Team History and Awards
Oak Ridge High School, established in 1943 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, fields athletic teams known as the Wildcats, sporting cardinal red and white colors.
The Wildcats football program has a storied legacy, with a championship record of 47–28 and 30 playoff appearances since the 1950s. Titles include 1958 (also recognized as national champions), 1962, 1975, 1979, 1980, and 1997, plus Litkenhous rating championships in 1956 and 1958. The 1958 team’s 15–0 undefeated season was honored in 2023 with the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame’s David Williams Significant Historical Achievement Award.
Legendary coach Jack Armstrong (1955 to 1968) guided the program to four state titles, helping build an all time record exceeding 563 wins.
OEB Law LOVES local High School Football!
To support local youth high school football programs, OEB Law donates a $1,000 check every week to different Knoxville area high schools and we sponsor the championship games!
Team Highlights and Star Players
Tee Higgins (WR, Class of 2017): Drafted by Cincinnati Bengals in 2020; over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns in the NFL through 2024.
Stan Fritts (RB, Class of 1971): NFL RB for Bengals (1975–76).
Mike Caldwell (LB, Class of 1989): NFL LB (1993–2003); later Super Bowl winning coach.
Jason McAddley (WR, Class of 1997): NFL WR (2002–2005), 576 yards career.
Bobby Richards (DE, Class of 1971): NFL DE (1975–1980).
Other alumni include Bob Winkel (DT, Class of 1965) and Vernice Smith (OL, Class of 1983).
Meet the Team – 2026 Roster Snapshot
Head Coach: Derek Rang
Assistant Coaches: James Branson, Richard Chitwood, Kevin Day, David Hawkins, Zachary Kassner, Mike Kelly, Kevin McKeethan, Christian Mitchell, Jeremy Mitchell, Daniel Pace, Leterrin Thomas
Coming Soon
2026 Season Schedule
(District games marked with *)
- Aug 21 – at Knoxville Halls HS (Away), 7:00 PM
- Aug 28 – vs Clinton HS (Home), 7:00 PM
- Sep 11 – at Dobyns Bennett HS (Away), 7:00 PM
- Sep 18 – at Cleveland HS* (Away)
- Sep 25 – vs Bradley Central HS* (Home)
- Oct 2 – at Bearden HS* (Away), 7:00 PM
- Oct 16 – at Hardin Valley Academy* (Away)
- Oct 23 – vs Farragut HS* (Home), 7:00 PM
- Oct 29 – vs Maryville HS* (Home), 7:00 PM
