If you’ve ever walked into Neyland Stadium on a Saturday in the fall, you know the sound. It’s not just the roar of 100,000 people screaming "Rocky Top" at the top of their lungs. It’s that sharp, high-pitched howl that cuts through the humidity of East Tennessee. That is the sound of a Bluetick Coonhound.
Most people see a dog on the sidelines and think, "Oh, cute, a school pet." But the University of Tennessee Knoxville mascot is different. It’s a legacy. Smokey isn’t just a costumed character high-fiving kids; he’s a living, breathing bloodline that has defined Volunteer spirit since the early 1950s.
Honestly, the whole thing started because of a halftime contest.
How a Bluetick Coonhound Became a Legend
Back in 1953, the Pep Club at UT decided they needed a live mascot. They didn't want a generic bulldog or a tiger. They wanted something that actually represented the culture of the state. Tennessee is hound country. So, they held a contest at halftime during the Mississippi State game to pick the best hound in the region.
Enter Blue Ole Smokey.
He was owned by the late Rev. Bill Brooks. When they introduced the dogs, the crowd cheered for most of them, but when Smokey’s name was called, he let out a long, mournful "woo-woo" howl. The stadium went nuts. He was the clear winner.
The University of Tennessee Knoxville mascot has stayed in the Brooks family ever since. That’s a detail a lot of people miss. This isn't a dog the athletic department buys from a random breeder every few years. It’s a multi-generational commitment. Mrs. Mildred Brooks and her family have cared for the Smokey line for over 70 years. When you see Smokey XI on the field today, you’re looking at the direct descendant of that original 1950s hound.
Why the Bluetick Breed?
Blueticks are known for being tenacious, loud, and incredibly loyal. They’re "cold-nosed" trackers, meaning they can find old trails that other dogs miss. For a school that calls itself the Volunteers—a name earned by the bravery of Tennesseans in the War of 1812—a dog that never quits on a trail is basically the perfect metaphor.
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The Two Faces of Smokey: Live vs. Costumed
We have to talk about the "other" Smokey. You know, the one with the oversized head and the giant orange jersey. While the live hound is the heart of the program, the costumed University of Tennessee Knoxville mascot is the workhorse of the brand.
The costumed version didn't actually show up until the 1980s. Before that, the live dog did all the heavy lifting. But as the university grew and the demand for appearances at basketball games, weddings, and community events skyrocketed, they needed a mascot that didn't need a nap or a water bowl every twenty minutes.
- The Live Mascot (Smokey XI): He stays at the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity house during the season. He has a dedicated team of "handlers" who make sure he doesn't get too stressed out by the noise. He leads the team through the "T" formed by the Pride of the Southland Band. It’s a high-pressure job for a dog.
- The Costumed Mascot: This is usually a student (or a few students) who undergo intense tryouts. They have to be athletic enough to do backflips and stay in character for hours in the stifling Southern heat.
It’s a weird dynamic. You’ll see fans who worship the live dog but treat the costumed mascot like a celebrity. They aren't competing, though. They’re a team.
Moments Where Smokey Actually Made History
Being the University of Tennessee Knoxville mascot isn't all belly rubs and treats. There have been some genuinely wild moments over the decades.
Take Smokey II, for example. He was famously "kidnapped" by Kentucky fans in the 1950s. He was eventually returned, but it added a layer of intensity to the Border Battle rivalry that persists to this day. Then there was the time Smokey VI was listed on the injury report. I’m not joking. He suffered heat exhaustion during a particularly brutal game and the local newspapers covered his recovery like he was the starting quarterback.
And who could forget the run-ins with other mascots? Smokey has been involved in several "scuffles" on the sidelines, most notably with the Baylor Bear and the South Carolina Gamecock.
The Evolution of the Look
If you look at photos of the costumed Smokey from the 80s or 90s, he looks a bit... different. The fur was shaggier, the face was a bit more "cartoonish." Today’s mascot is sleek. The orange is brighter. The "smokey" grey patches on the suit are meant to mimic the actual coat of a Bluetick Coonhound more accurately. It's a branding masterpiece.
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The Training and Life of a Champion
A lot of people ask: "Is Smokey well-behaved?"
Mostly. But he's still a hound.
The Brooks family and the handlers spend months socializing the live University of Tennessee Knoxville mascot. He has to get used to the sound of a 300-piece band, the smell of thousands of hot dogs, and the vibration of the stadium floor.
It's actually pretty scientific. They use desensitization techniques. They play recordings of crowd noise for him while he eats. They take him to smaller events before he ever steps foot in Neyland. Despite all that, he’s still prone to the occasional "hound moment" where he decides he’d rather sniff a blade of grass than lead the team. Fans love that. It makes him human. Or, well, you know what I mean.
Beyond the Football Field
The mascot is a fixture at Thompson-Boling Arena for basketball. He’s at the baseball games at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. He’s a symbol of the entire UT system.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Breed
There’s a misconception that Smokey is a "Blue Heeler" or a generic mutt. He’s not. He is a purebred Bluetick Coonhound. This is a big deal in the dog breeding world.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) only officially recognized the breed in 2009, but Tennesseans have been breeding them for centuries. They are vocal. If you live in an apartment, do not get a Smokey. They don't bark; they bay. It’s a deep, resonant sound that carries for miles.
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Smokey represents a specific slice of Appalachian history. These dogs were bred to hunt raccoons and big game in the mountains. They are tough. They are independent. When the University of Tennessee Knoxville mascot stands on the field, he’s carrying the weight of that mountain heritage on his back.
The Legacy of the Smokey Line
Each Smokey has a different personality.
- Smokey VIII was known for being particularly photogenic and calm.
- Smokey IX was the one who saw the transition into the modern era of social media.
- Smokey X was a fan favorite because he was incredibly energetic during the "T" walk.
When a Smokey passes away, it’s a state-wide event. They are buried with honors, and the transition to the next dog is handled with the kind of reverence usually reserved for royalty.
The current University of Tennessee Knoxville mascot, Smokey XI, took over the mantle in 2022. He’s a bit larger than his predecessor and has a very distinct "ticking" pattern on his coat. He’s already become a staple of the Josh Heupel era, symbolizing a "new age" of Tennessee football that is fast, loud, and aggressive.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Visitors
If you're planning a trip to Knoxville and want the full mascot experience, here is how you do it properly. Don't just show up and hope for a photo.
- Catch the Vol Walk: This happens about two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff. Smokey leads the team down Peyton Manning Pass. This is your best chance to see the live hound up close.
- Visit the AGR House: While you can't just walk in, the Alpha Gamma Rho house often has Smokey-related displays or events during homecoming.
- The Statues: There is a statue of Smokey on campus (near the stadium) that is a lucky charm for students during finals week. Rub the nose.
- Respect the Handler: If you see the live Smokey, always ask the handler before approaching. He’s a working dog, and sometimes he needs his space.
The University of Tennessee Knoxville mascot isn't just a gimmick. It’s a bridge between the past and the present. Whether it’s the costumed student doing a backflip or the Bluetick hound howling at the moon, Smokey is the soul of Knoxville. He reminds us that no matter how much the game changes, the spirit of the Volunteer remains as loud and stubborn as a hound on a scent.
Next Steps for the Deep-Dive Fan:
- Check the official UT Athletics calendar for "Smokey's Birthday" celebrations, which often occur during a home basketball game in early spring.
- Research the Brooks Family legacy if you're interested in the genealogy of the Bluetick line; they have maintained records dating back to the 1950s.
- Support the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, which provides care for the live mascot and is one of the top programs in the country.