent. It gives the impression that any careless movement or step forward would result in an immediate attack.
The jaguar image underscores the power and confidence of the university’s teams, creating the impression of a formidable rival that is unbeatable on the athletic field.
2007 – 2017
The transformation of the logo in 2007 took on a more striking and impressive appearance. The central element became a jaguar depicted with a high degree of realism. The predator is shown baring its teeth against the backdrop of a massive iron shield, symbolizing knightly protection.
The iron plate in the foreground simultaneously represents the predator and restrains its aggression. This emphasizes hidden power and energy, ready to be unleashed at the right moment. It conveys the idea of inner strength, enabling athletes to fight for victory and showcase their maximum potential.
The plate, outlined in red, is designed in a broad shape that widens upward, resembling a crown. This adds regal undertones to the image and highlights leadership qualities. The plate’s sharp corners enhance the sense of strength and impressiveness of the union.
The inscription is rendered in large red letters, radiating energy and demonstrating pride.
2017 – today
The creation of a new emblem accompanied the transition to the Horizon League. The updated design features only the head of a jaguar with a distinctly fierce snarl. The choice of symbolism highlights the athletes’ move to a higher league and reflects human achievements and the strength of character. The jaguar remains a part of the mascot, conveying the team’s fighting spirit and energy.
Beneath the jaguar image is the abbreviated name of the university, IUPUI. This emphasizes the connection between the sports teams and the educational institution, reinforcing the participants’ identification with the university.
Starting in 2024, the universities were separated, and the athletic program management was transferred to Indiana University Indianapolis. As a result, the official name was changed to IU Indy. This change will likely impact the logo, potentially leading to its update.