Tennessee football has a new top dog. See the Neyland debut of Smokey XII!
The new Smokey dashed through the Power T to start the season at the Sept. 5 opening game in Neyland Stadium against Furman. See how he did!
The University of Tennessee has introduced a new mascot for the 2025 football season: Smokey XII. This 2-year-old bluetick coonhound is making history as the first rescue dog to take on the role. Smokey XII will debut alongside the university on September 10th, celebrating his ceremonial birthday. He joins a line of 11 predecessors who have served as the University of Tennessee's mascot.
Smokey XII made his grand entrance at the September 5th opening game against Furman, performing a ceremonial dash through the Power T formed by the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. The search for a new mascot began in late 2025, after Smokey XI had to retire due to a reserved temperament making him uncomfortable in public situations.
Smokey XII's bold, courageous, and outgoing personality caught the attention of his new veterinarian, Dr. Zenithson Ng, during a December meeting. Before stepping onto the field, Smokey XII underwent training to ensure he was comfortable in his new role. The Big Orange mascot has already made an impact, running with the team, across the endzone, and down the sidelines, his ears flopping up and down. Keenan Thomas covers higher education for the Knoxville News Sentinel.
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