Next month, the Knoxville Smokies, the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, are holding ‘Tennessee Night’. The game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on Saturday, August 15, 2026, will feature Tennessee Athletics-themed festivities throughout the evening.
“It’s going to feel like ’98 all game long during Tennessee Night at Covenant Health Park!” the Smokies described. “Celebrate all things Tennessee with a night full of Volunteer spirit, in-between inning entertainment, and music!”
As a part of the event, there is going to be a giveaway for the first 1,000 fans through the gates, which is already creating a buzz. Star Tennessee running back and Knoxville native DeSean Bishop is being featured on a bobblehead. It depicts him dropping to his knees in prayer, a common sight for the running back after scoring a touchdown.
The countdown to Tennessee Night just got even better! 🧡🏈
DeSean Bishop bobbleheads are coming to Covenant Health Park on August 15th and will be available to the first 1,000 fans through the gates! 📍🏟️ pic.twitter.com/CZb3Zsx1i7
Advertisement— Knoxville Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) July 15, 2026
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This past season, Bishop was the lead back for Tennessee’s offense. He totaled 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns on 182 carries through 13 games. This marked the third straight season the Vols have produced a 1,000-yard back after Dylan Sampson and Jaylen Wright did it before getting drafted.
In 2024, as a redshirt-freshman, Bishop was the second back in the room behind Sampson. He recorded 455 yards and three touchdowns on 74 totes. He missed his true freshman season due to an injury suffered in the preseason, but Josh Heupel spoke glowingly of him during that stretch of practices.
Bishop is a local product out of Karns High School in Knoxville. He won back-to-back Tennessee Titans 5A Mr. Football awards after totaling more than 6,000 all-purpose yards over his last two seasons. He led the Beavers to their first home playoff win in program history over Walker Valley in 2021.
Bishop was initially committed to Coastal Carolina with offers from Tulane and App State. However, after a coaching change, he decommitted and walked on with the Vols over offers. He was placed on scholarship ahead of the 2025 season.
