Oklahoma University announced this week that Justin Smith has been appointed head athletic trainer for the Sooners football program, bringing a decade‑plus track record of medical leadership to the role.
Smith’s career spans stints at NC State, Appalachian State, NFL Europe and Champion Sports Medicine, where he honed his expertise in injury prevention and rehabilitation.
He succeeds Johnathan Gress, who departed after a single season to join the Tennessee Titans, leaving a vacancy that the administration filled swiftly.
Coach Brent Venables praised Smith’s blend of experience and technical skill, saying the hire aligns with the program’s commitment to player health.
The Sooners open the season on September 4 against UTEP at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, a game that will showcase Smith’s first public appearance in the role.
A New Chapter for Player Care
With a background that includes a degree from the University of Alabama, Smith is expected to integrate cutting‑edge medical protocols into the team’s daily routine, a move that could influence the Sooners’ performance on the field.
Fans and staff alike are eager to see how the new trainer’s approach will mesh with the existing coaching staff as the team prepares for a demanding schedule.