Queensmen, Scarlet Knights, the Scarlet… call Rutgers any nickname you want, but the Rutgers flag flies high no matter what. In the early 1900s, Rutgers was known as the Queensmen in reference to the university’s original name, Queen’s College. Their school mascot became the chanticleer, but drew controversy after many feared the chanticleer suggested the Queensmen were “chickens.” In 1955, Rutgers became the Scarlet Knights to avoid any insinuations of cowardice. Brought to you in partnership with College Vault.