Bluetick coonhounds must be courageous, amenable, friendly and fearless to be considered fit to carry the torch held by the 11 University of Tennessee Smokey mascots before them.
Now, as USA Today reports, two-year-old Neyland will follow in the paw prints of his predecessors as “Smokey XII” to become the very first rescue dog to assume the UT mascot role, in a true “walk-on success story” fashion, according to College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Paul Plummer. Neyland is also being fostered by a UTCVM employee.
Over the weekend, “Neyland” dashed through the Power T formed by the Pride of the Southland Marching Band to make his Big Orange debut April 11 at Neyland Stadium for the 2026 Orange and White spring football game. And by all accounts, he did a fantastic job!
Wrote one excited fan on Instagram, “He’s so happy to be our Smokey!!!! Go Vols!” And another chimed in, “Loved when he first took the field and he was SOOO excited 🤩”
Neyland’s Journey of Getting Ready for his First Big Game as “Smokey XII”
It was through East Tennessee’s bluetick coonhound rescue community that veterinarian Dr. Zenithson Ng first learned about Neyland, whose “bold, courageous and outgoing personality” immediately stood out upon meeting the young hound in December.
Though Neyland is of an exceptional breed and carries a big responsibility, he’s still just a dog and relies on treats to help with his training. “We’ve definitely had a journey because he’s always been an outdoor dog,” Ng told Knox News. “And so, turning him into a family indoor dog with manners has definitely been a major part of our training journey.”
Smokey XII and Ng have been able to establish a strong connection, making it easier for the team of vets responsible for his well-being to track and support his health. Neyland has shown several positive signs that he’s ready for game days. “He is very good about letting us know what his limits are and boundaries,” Ng said. “And we will be sure to listen to him to make sure that his welfare is the No. 1 priority.”
Ng and the handlers will keep an eye on Neyland’s posture and tail positions, along with his ear and eye movements, to watch out for any signs Smokey XII needs a break.
As the Smokey XII Era Begins, Former Mascots Enjoy Retirement
Reeves, who has been working weekly with graduating student Owen Marcey to train Smokey XII, also worked with Smokey XI before his retirement from the university spotlight. Neyland’s predecessor had a hard time acclimating to the noisy Neyland Stadium environment and was more reserved, making the bluetick coonhound uncomfortable with public appearances.
“It’s hard to throw any animal in front of 102,000 people,” he said. “I have a hard time staying out there for the whole game. It gets loud.” Smokey XI is enjoying retirement alongside his dad, Smokey X, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer last year.
“I just got an update on Smokey X that he is … living his life to the fullest and being spoiled rotten,” Ng said. “He has really surpassed any of the expectations that we had given his cancer diagnosis. … But he is comfortable and happy and living his best life.”
While Neyland is the first rescued bluetick coonhound to become Smokey, Reeves said, Smokey XII is not the first to break the Smokey bloodline. “He’s been amazing to work with,” he said. “He’s improving every day.”
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