Smokey XII Debuts as UT’s Newest Volunteer Mascot

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.