Ohio Athletics and Jackie O’s Brewery Introduce Rufus, The First Officially Licensed Bobcat-Branded Craft Beer
10/6/2026 11:00:00 AM | General
ATHENS, Ohio – Ohio Athletics and Ohio Sports Properties announced today an expanded partnership between Athens-based and alumni-founded Jackie O's Brewery with the joint release of Rufus, a craft beer named in honor of the Ohio Bobcat mascot.
On Thursday October 8th, Jackie O's Ricky will be retiring. This golden Ale will be renamed and distributed as Rufus, the Ohio Golden Ale just in time for the Bobcats' homecoming game day festivities. At 4.5% ABV, Rufus is dry, crisp and refreshing – designed to quench your thirst on game day. Rufus will be available in Jackie O's locations and in Peden Stadium throughout October while supplies last. Statewide distribution with Cavalier Distributing begins November 2.
"We're thrilled to expand our partnership with Jackie O's with a toast to our beloved Rufus," said Slade Larscheid, Director of Athletics. "With distribution in our athletic venues and reaching across the state, the launch of Rufus will give our alumni and fans one more way to celebrate the Bobcats."
Rufus will be available throughout Jackie O's distribution statewide beginning in November, with Jackie O's and the Ohio Athletics logos on each 12-ounce can. The partnership is managed through Ohio Sports Properties and Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC).
Jackie O's was founded by Bobcat alumnus Art Oestrike in 2005. The brewery operates multiple locations in Athens and Columbus along with its Bakeshop and Barrel Ridge Farm and is committed to using locally sourced products whenever possible.
"We are always looking for ways to support and uplift our community," Oestrike said. "We know Ohio University shares that commitment, and we see this new branded beer as a fun way to share the unique Athens community that we all love with our customers."
Ohio Athletics and Jackie O's worked to develop this partnership expansion alongside athletics multimedia rights holder Ohio Sports Properties, operated by college athletics media and technology company Learfield, and CLC, a division of Learfield and Ohio's trademark licensing agent.
"We're excited to partner on a product that brings together these two iconic Ohio brands," said Matt Molde, General Manager of Ohio Sports Properties. "Being locally owned and a fan favorite, Jackie O's is the perfect partner for officially licensed products. It also creates another way to enhance engagement with Ohio Athletics."
Jackie O's and Ohio Athletics will celebrate the release of Rufus on Thursday, Oct. 8, ahead of Ohio's Homecoming matchup against Central Michigan October 10. Bobcat fans are invited to attend Ricky's Retirement Party and the release of Rufus at Jackie O's Tap Room 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. The branded Rufus cans will also be available across Peden Stadium for fans attending Saturday's Homecoming game.
Fans 21 and older are reminded to enjoy Rufus responsibly.
About Jackie O's
Founded in Athens, Ohio, in 2005, Jackie O's began when Ohio University alum Art Oestrike purchased O'Hooley's and renamed it in honor of his mother, Jackie. What started as a small brewpub has grown into a family-owned, independent brewery and community gathering place known for innovative, locally inspired beer, locally sourced food, barrel-aging and sour programs, and a commitment to sustainability. Today, Jackie O's operates multiple locations in Athens and Columbus, along with its Bakeshop and Barrel Ridge Farm, while continuing to embrace the creativity, character and community that make Athens unique.
About Ohio University
Classified as one of only 21 R1 "Opportunity Colleges" in the nation by Carnegie, Ohio University balances academic excellence and career preparation with affordability and access so students can pursue what they love – and successfully achieve what comes next. Founded in 1804, OHIO serves 30,000 students across its residential campus in Athens, five regional campuses, a three-campus medical school and OHIO Online. OHIO Athletics fields 16 Division I varsity teams that compete in the Mid-American Conference.
