Oklahoma Sooners hire Justin Smith as head athletic trainer
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 2:23 PM
Last updated Aug 8, 2026
The Oklahoma Sooners have appointed Justin Smith as their new head football athletic trainer. Smith, previously with NC State since 2015, takes over after Jonathan Gress's departure to the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Brent Venables praised Smith's extensive experience and leadership qualities, emphasizing his understanding of football schedules and commitment to building relationships. This change marks the third consecutive year of staffing adjustments in the Sooners' training department as they aim to improve their program following injury challenges in previous seasons.
- •Justin Smith joins Oklahoma after serving at NC State since 2015.
- •He replaces Jonathan Gress, who moved to the Tennessee Titans.
- •Head coach Brent Venables expressed strong support for Smith's hiring.
- •This is the third consecutive year of staff changes in the training department.
- •The Sooners aim to improve injury management after past challenges.
- 2:23 PMYahoo Sports — Oklahoma Sooners hire new head athletic trainer
"Oklahoma Football hires head athletic trainer away from NC State.
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