SASKATOON, Sask. – Tonight (June 4), the Canadian Football League (CFL) officially returns with the Montreal Alouettes and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats set to kick off the 2026 campaign in Steeltown. For hundreds of athletes, coaches, and operations staff, Thursday's game marks the beginning of another quest for the Grey Cup, with 13 Huskie alumni represented among those making a living at the next level. Of the 13 University of Saskatchewan (USask) alumni in the CFL, 10 appear on active rosters and three have taken their passion for the game into football support staff & operations.
The 2025 CFL season saw six Huskie alumni claim the league's ultimate prize as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, champions of the 112th Grey Cup. Nelson Lokombo, Nick Wiebe and Noah Zerr hoisted the trophy as players while Dan Farthing, Nathan Schellenberg and Mike Woytowich contributed as support & operations staff.
In 2026, the Huskie Football team will feature one future CFL star in
Jack Warrack who, after being selected in the 2026 CFL draft, will return to USask to play out his final year of eligibility.
In total 157 former U SPORTS student-athletes and 27 different programs are represented on Week 1 rosters. With 10 active alumni, the Huskies rank sixth, trailing the Montreal Carabins, UBC Thunderbirds, and Laurier Golden Hawks with 13, the Calgary Dinos with 12, and the Laval Rouge et Or with 11.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers lead the way when it comes to Canadian talent with 20 U SPORTS alumni featured in blue and gold. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ottawa REDBLACKS, Calgary Stampeders, and Edmonton Elk rank second with 19 each followed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders (19), Montreal Alouettes (16), B.C. Lions (14), and Toronto Argonauts (14).
FULL U SPORTS/CFL ROSTER LIST
*** Stats courtesy of McGill Sports Information ***
The next generation of CFL stars can be seen for the first time on August 27, when the defending Hardy Cup champion Saskatchewan Huskies take the field at Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park for an exhibition game against the Alberta Golden Bears. The Dogs will officially open the 2026 Canada West season on the road in Winnipeg, where they will look to pick up a Week 1 win against the Manitoba Bisons. Regular season home action then opens with the Calgary Dinos visiting Saskatoon for the 2026 edition of USask HOMECOMING set for a 7:00pm kickoff on Friday, September 11. Be there for every moment of the season with Huskie season tickets, available now at HuskieTickets.com.
See below for details on each of the 14 Huskie alumni and a breakdown of the former U SPORTS athletes currently in the CFL.
Former Huskies Currently Listed on CFL Rosters (10)
Former Huskies Working the CFL (3)
Nelson Lokombo, Defensive Back, Saskatchewan Roughriders
As a Huskie (2017-19)
In his three seasons at USask, Nelson Lokombo emerged as a leader for the Huskie defence. After a standout rookie campaign which saw the defensive back appear in every contest, Lokombo continued his stellar play in 2018, totaling 33 tackles, four interceptions, and 10 passes defended while helping the Huskies to a Hardy Cup victory. In 2019 the product of Abbotsford, BC established himself as one of the best players in the nation, recording 34 tackles, three sacks, five interceptions, nine passes defended, and a forced fumble on his way to being named the Canada West and U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year. Following of his career in green and white, Lokombo finished among the Top 10 in program history for passes defended and interception return yards.
In the CFL
In the 2021 CFL draft, Nelson Lokombo was selected 2nd overall by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, becoming the highest-drafted Huskie since 2012 when Ben Heenan was selected with the 1st overall pick. Just days after being drafted Lokombo's CFL career was put on hold after he suffered a torn Achilles which sidelined him for his entire rookie season. Since then, he has played in 52 games, recording 83 defensive tackles, eight special teams tackles, two forced fumbles, an interception and a sack. In January 2025 he signed an extension to return to the Riders, suiting up in 11 games on his way to becoming a Grey Cup champion.
