Contact: Harriet Laird

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Friday night is sure to be festive in the Junction as Ernest—the songwriter behind the Morgan Wallen tunes everyone is streaming—takes the stage for the 13th annual Cowbell Yell at Mississippi State Aug. 30.

The yearly kickoff-to-football-season pep rally, presented by Pearl River Resort, begins at 7 p.m., with the family-friendly Fan Fest by Coca-Cola opening at 5:30 p.m. Joining Ernest will be DJ KUJHO, the Famous Maroon Band, spirit squads and NFL alumni, with a fireworks display concluding the party.

Ernest may be best known for his 2021 song and duet with Wallen, “Flower Shops.” He is a co-producer of the current hit “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone and Wallen, 2024’s longest running No. 1 song and a history-maker, debuting at No.1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. 

He also has written or co-written many of Wallen’s most popular tracks, including “Wasted on You,” “More Than My Hometown,” “One Thing at a Time,” “You Proof,” and others. Born Ernest Keith Smith, the Nashville, Tennessee native also has written for and with big names such as Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Sam Hunt and Jake Owen.

Bulldog fans can park for free in the surrounding lots around Davis Wade Stadium and must move their cars at the conclusion of the event. Lots include Newell Grissom - Lot 5, Barnes and Noble - Lot 18, Dorman Hall - Lot 11 and lots 7 and 19.

All planning to attend are encouraged to bring their cowbells in preparation for the football season opener against Eastern Kentucky, Saturday [Aug. 31], 5 p.m., in Davis Wade Stadium.

Cowbell Yell is free and open to all students, faculty, staff, fans and community members. Football tickets are available at hailstate.com/tickets.