What is the mascot of the University of Illinois?

The mascot of the University of Illinois is the Fighting Illini. This name and mascot represent the university's athletic teams and are deeply tied to the school's identity and spirit. The term "Illini" is derived from the Illinois Confederation of Native American tribes that lived in the area, specifically the Illiniwek tribe. The Fighting Illini embodies a sense of strength, resilience, and pride, reflecting the competitive nature of the university's teams.

In contrast, the other options refer to mascots from different universities. For instance, the Wolverine is the mascot for the University of Michigan, Sparty the Spartan is associated with Michigan State University, and Herky the Hawk represents the University of Iowa. Each of these mascots carries its own unique significance and history related to their respective institutions, but they are not affiliated with the University of Illinois. Thus, the Fighting Illini stands out as the correct answer.