The UT Pep Club held a contest during the halftime of a 1953 football game against Mississippi State to select a coonhound as the university’s live mascot. Bill Brooks’ prize-winning bluetick coonhound, “Blue Smokey,” howled into the microphone when it was his turn, and the crowd cheered. He barked again, the Vol fans cheered some more, and he kept barking until it was clear that UT had found their mascot. Smokey is famous today for leading the Vols out of the giant "T" formed by the band prior to each home game at Neyland Stadium.

Products are mocked up on a size S. Graphics may appear smaller on larger sizes.