KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Smokey XI will only run through the traditional "T" during Tennessee Football home games this season, as caretakers prioritize his needs.
In a release, the University of Tennessee said he is still in training and is acclimating to large crowds and loud environments.
Smokey X, his predecessor, retired as mascot in 2023 and is now spending his time at the Hudson family home — caretakers of the line of Bluetick Coonhounds. During his career, he would run through end zones after Tennessee touchdowns. Mascots are also trained to perform skits and stunts for Neyland Stadium crowds, which can reach sizes exceeding 101,000 fans.
The Hudson family works with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine to make sure the dogs are properly cared for.
Last year, Smokey XI did not appear at the home opener, and one of his trainers described him as "a kinder, gentler soul." He was originally supposed to make his debut during the Fall 2022 football season.
"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," UT Athletics said in a release.
Smokey XI was one of seven pups in his litter, born in August 2021.