Successor to Beloved Griff II Officially Revealed
Drake University is proud to introduce Griff III, the lovable English Bulldog who will succeed Griff II upon his recently announced retirement in May 2026. The 9-month-old pup is currently receiving “paws-on” training from his predecessor. Griff III will assume his duties as the University’s live mascot in May 2026 when Griff II passes him the harness.
“We are grateful for the joy and friendship Griff II has brought to our campus and community, and I will personally miss him,” said Drake President Marty Martin. “Griff II set a high bar in his six years of service, but we’re confident he’s helped select a successor who will step into those big pawprints and carry on the proud tradition of bringing joy to Drake and Des Moines.”
A New Era of Bulldog Spirit
Griff III, who comes from the same loving family as Griff II, is already showing his personality and similarities to his mentor, Griff II. He is described as a smart, eager-to-please young pup who radiates happiness and enthusiasm. Griff II played an important role in his successor’s interview process. The two have become fast friends, and Griff II will serve as his mentor during training and as his big brother at home.
“He reminds me a lot of a younger Griff II—outgoing, social, silly, and smart,” said Erin Bell, live mascot program director. “The moment Griff II and I met him in person, we knew he was an incredibly special guy. We monitored his progress and development over a period of months and it became very apparent that he possesses all the necessary qualities to be Griff III. He’s curious, gentle, brave, and a very funny guy. He is highly food motivated, which will certainly help with training.”
Join the Welcome Celebration
Griff III will be the “Griff-in-Training” until Griff II’s official retirement in May. On Friday, Dec. 5, Drake University will hold a private welcome event open to Drake faculty, staff, and students, and he will give a “sneak peek” interview at the men’s basketball game Friday evening.
- Campus Reveal Event and Meet and Greet: Friday, Dec. 5, from 3–4 p.m. in Fisher-Stelter Hall at the Johansen Student Center—open to faculty, staff, and students of Drake University.
- Sneak Peek Interview: A live interview with Griff III will take place at half court during the first half of the Drake men’s basketball game against the University of Alabama at Birmingham at 6:30 in the Knapp Center. The first 1,000 attendees will receive a free Griff III poster. Tickets are available here.