Tennessee updates the status of Smokey XI before season opener vs. Chattanooga

Smokey XI is still acclimating to Neyland Stadium and will start the new Tennessee Football season by focusing solely on running through the ’T’ to lead the Vols onto the field, according to an update from Tennessee Athletics .

Smokey XI is in his second season as Tennessee’s mascot and, according to the Vols, is “still in training and acclimating to large crowds and loud environments.”

Tennessee and the Hudson family, which owns and takes care of Smokey XI, is partnering with the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and the family’s trainer “to make sure Smokey’s development needs are prioritized.”

“They recently came to the decision that Smokey XI will focus solely on running through the ’T’ this season,” a Tennessee spokesperson said on Thursday, “and not assume the myriad of other roles associated with serving as the university’s official mascot.”

The Smokey live mascot was first introduced in 1953

Smokey XI took over last season for Smokey X, who was on the Tennessee sideline for 10 seasons, debuting in 2013 and retiring after the 11-win season in 2022.

Smokey X, according to the Tennessee update, “is happily enjoying his retirement and all things with his pups” and is healthy at home with the Hudson family.

The Vols also noted that it “is not uncommon for the dogs serving as the Smokey mascot to need time to adjust to running through the ’T’ and the atmosphere in Neyland Stadium.”

Smokey, a Bluetick Coonhound, has served as Tennessee’s live mascot since 1953.

The original Smokey, named ‘Blue Smokey,’ was officially named the official live mascot of the Vols after winning a contest during halftime of the Mississippi State game in 1953. He won after being the final Bluetick Coonhound announced to the crowd, barking repeatedly as the crowd cheered.

Season Opener: No. 15 Tennessee vs. Chattanooga, Saturday, 12:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network

‘Blue Smokey’ was on the sideline for two seasons before being replaced by Smokey II (1955-64), followed by Smokey III (1965-77), Smokey IV (1978-79), Smokey V (1980-83), Smokey VI (1984-91), Smokey VII (1992-94), Smokey VIII (1995-2003), Smokey IX (2004-12) and Smokey X (2013-22).

According to Tennessee Football’s historical notes , Smokey II was dognapped by Kentucky students in 1955 and had to survive a confrontation with the Baylor Bear at the 1957 Sugar Bowl.

Smokey VI had a bout with heat exhaustion during the 1991 UCLA game and was listed on Tennessee’s injury report until he returned to the sideline later in the season.

There were 105 wins during Smokey III’s tenure and three SEC Championships with Smokey VI on watch. Smokey VIII is the winningest of the bunch, with Tennessee going 91-22 with two SEC championships and the 1998 national championship.

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