The Tennessee Volunteers have taken the field once again for another football season, and they've got a new pup leading the charge for glory as Smokey XII.
The 2-year-old − who will celebrate a ceremonial birthday alongside the university on Sept. 10 − follows in the paw prints of his 11 predecessors to become the first rescue dog to ***** ume the role as the University of Tennessee at Knoxville's mascot.
He dashed through the Power T formed by the Pride of the Southland Marching Band to start the season with the Sept. 5 opening game in Neyland Stadium against Furman.
UT unveiled Smokey XII in March after a search began in late 2025 to replace Smokey XI, who had to retire due to a reserved temperament that made him uncomfortable in public.
It was through East Tennessee's bluetick ***** hound rescue community that Smokey veterinarian Dr. Zenithson Ng first learned about Neyland, whose "bold, courageous and outgoing personality" immediately stood out upon meeting the young hound in December. Neyland underwent training to fit comfortably into the position before making his Big Orange debut at the Orange and White spring game.
#tennessee
The 2-year-old − who will celebrate a ceremonial birthday alongside the university on Sept. 10 − follows in the paw prints of his 11 predecessors to become the first rescue dog to ***** ume the role as the University of Tennessee at Knoxville's mascot.
He dashed through the Power T formed by the Pride of the Southland Marching Band to start the season with the Sept. 5 opening game in Neyland Stadium against Furman.
UT unveiled Smokey XII in March after a search began in late 2025 to replace Smokey XI, who had to retire due to a reserved temperament that made him uncomfortable in public.
It was through East Tennessee's bluetick ***** hound rescue community that Smokey veterinarian Dr. Zenithson Ng first learned about Neyland, whose "bold, courageous and outgoing personality" immediately stood out upon meeting the young hound in December. Neyland underwent training to fit comfortably into the position before making his Big Orange debut at the Orange and White spring game.
#tennessee
3 days ago
