Butch Wilmore (’94) watched last year’s Homecoming game as a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS), but for 2025 he will be on campus as grand marshal of the Homecoming parade at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Vols and Vol fans alike can join Wilmore in all the Tennessee tradition and fun for Homecoming week, November 10–15.
“I’ve visited and lived many places, even around the globe, and I can tell you, there’s nothing like Rocky Top,” says Wilmore. “I’ve not been to Homecoming in decades, so I look forward to wearing something bright orange and being a part of the festivities as the parade’s grand marshal.”
From the Little Vol Walk to the culminating Homecoming game against New Mexico State on November 15, there are endless events and activities throughout the week open to alumni and Vol fans.
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“I’ve visited and lived many places, even around the globe, and I can tell you, there’s nothing like Rocky Top.”
Butch Wilmore (’94)
Wilmore made another homecoming earlier this year after a surprise extended stay at the ISS. He launched June 2024 on Boeing’s Starliner vessel, expecting to stay about a week, and only returned in March 2025 via the SpaceX Crew-9 after the Boeing spacecraft experienced multiple issues on its outbound journey.
“As I look back, there are so many instances that prepared me for what occurred during that experience—everything that went into maintaining control of the spacecraft during that hour and a half to the ISS that I was on the manual controls—I see God’s hand in all of it,” says Wilmore. “I’m grateful for the part UT played in laying the foundation for what was to come. It wasn’t until after I got my master’s degree that I was accepted to the Astronaut Corps.”
“If I was to be remembered for anything, it would be that I reflected glory back to the Lord. I’ve accomplished nothing except what’s been granted to me, even serving in Homecoming,” says Wilmore. “It’s a privilege to be in the parade, and there’s certainly a pride in my heritage and where I come from that goes into that.”
The Tennessee native from Mount Juliet will lead the Homecoming Parade on November 14.
