Smokey XII Joins the Tennessee Volunteer Family

Key Points:

• The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, announced that Smokey XII, a two-year-old bluetick coonhound named Neyland, will make his official debut at the 2026 Orange and White spring football game on April 11 at Neyland Stadium.
• Neyland was discovered through the East Tennessee bluetick coonhound rescue community and is currently fostered by an employee of UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where he has been acclimated to game day environments and crowds.
• Veterinary experts at UT are evaluating Neyland’s temperament and health to ensure he is prepared for the high-energy atmosphere of SEC football, using reward-based training to teach essential commands.
• The university is partnering with the Hudson family, longtime caretakers of the Smokey mascot tradition, for Neyland’s long-term care, with the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity serving as his game day handlers.
• Smokey XII succeeds Smokey XI, who retired after the 2025 season, while Smokey X is receiving palliative care at the College of Veterinary Medicine; Neyland’s story embodies resilience and community spirit celebrated by Vol Nation.