Daniel Wiebe, Receiver, Saskatchewan Roughriders
As a Huskie (2020-2025)
A five-year student-athlete with the Huskies,
Daniel Wiebe put together one of the best careers from a USask receiver the program has ever seen. After totaling 885 yards over his first three seasons and 23 games, the former Holy Cross Crusader closed out his time in green & white with a pair of remarkable campaigns. Over the course of 2024 and 2025 only one other U SPORTS receiver was more productive than Wiebe, who recorded seasons of 807 and 926 yards, 52 and 60 receptions, and in 2025 set a single-season program record with a U SPORTS-leading 11 receiving majors. Thanks to his outstanding final campaign he was named the Canada West Player of the Year and a Hec Creighton finalist in addition to being recognized for the second consecutive season as both a conference All-Star and U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian. A three-time Hardy Cup Champion (2021, 2022, 2025), he closed out his career as the program record holder for career receiving touchdowns (27) and third in both career receptions (158) and receiving yards (2,321).
In the CFL
Selected in the 8th round, 69th overall in the 2025 CFL Draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Wiebe became just the 13th Huskie pass-catcher to hear his name called on draft night. After returning to the Huskies for his senior season, Wiebe impressed at the Riders 2026 training camp, quickly capturing the attention of 2025 Grey Cup MVP and Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris who said "I think he's got a bright future ahead of him. Couldn't be more excited for a guy like that, a local guy, but he's a baller — don't get it twisted. He's not here because he's from Saskatchewan, he's a beast." He capped off the 2026 preseason with a game-winning touchdown back at Griffiths Stadium, securing a preseason win for the Riders over Winnipeg. He starts the 2026 CFL regular season on the Riders practice squad.
Nick Wiebe, Linebacker, Saskatchewan Roughriders
As a Huskie (2021-23)
The second former Canada West Defensive Player of the Year on this list, Nick Wiebe closed out an impressive career with the Huskies in 2023. The linebacker from Calgary, Alberta was a dominant force in the middle of the green and white defence, totaling 61.5 tackles to lead the conference and become the 9th Defensive Player of the Year in program history. He was also named a unanimous conference All-Star and earned a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian nod. In his three seasons with the Huskies, Wiebe recorded six tackles for a loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and 162 total tackles, the 6th most in program history. Prior to his career with the Huskies, Wiebe spent three seasons with the University of Oregon, utilizing a redshirt in 2018 and 2019. During the 2020 season, Wiebe played in three games for the Ducks, which included appearances in the Pac-12 Championship game and the Fiesta Bowl, and recorded eight total tackles. He was also named the 2020 Oregon Special Teams Player of the Year.
In the CFL
Nick Wiebe was selected 12th overall in the 2024 draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, becoming the 25th Huskie selected by the Riders in the modern draft era. Similairly to his Rider teammate Nelson Lokombo, the start of Wiebe's CFL career was also delayed due to injury. The linebacker spent the majority of the 2024 season on the six-game injured list, appearing in just one contest. The 2025 season saw Wiebe take the field for 16 of 18 regular season contests, recording two defensive tackles and 20 special teams tackles before appearing in both the West Final and Grey Cup on his way to becoming a CFL champion.
Nathan Cherry, Defensive Line, BC Lions
As a Huskie (2016-21)
Suiting up for the Huskies for four seasons, Nathan Cherry was a key member of a dominant defensive line that produced several future CFL players. A local athlete who joined the Huskies from Aden Bowman Collegiate in Saskatoon, Cherry totaled 45 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, and 10 sacks in 38 games in green and white. His best season came in 2021, when the 6-foot-3 245 lbs defensive lineman brought down opponents behind the line of scrimmage on eight occasions, six of which were sacks. Cherry contributed to a sensational season defensively for the Huskies which saw 17 sacks and a conference-best 113 rushing yards allowed per game on the way to Hardy Cup and Uteck Bowl victories.
In the CFL
In the 2022 CFL draft Cherry was one of three Huskies selected by the BC Lions, and the first to come off the board at 3rd overall. Appearing in all but one game in his rookie season, Cherry recorded seven defensive tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble while helping the Lions to a 12-6 record and 2nd-place in the West. Looking to build off a successful rookie campaign, Cherry was off to a fantastic start in 2023 as part of a historic BC defensive line with seven tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in 10 games before suffering an ACL injury in Week 11 at Saskatchewan. Despite an offseason of rehab, the defensive lineman was unable to return in 2024, appearing in just one game and spending most of the season on the six-game injured list. The 2025 campaign saw Cherry back in full force, suiting up for all 18 regular season games for the first time in his career and racking up four defensive tackles. He also took the field for two playoff games, recording three tackles.
