The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, announced today that Smokey XII will make his official debut on Saturday, April 11, at the 2026 Orange and White spring football game in Neyland Stadium. Smokey has been a beloved part of UT sporting traditions and events for more than 70 years.
When the search began for the next Smokey mascot, the university learned about a promising candidate through word of mouth within the East Tennessee bluetick coonhound rescue community. When his original owners could no longer provide the care he needed, a devoted dog lover stepped in and made it his mission to find him a loving permanent home. After the Smokey search team at UT evaluated him, they recognized his potential to become the next mascot.
Smokey XII, a two-year-old bluetick coonhound named Neyland, is currently being fostered by an employee of UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Neyland’s time with his foster family and his veterinary team has been instrumental in acclimating him to rowdy crowds and exposing him to game day environments including Tennessee basketball games.
“Neyland, aka Smokey XII, might just be Vol Nation’s most heartwarming walk-on success story,” said Paul Plummer, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “This beautiful bluetick coonhound has found his forever family on Rocky Top. With training support from devoted students and expert guidance from the nation’s best veterinarians, Smokey XII is ready to meet his new Volunteer family and bring excitement to fans everywhere he goes.”
Smokey XII’s adaptability and eagerness to learn have impressed his medical team, which includes specialists in veterinary behavior, animal welfare and animal-assisted interventions. Experts at the veterinary college continue to evaluate his temperament, health and preparedness for the high-energy environment of SEC football.
“Neyland has a big personality and playful spirit,” said his veterinarian, Zenithson Ng. “Through reward-based training, he is learning essential commands including sit, stay and down. The upcoming Orange and White game presents an ideal opportunity to more fully evaluate his readiness for game day excitement ahead of the 2026 football season while giving him the chance to connect with fans and handlers in an authentic setting.”
UT is collaborating with the Hudson family, known for decades as stewards of the Smokey tradition, on Neyland’s long-term care. Members of the Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity will serve as his game day handlers.
Smokey XII follows in the pawprints of Smokey XI, who retired after the 2025 football season to live his best life with the Hudson family. Meanwhile, Smokey X is receiving palliative care for kidney cancer at the College of Veterinary Medicine and remains deeply loved by Vol Nation.
Smokey XII’s story reflects the true Volunteer spirit: a “tail” of resilience, love and community support that makes Vol Nation proud.
“Neyland reminds us all why it’s great to be a Tennessee Vol,” said Plummer.
A history of the Smokey mascots is available on Volopedia.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, [email protected])
Sandra Harbison (865-974-7377, [email protected])
