Uga (/ˈʌɡə/ UG-ə) is the official live mascot of the University of GeorgiaBulldogs. Since Uga I's introduction in 1956, every Uga has been owned by the Sonny Seiler family of Savannah, Georgia.
Uga has been considered a part of the football team since the day Uga I, Sonny, was asked to be the official mascot. Uga has his own custom made jersey to wear at every game day that is made with the same materials as the football players' jerseys. His jersey also has his name stitched on the back. When Uga gets a new jersey, or another Uga is named the official mascot, the old jerseys are destroyed.
Uga officially becomes a part of the team through a ceremony on the football field before a game. The head coach will officially welcome the next Uga by placing the well-known spiked collar on the bulldog. Uga XI, the current Uga, received his collar on April 15, 2023, before the 2023 Spring Game.
In addition, Uga receives a varsity letter in the form of a plaque for his endless support for the athletes. The plaque is identical to those received by the athletes at the end of each season.
Uga travels with the team and stays in the same hotel as the players, in his own room with the Seilers. Uga X attended the Rose Bowl in 2018, becoming the first ever playoff Uga. He flew to Pasadena, California, with the team, attending all team events, supporting the football team through their playoff run in the 2017–2018 season.