Updated July 4, 2026, 8:27 p.m. CT
The Oklahoma Sooners have lost head athletic trainer Jonathan Gress to the professional ranks two months before the 2026 season gets underway.
Gress, who spent one year in Norman after coming from the New Orleans Saints, is headed back to the NFL with the Tennessee Titans. He’ll be the team’s director of rehabilitation and reconditioning. According to SoonerScoop’s George Stoia III, the search for Gress’ replacement is already underway, and he reports the Sooners would like to have someone in place by the beginning of fall camp.
Gress’ departure is another twist for an OU support staff that has seen a number of them this offseason. Gress was helpful in keeping the Sooners healthier in 2025, a necessary emphasis after an injury-plagued 2024 season, especially on offense. Whoever replaces him as lead trainer will need to be someone who can help OU avoid that bad injury streak that helped derail that season.
Oklahoma will open the 2026 season in Norman against UTEP. That game is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Sept. 4.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X@Aaron_Gelvin.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!