Following the retirement of Smokey XI after a short tenure as the University of Tennessee’s official live mascot, the search was on for Smokey XII. On Thursday morning, the school announced it had found its dog.
Fittingly named ‘Neyland’, Smokey XII’s original owners could no longer take care of him. As a result, ‘a devoted dog lover’ took on the mission of finding him a loving and permanent home. The Smokey search team quickly recognized his potential to be the new mascot.
“Neyland, aka Smokey XII, might just be Vol Nation’s most heartwarming walk-on success story,” said Paul Plummer, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “This beautiful bluetick coonhound has found his forever family on Rocky Top. With training support from devoted students and expert guidance from the nation’s best veterinarians, Smokey XII is ready to meet his new Volunteer family and bring excitement to fans everywhere he goes.”
Big news! 🐾 Smokey XII will join the Volunteer family this spring!
Meet UT’s newest mascot, who will make his debut on Saturday, April 11 at the Orange and White game. ⬇️ https://t.co/HFH9aIvE0x
Advertisement— UT Knoxville (@UTKnoxville) March 26, 2026
More From RTI: Tennessee Announces Retirement of Smokey XI, Search for Next Smokey Begins
Smokey XII’s debut will be in less than a month. The plan is for him to roam the sidelines at Vol football’s annual spring Orange & White Game. The intrasquad scrimmage is scheduled for April 11, 2026, and will kick off at 2 p.m. ET. Admission to fans is free, but areas of the stadium will be closed due to ongoing renovations.
“Neyland has a big personality and playful spirit,” said his veterinarian, Zenithson Ng. “Through reward-based training, he is learning essential commands including sit, stay and down. The upcoming Orange and White game presents an ideal opportunity to more fully evaluate his readiness for game day excitement ahead of the 2026 football season while giving him the chance to connect with fans and handlers in an authentic setting.”
Prior to being tabbed the official Smokey XII, he was acclimated to crowds and game day environments with his foster family, including Tennessee basketball games.
