Otto the Orange Levels Up at EA Sports’ Opening Drive

June 25, 2026 - 01:19

Syracuse's beloved mascot, Otto the Orange, traded the hardwood for the gridiron this week, heading to Chicago to represent the Atlantic Coast Conference in the upcoming EA Sports College Football 27 video game. The trip was part of the game's "Opening Drive" event, a promotional tour that brings the spirit of college football's most iconic characters to life.

Otto wasn't alone on the trip. The Center for the Creator Economy, a production company known for capturing behind-the-scenes content, followed the furry mascot every step of the way. Their cameras documented Otto's arrival at the studio, the motion capture process, and the inevitable dance-offs with other conference mascots. The footage is expected to be used in promotional materials for the game, which is set to feature more detailed mascot animations than previous installments.

For Syracuse fans, seeing Otto level up from a sideline cheerleader to a playable or interactive character in the game is a big deal. The orange fruit has been a staple of Big East and ACC basketball for decades, but his football appearances have been less frequent. Now, with a full motion-capture performance under his belt, Otto is ready to bring the noise in the virtual stands of the Carrier Dome.

The game is scheduled for release next summer, and this event marks a significant step in EA Sports' efforts to restore the pageantry of college football to its video game franchise.