Mascot Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2026: Cocky, Miles, Goldy Gopher, Mrs. Met and Cosmo
After a global campaign that pulled in votes from 109 countries across six continents, the Mascot Hall of Fame has officially named its Class of 2026 — five characters whose reach goes well past the sidelines, ballparks, and arenas they call home. The reveal aired live on ABC’s Good Morning America, giving fans across the country a front-row seat to the announcement.
The 2026 Induction Class
- Cocky — University of South Carolina
- Miles — Denver Broncos
- Goldy Gopher — University of Minnesota
- Mrs. Met — New York Mets
- Cosmo — Brigham Young University
Chosen through a mix of public voting and ballots from the Mascot Hall of Fame Executive Committee, this class represents decades of performances, community work, school spirit, and fan engagement that earned them a permanent seat at the table.
A Global Vote Like No Other
The 2026 election ranks among the most internationally supported in the Hall’s history. A handful of votes even appeared to originate from Antarctica — though after bouncing through satellite networks, pinning down whether they came from scientists, support staff, or a few overly enthusiastic penguins proved impossible.
“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.”
“Our mission is to serve and elevate the mascots of the world by being the definitive global hub for mascot culture,” he added.
The 2026 induction campaign was sponsored by The Conspiracists — a comedy mockumentary available on Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms.
Two Milestones Worth Noting
A first for female mascots. Mrs. Met becomes the first female mascot ever inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame — recognition for more than six decades of baseball tradition and the role female mascots have played in the sport.
A first for the Mets. With Mrs. Met joining the already-inducted Mr. Met, the New York Mets become the first pro sports organization with two mascots in the Mascot Hall of Fame. Mr. and Mrs. Met were officially married in a pregame ceremony at Shea Stadium in 1964 — so in a sense, this induction has been six decades in the making.
Meet the Class of 2026
Cocky — “The Heart of Gamecock Nation”
One of college athletics’ most recognizable personalities, Cocky is a multiple-time national champion mascot performer whose comedic timing and crowd work have made him a fixture of Gamecock pride on campus and across the community.
Miles — “The Pride of Broncos Country”
Since debuting in 2001, Miles has powered Mile High crowds into a frenzy while anchoring one of the NFL’s most active community-service mascot programs, bringing smiles to kids throughout Colorado.
Goldy Gopher — “College Sports’ Master Entertainer”
Unmistakable grin, legendary dance moves, and a spinning head that’s become a signature move — Goldy has spent decades defining what mascot entertainment looks like at the collegiate level for the University of Minnesota.
Mrs. Met — “The First Lady of the Mascot Hall of Fame”
First introduced during the Mets’ early years, Mrs. Met has represented generations of baseball fans and helped shape one of sports’ most iconic mascot families — and now makes history as the Hall’s first female inductee.
Cosmo — “The Ultimate Game Changer”
Gravity-defying acrobatics and viral halftime routines have made Cosmo a genuine game-changer for collegiate mascot performance, raising the bar for what a mascot program at Brigham Young University — or anywhere — can do.
Five Fan Bases, One Distinction
Columbia, South Carolina. Denver, Colorado. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Queens, New York. Provo, Utah.
Five communities now share something reserved for very few: a mascot forever enshrined in the Mascot Hall of Fame.
The Hall will coordinate hometown celebrations with each organization, with details on induction festivities, appearances, and events to be announced in the coming weeks.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026
From a 17-day global vote to a live national reveal, this induction class earned its place the hard way — through decades of showing up for their fans. Welcome to the Hall, Cocky, Miles, Goldy Gopher, Mrs. Met, and Cosmo.
Follow @MascotHall on Instagram for updates on hometown celebrations, and sign up for the MHOF Fan List at mascothalloffame.com to stay close to everything coming next.
