So, my son got an inquiry in the mail from University of Nevada Reno to apply to college there. This may have been discussed before, but I find the mascot logos very similar. Thoughts?

Actually. most of the "sailor hat" mascots were designed by Arthur Evans, former Disney cartoonist, from the 1930s to the '70s. That's why a large number of them are very similar, especially if the mascot was the same animal.

https://www.bannersociety.com/2020/3/11/21166316/sailor-hat-animal-college-logo-mascots