Zach Smith

Zach Smith joined Nebraska football’s equipment staff ahead of the 2024 season, bringing extensive experience in the industry.

He spent 10 years at the University of Northern Iowa, serving the last five as an athletic equipment manager. In that role, Smith oversaw equipment operations for all 17 university-sponsored sports, managed inventory, was the primary point of contact on the school's Nike contract and trained other staff in the department. Smith transitioned into that role after five years as an assistant equipment manager at UNI.

Before his time at UNI, Smith was the Iowa Barnstormers' head equipment manager for eight months in 2014.

From 2016 to 2024, Smith was also the assistant director of equipment operations for the East-West Shrine Bowl. In that role, Smith worked with game officials to contact invitees and equipment managers, ensured practices were staffed, coordinated locker room setup and installed coach-to-player radio communication in the helmets of both teams.

The Fremont, Neb., native has over 20 years of experience, including time with the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers.  He obtained a sports management degree from Iowa State in 2006, where he was a student manager with the football team for four years.