A Push to Rebrand Sparks Outcry Among Alumni and Students, Who See the Move as an Attack on Tradition

Southern Methodist University (SMU) has ignited a firestorm of backlash after billionaire alumnus David Miller declared the school’s iconic “Pony Up” slogan “dead,” signaling a push to rebrand the university’s athletic identity. The move has enraged fans, alumni, and students, who view the slogan as a cornerstone of SMU’s identity and a nod to its storied, albeit controversial, past.

Miller, a key figure in reviving SMU’s athletic department after a scandal that led to years of NCAA sanctions, argued that the “Pony Up” phrase no longer reflected the university’s modern image. However, the decision to phase out the slogan has been met with fierce resistance. Fans have taken to social media, game-day protests, and even grassroots campaigns to defend the phrase, which has been a rallying cry for decades.

The “Pony Up” slogan, introduced in 2007, was a tongue-in-cheek reference to SMU’s history of under-the-table payments to athletes during the Southwest Conference era. While the university has moved on from that dark chapter, many fans argue that the slogan has become a symbol of resilience and pride. The university’s mascot, a Shetland pony named Peruna, has been a beloved figure since 1932, with a history of both fierce competition and quirky antics on the field. Peruna has famously kicked the Fordham Rams’ mascot in 1934 and has been known to defecate on opponents’ fields and throw hooves at Bevo, the University of Texas’ live longhorn steer mascot.

The backlash has drawn comparisons to other rebranding missteps, such as Cracker Barrel’s controversial attempt to modernize its image. SMU’s student government has even passed a resolution to preserve “Pony Up” as the official slogan for athletics. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: for many SMU fans, “Pony Up” is more than a chant—it’s a piece of their identity.

The controversy has also reignited discussions about SMU’s past. The NCAA sanctions that followed the scandal, known as the “death penalty,” led to the football team being disbanded for two seasons and the athletic department spending decades rebuilding its reputation. Alumni and fans argue that the “Pony Up” slogan, while rooted in that history, has become a symbol of the university’s resurgence and pride.

David Miller, who chairs the board of trustees, has defended the rebranding effort, stating that “Mustangs are powerful” and that the term “pony” might be seen as less aggressive. However, former players like Craig James, a member of SMU’s legendary “Pony Express” running back duo, have pushed back, emphasizing their personal connection to the Shetland ponies. James recalls owning a Shetland pony as a child and even being kicked by one.

As the debate continues, the university’s athletic director, Damon Evans, has made it clear that the Shetland pony mascot, Peruna, will not be replaced. “We are the SMU Mustangs that happen to have this great Shetland pony,” he said. “We are not touching our Shetland pony.”

For now, the “Pony Up” slogan remains a rallying cry for SMU fans, who are determined to keep their piece of history intact. The university’s official social media accounts have stopped using the phrase, but fans have responded with their own digital outcries, commenting “Pony Up” on every post and even wearing the slogan on clothing and accessories.

In a broader context, the rebranding effort is part of a larger shift at SMU, which joined the Atlantic Coast Conference last fall. The move was seen as an opportunity to modernize and attract new recruits. However, the decision to phase out “Pony Up” has proven to be a misstep, with many questioning whether the university is trying to erase a vital part of its cultural identity in favor of a more “aggressive” image.

As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: for SMU fans, “Pony Up” is not just a slogan—it’s a legacy.