Smokey XII Debuts as UT’s Newest Volunteer Mascot
TL;DR
UT Knoxville announces Smokey XII, a two-year-old bluetick coonhound named Neyland, will debut as the next Smokey mascot at the 2026 Orange and White spring game; selected through the East Tennessee coonhound rescue community, he’s being fostered and trained by UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine with help from students and veterinarians to handle game-day environments, while Alpha Gamma Rho handlers support the effort and the Hudson family remains involved in long‑term care. Smokey XI has retired and Smokey X remains in palliative care.
- Smokey XII Joins the Tennessee Volunteer Family University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Meet Smokey XII, ready for Tennessee football games in 2026 Knoxville News Sentinel
- New UT mascot, Smokey XII, to debut in Orange and White game Yahoo Sports
- Smokey XII to make debut at University of Tennessee spring football game on April 11 WTVC
- Smokey XII to make his Tennessee debut at Orange & White Game On3
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