Mississippi State Will Attempt Cowbell World Record

The Bulldogs aim to reclaim the ringing title during their September 26 game against Missouri.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration showing a crowd of blurred figures raising metallic cowbells high under bright stadium lights, maroon and white colors. — Mississippi State University students will attempt to set a new world record for simultaneous cowbell ringing at Davis Wade Stadium on September 26. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mississippi State University plans to set a new world record for simultaneous cowbell ringing at Davis Wade Stadium on September 26, 2026. The university hopes to reclaim the title after an unofficial record was set by a hockey team in Milwaukee.

Why it matters

The university aims to maintain its status as the exclusive holder of all cowbell-related world records through this organized event. Successfully exceeding the previous participation count will help solidify the school's unique cultural identity in college sports.

Mississippi State currently holds the official Guinness World Record with 5,748 participants. Both Mississippi State and Missouri enter the match with 3-0 records.

The players

Mississippi State University

This public research university is based in Starkville and competes in the Southeastern Conference.

Missouri

This university's football team is traveling to Starkville to compete against the Bulldogs.

The details

Fans must hold their cowbells above their heads while passing through stadium magnetometers for an accurate count. To qualify, attendees must ring their cowbells simultaneously for 20 seconds immediately following the 6:45 p.m. kickoff.

The official Guinness World Record was set by Mississippi State in 2015.
The football game and record attempt take place on September 26, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This record attempt coincides with a high-stakes matchup between two undefeated teams. The outcome of the game will significantly impact the early-season standing of both programs in the Southeastern Conference.

Fans attending the game must arrive early to ensure they pass through counting stations before the 6:45 p.m. kickoff. Participation in the 20-second ringing effort is required to officially contribute to the record total.

The takeaway

The event highlights how university traditions are actively managed to maintain competitive cultural standing. Fans should follow all instructions from volunteers in green shirts to ensure their individual efforts are captured in the final count.