KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (TVC) — Meet Neyland! The brand-new live action mascot for The University of Tennessee. The two-year-old rescue pup is a pure-bred Blue Tick Coon Hound from the East Tennessee Blue Tick Coon Hound Community. Neyland is set to become the 12th dog to take on the role of Smokey since 1953 and is showing fans and his handlers that he is up for the challenge. Neyland will be taking the Neyland Stadium Stage for the first time this Saturday for the Orange and White game as the Vols conclude their spring practice slate. Be on the lookout for your new favorite pup on the sidelines all afternoon long!
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Smokey XII to Make Debut at 2026 Orange and White Game
April 9, 2026
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Louis Maddox, TVC Senior Sports Reporter
Louis Maddox is an alum of UT Knoxville’s School of Journalism and Media. A 2026 graduate of TVC News, Maddox now co-hosts the Front Porch Sports Radio Hour on WKOM 101.7 FM in Columbia, Tenn.