Oklahoma has named Justin Smith as its new head football athletic trainer, taking over from Jonathan Gress who left for a similar position with the Tennessee Titans.
Smith arrives after seven seasons as head athletic trainer at Appalachian State, where he combined medical training with performance technology. His career also includes roles at Pelham High School in Alabama, the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe and a recent stint at North Carolina State, giving him a blend of collegiate and professional expertise.
A strategic reshuffle
The changes extend beyond the training staff. Former NFL tight end Jason Witten has been added as tight ends coach, while Deland McCullough returns to the college game as running backs coach after a period in the NFL. Meanwhile, longtime strength specialist Jerry Schmidt has been recast as an Elite Performance Liaison, and James Dobson now leads the department of sports enhancement and strength and conditioning.
The Sooners will open the 2026 season at home against UTEP on September 4 before traveling to face Michigan on September 12. The schedule follows a season in which Oklahoma secured a spot in the College Football Playoff, raising expectations for a strong campaign.
Looking ahead
With a revamped coaching cadre and a schedule that tests both depth and resilience, the program aims to translate its recent playoff experience into a sustained push for a national title.