A Century of Tradition Meets the Fairway
For the first time in school history, the University of North Carolina has tailored its iconic mascot to a specific sport. On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the Department of Athletics unveiled a “golfing Rameses” logo, a move designed to sharpen the brand identity of the men’s and women’s golf teams. The debut signals a push to capture fan interest through custom athletic imagery.
Designing the Tar Heel Swing
The project was a collaborative effort between the UNC trademark and licensing office and Torch Creative. Rick Barakat, deputy athletic director and chief revenue officer at UNC, noted that the specialized design was a direct response to fan demand. The department aims to boost brand awareness through custom applications. We are excited about the release of golfing Rameses and the new marketing, promotional and merchandising opportunities these new marks will create for UNC Athletics and our sports programs,
Barakat said. Our fans have been asking for it and we look forward to the continued rollout of this initiative.
The Finley Collection Debut
The branding launch is anchored by the “Finley Collection,” a dedicated apparel line developed in collaboration with Burlington, North Carolina-based OT Sports. The initial offering includes polos, quarter-zips, vests, t-shirts, and hoodies. For now, the gear is restricted to one location: the Finley Golf Club. Preorders for the Finley Collection are currently live.
From 1924 to the Modern Era
The ram’s status as a campus icon began in 1924, rooted in the aggressive playing style of 1922 fullback Jack Merritt. Known as “the battering ram,” Merritt served as the inspiration for head cheerleader Vic Huggins, who sought a symbol to compete with the branding of rival institutions. In 1924 school spirit was at a peak,
Huggins once explained. But something seemed to be missing. One day it hit me. State had a wolf. What Carolina needed was a symbol.
Since that year, a live ram has been a fixture on the sidelines of home football games. This new golfing variation marks the first time the character has been modified to fit a single athletic discipline.
Expansion Plans on the Horizon
While the Finley Collection currently stands alone, it is only the beginning of a broader merchandising strategy. The university has confirmed that additional sport-specific versions of Rameses are in the works and will be rolled out over the coming months. The department intends for these marks to celebrate the rich tradition of success and championships achieved by the university’s golf programs.
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