South Carolina's Beloved Mascot Cocky Elected to Mascot Hall of Fame

Another University of South Carolina icon has earned Hall of Fame recognition.

On Friday, it was announced that the Gamecocks’ beloved mascot, Cocky, has been elected to the Mascot Hall of Fame. The announcement was made nationally on ABC’s Good Morning America.

This year’s Hall of Fame class was determined by online voting, with fans from 109 countries across six continents casting ballots.

Cocky made his debut at the University of South Carolina in 1980 and has since become one of the school’s most recognizable and beloved ambassadors. Generations of Gamecock fans have posed for photos with the larger-than-life mascot, who has also been a guest at weddings, birthday parties, graduation celebrations, bar mitzvahs, and countless community events.

“This year’s election demonstrates something we’ve always believed,” said Christopher Bruce, co-founder and owner of the Mascot Hall of Fame. “Mascots create memories that last a lifetime. They inspire kids, young and old, unite communities, comfort people in difficult moments, and remind us that laughter is something we all share and need. Support from 109 countries is humbling. It proves mascots are genuinely global ambassadors of happiness.”

Cocky is one of five mascots inducted into the 2026 Hall of Fame class. He joins fellow collegiate mascots Goldy Gopher from the University of Minnesota and Cosmo from BYU, along with professional sports mascots Miles of the Denver Broncos and Mrs. Met of the New York Mets.

The honor adds to an already impressive résumé. In 1986, Cocky was named America’s first “National Mascot” by the Universal Cheerleading Association, Ford Motor Company, and American Airlines. That same year, he captured his first UCA National Mascot Championship before winning another in 1994. He also claimed the Capital One National Mascot Championship in 2003.

“Being Cocky is more than just donning a suit and having a good time as a college student,” said Jamie Ballentine, former Cocky performer and 2003 Capital One Mascot Champion. “It’s being a living part of what the Gamecock spirit really is. We’re loyal, we’re passionate, we show up. Cocky embodies that spirit.”

The Mascot Hall of Fame said hometown celebrations and induction festivities will be announced in the coming weeks, with additional appearances and events planned to honor the newest Hall of Fame class.