The Saskatchewan Roughriders are officially back on the field, preparing to begin a season in which they hope to go back-to-back as Grey Cup champions. After a three-week training camp, two pre-season games, and a bye in Week 1 of the 2026 CFL season, the defending champions are set to host the B.C. Lions at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Week 2.
Excitement Builds for Game Week
Players expressed enthusiasm as they settled into their game-week routine. Halfback Rolan Milligan Jr. shared the team's excitement, noting the focus on re-establishing their weekly rhythm. "Guys are excited," he said. "Just trying to find that game-week routine again and get back into the flow of it. We're hyped up."
Roster Changes and Core Stability
After winning the Grey Cup last season for the first time since 2013, the Roughriders saw significant roster turnover. Sixteen players from the championship team either retired, were released, or signed elsewhere in free agency. However, a strong core group remains, and the team's expectations for another title are unchanged. Head coach Corey Mace emphasized the high standards set since his arrival in 2024. "That's the bar that we set for ourselves," Mace said. "We set that goal for ourselves in '24 when we first got here. It's just hard work works. If we're not afraid to put the work in, then we'll be in a position to potentially play in a big game like that. These guys aren't afraid to work hard, so yeah, I'm really, really pleased to be a part of that."
Offensive Continuity and Evolution
Aside from rookie receiver Jaylen Johnson joining the group, Saskatchewan's offensive unit looks similar to last year. The returning offensive line blocks for running back A.J. Ouellette and quarterback Trevor Harris, who is set to make his 129th career start on Saturday. Harris expects new wrinkles in the offence despite the continuity. "A lot of times there's certain nuances and plays that are different, and so you're always growing and learning in those things," Harris explained. "But in terms of the base plays, the things that we've done in the past that will continue to do, we've got a great feel for one another in terms of how we like things done and whatnot. So heading into a season, we have those things but also we've got some new things that are in the works. Offensive coordinator Marc Mueller is always evolving, as the great O-coordinators always are, and we're really pushing the envelope to do some new things and see how it works out come game time."
Special Teams and Defence Updates
Saskatchewan has an entirely new special teams unit featuring kicker Alex Hale, punter Oscar Chapman, long snapper Aaron Crawford, and kick returner James Letcher Jr. The defence includes several returning players and newcomers. CFL veteran James Vaughters and rookie Desmond Evans are expected to start at defensive ends in Week 1, while tackles Mike Rose and Caleb Sanders return to anchor the line.
