Homecoming is now a century-long tradition that invites both students and alumni to Rocky Top, celebrating Volunteer pride, the UT community, and campus connections. This event has undergone many pauses and transformations shaped by each generation, yet, throughout its evolution, Homecoming has continued to remain a cherished celebration for our Vol community.
| Year | Grand Marshals |
| 2002 | Tina Wesson, 1983 Graduate, Winner of Season 2 Survivor |
| 2009 | Bobby Osborne, an American bluegrass musician. He was the co-founder of the Osborne Brothers, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. Bobby and his brother Sonny wrote Rocky Top. |
| 2012 | Chamique Holdsclaw, Former Lady Vol Basketball Player |
| 2013 | Carol Aebersold, Elf on the Shelf creator |
| 2017 | Del Bryant, Parent’s wrote Rocky Top, former head of BMI (Performing Rights Organization) (2003-2014), business person; & Dane Bryant parents’ wrote Rocky Top |
| 2018 | Inky Johnson, Former Vol Football Player and Motivational Speaker |
| 2019 | Briana Mason, first black Miss Tennessee |
| 2021 | Candace Parker, Former Lady Vol Basketball Player |
| 2022 | Drew H, Alumni |
| 2023 | Al Wilson, Former Vol Football Player |
| 2024 | Todd Helton, Former Vol Baseball and Football Player |
| 2025 | Butch Wilmore, Former Vol Football Player |
| Year | Theme |
| 2000 | Smokey’s Safari |
| 2001 | Smokey Rides Again* |
| 2002 | The Thrilla in Knoxvilla* |
| 2003 | Howl-a-Ween Homecoming |
| 2004 | Back Where We Began |
| 2005 | Traditions Being with a T |
| 2006 | Rocky Top Round Up |
| 2007 | Smokey’s Bayou Bash |
| 2008 | Give Wyoming the BOOT |
| 2009 | Rock-n-Roll the Tigers |
| 2010 | Rocky Top the Rebels |
| 2011 | Clash of the Tennesseans |
| 2012 | Trojans. Ancient History. |
| 2013 | Cirque du Rocky Top |
| 2014 | Tennessee Traditions |
| 2015 | Mean Green meets Rocky Top |
| 2016 | Journey through 100 years of Volunteers |
| 2017 | Homecoming 101: Intro to Rocky Top |
| 2018 | Sweet as Soda Pop |
| 2019 | Lighting the Way |
| 2020 | An Event Like No Other – For A Year Like No Other |
| 2021 | Charge the Checkerboard |
| 2022 | Salute to Smokey |
| 2023 | ….. There’s No Place Like Neyland |
| 2024 | Neyland Night Lights |
| 2025 | Torchbearers and Trailblazers |
| 2026 | All Roads Lead to Tennessee |