Story by
Before winning a Super Bowl, Trey Smith worked one − just like these 'Big Orange' students
- Story by
- Before winning a Super Bowl, Trey Smith worked one − just like these 'Big Orange' students
As 10 students from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville work behind the scenes at the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans , gaining real-world perspective on how businesses big and small work together during major events, a UT alum who went through the same program will be competing for the Lombardi Trophy as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs .
You know the name. Trey Smith , a former Vols offensive lineman and sixth-round draft pick to the Chiefs, joined the UT Big Orange Combine initiative in 2020, gaining similar skills and experience during Super Bowl 54 in Miami . Business majors, sports majors and student athletes coordinate travel itineraries and learning opportunities through the Haslam College of Business, which organizes this rare opportunity to see how one of the biggest sporting events in the world operates.
Advertisement
On Location will provide students with real hospitality experience. Networking with professionals is a big part of the weekend, and students get opportunities to interact with major media organizations, including during a tour of CBS Studios made possible through a UT alum connection.
Students will receive some workplace training during the early part of the trip to prepare them to assist professionals during the big game and during the Super Bowl Experience, a convention and "football theme park" where players sign autographs and where UT students will be interacting with fans and tossing footballs with kids.
The hope is students walk away with a better understanding of what they want to do in their careers, understanding not everyone will be selected for a Pro Bowl or win two Super Bowl trophies like Smith, who will compete for his third Feb. 9.
"He mentioned us once in one of his interviews," faculty advisor Debbie Mackey told Knox News. "I don't think that had anything to do with his football career, but that's pretty cool that he did."
Advertisement
Or did it? At the very least, the experience gave Smith a firsthand look at the dominance of what would become his future team, as the Chiefs came back from a 10-point deficit to topple the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. Working as an usher/greeter during that game, according to an article by The Athletic referencing the Big Orange Combine, Smith was recognized by Tennessee fans and was invited to join them in an empty seat.
At the time, Smith's professional future was uncertain, a reality for many recent grads as they trade classrooms for the workplace.
The group of 10 students already working in New Orleans this week as part of the program will try to coordinate a time to meet Smith, who will have another shot at the Philadelphia Eagles , a team he beat in the 2023 Super Bowl as a member of the Chiefs (so far, his only pro team).
As program grows, can Big Orange Combine be replicated at Final Four?
Students left for New Orleans Feb. 5 and will be back the 10th, returning to Knoxville as the newest grads of the Big Orange Combine, which has been operating under UT's business school since 2012.
Advertisement
As eyes around the world are glued to the TV on Feb. 9, UT students will be among the fortunate ones watching the Super Bowl in person, and that's a "cool" experience for everyone involved, Mackey said.
"But it's the fact that you get to watch every aspect of business come together. You get to see … (how the Super Bowl) takes over the city, and there's events and media everywhere," Mackey said. "I think it gives them a resume builder, it gives them the opportunity to network, and it also gives them time to reflect about their career too as they look at this event."
While application numbers vary each year − around 30 or 40 on average, with only a handful selected − more types of students have access to the program compared to its early days. What started as something for only sports majors, the program has grown to address "every aspect of business" during Super Bowl weekend, Mackey said.
That means bringing along more business students when it makes sense. But the Big Orange Combine does not require students to be pursuing specific majors, and the program could expand even more.
Advertisement
Mackey said conversations have happened with On Location about UT potentially sending groups to more major sports events, like the Final Four, but nothing has been set in stone.
"It's a great opportunity," Mackey said. "It's hard work, but it's a lot of fun, and we do appreciate the support of the community and our UT community too."
The Knoxville community will remember Smith for his exceptional performance at UT, where he played in 42 games as an offensive lineman and was named Knox News' Sportsperson of the Year in 2020 . He also was named to the All-SEC team each year as a Vol before being drafted in the sixth round by the Chiefs, which will have an opportunity Feb. 9 to become the first NFL team to win three straight Super Bowls.
Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.
Advertisement
Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at knoxnews.com/subscribe .
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: University of Tennessee students at Super Bowl to learn like Trey Smith
