The Saskatchewan Roughriders have returned to the field for their 2026 rookie camp in Saskatoon. The camp, held at Griffiths Stadium, is the first step in the team's preparations to defend their Grey Cup championship. Rookie camp will conclude on Friday, followed by the opening of main camp on Sunday.
Rookies Aim to Impress Before Main Camp
Head coach Corey Mace expressed optimism about the rookie class after the first practice. 'Smart group of football players,' Mace said. 'That's encouraging specifically with the rookie class coming in to be able to catch up to speed once the vets come to fly around and make some plays and push the competition.'
The camp features 61 players with limited or no CFL experience, including quarterbacks Brayden Schager and Jordan McCloud, who are competing for a practice roster spot. University of Saskatchewan Huskies quarterback intern Jake Farrell is also participating.
Key Position Battles
At running back, the rookie camp includes former NFL player Darrell Henderson and Peny Boone, along with junior players Corbin Ebben of the Saskatoon Hilltops and Peter Boersch of the Regina Thunder. The veteran running backs A.J. Ouellette, Mario Anderson, and Thomas Bertrand-Hudon will join the team on Sunday.
With a veteran offensive line returning, 11 offensive linemen are in camp, including eight Americans. Notable names include Darius Washington, who saw action with the team last year, 2026 draft picks Darius Bell and Jez Janvier, and 2025 second-round pick Erik Andersen.
Receiver and Defensive Line Competitions
At receiver, an American starting spot is up for grabs, with rookies Collin Brunstein, Abdul Janneh, Jaylen Johnson, Tyrie Cleveland, Freddie Swain, Juwann Winfree, and Ali Jennings competing. Canadian backup spots are also open behind Samuel Emilus, Kian Schaffer-Baker, and Dhel Duncan-Busby, with D'Sean Mimbs and Daniel Wiebe in contention.
Defensive line positions are highly contested, with players like Justin Weaver, Nathan Pickering, Kevin Orange, Jaylen Pate, Davin Vann, Thor Griffith, Sundiata Anderson, Sylvain Yondjouen, Marcus Haynes, Chico Bennett, Kendy Charles, and Desmond Evans fighting for roster spots. Canadian Liam Hoskins, a 2025 draft pick, is also in the mix.
Linebacker and Other Positions
With the starting linebacking corps set to join on Sunday, four rookies—Americans Vi Jones, Demouy Kennedy, David Gbenda, and Canadian draft pick Osasere Odemwingie—are competing to earn a spot in main camp.
The Roughriders' rookie camp is a critical opportunity for newcomers to showcase their skills and secure a place on the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