Josh Hagerty, Defensive Back, BC Lions
As a Huskie (2018-19)
Hagerty experienced a highly successful career with the Huskies despite playing just two seasons in green & white. The product of Regina took the field for 19 games, totaling 53 total tackles, 4 interceptions, nine passes defended, and a forced fumble. His best season came his rookie year, where the Campbell Collegiate graduate helped the Huskies earn a Hardy Cup Title and Mitchell Bowl appearance after appearing in 11 games and recording 31 tackles and three interceptions. Unfourtuantely, Hagerty was unable to compete his senior season due to COVID-19 and would opt to enter the 2021 CFL draft.
In the CFL
A sixth-round pick in the 2021 draft, Hagerty was selected by the Toronto Argonauts 47th overall. After making his debut in 2021 Hagerty started 14 games his rookie season, recording 8 defensive tackles and six on special teams. The following year, Hagerty yet another Huskie to claim a championship ring as the Argos captured the 109th Grey Cup. After appearing in three games 2023, Hagerty made the move to Edmonton where he saw action in 15 contests, recording 10 special teams tackles. In February 2025, he then joined his third club, signing a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and began the season on the injured list before being released prior to the season. Not long after, he signed a two-year deal with the BC Lions before going on to appear in ten regular season games and record five special teams tackles. He also dressed in both the Lions' 2025 playoff games, helping to force a punt return fumble and advance BC through the Western semifinal with a win over Calgary.
Riley Pickett, Fullback, BC Lions
As a Huskie (2018-21)
Another defensive lineman who excelled in green and white, Riley Pickett spent three seasons with the Huskies, earning a Canada West All-Star nod in 2021. In 30 career games, the local product from Centennial Collegiate recorded 85 total tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks, six passes defended, and a pair of forced fumbles in a sensational career. Another member of the dominant 2021 defensive line, Pickett had arguably his best season to close out his career amassing 9.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks in nine games. In the 2021 Uteck Bowl, the 6-foot-4 250 lbs lineman recorded a pair of sacks and six tackles in a 14-10 Huskie victory.
Before Pickett wore green and white he was a member of the Saskatoon Hilltops of the CJFL for three seasons where he recorded 31.5 total tackles, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles as part of three consecutive national championship teams.
In the CFL
The third Huskie to be selected by the BC Lions in the 2022 CFL draft, Riley Pickett was taken in the 5th round, 41st overall. After appearing in 10 games his rookie season, 2023 marked a new experience for Pickett in his CFL career as he transitioned to long snapper after being drafted as a defensive lineman. Pickett was a part of one of the league's best special teams units in 2023, with kicker Sean Whyte finishing the season first in field goal percentage (94.3) while punter Stefan Flintoft averaged 47.8 yards per punt. In 2024 he once again helped Whyte to lead the league in field goal percentage (94.3) while totalling 11 special teams tackles and filling in at fullback. The 2025 season then saw Pickett emerge as the Lions' starting fullback where he hauled in seven receptions for 56 yards and added six yards on three carries. He would also add 11 special teams tackles in 18 regular season contests before suiting up in both Lions' playoff games where he made four tackles.
George Idoko, Defensive Line, Calgary Stampeders
As a Huskie (2019-23)
A dynamic rusher for the Huskies, George Idoko experienced a fantastic four years in green and white. Appearing in 40 career games, the product of Calgary improved every season he took the field, totaling 43 tackles, four tackles for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, a defended pass, and a blocked kick. The 6-foot-3 245 lbs defensive lineman's time with the Huskies culminated in the most productive season of his career in 2023 where he recorded 17 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and three sacks in nine games earning a Canada West All-Star nod and being honoured as a U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian.
In the CFL
Idoko returned home for his CFL career after being selected by the Calgary Stampeders in the 3rd round, 28th overall in the 2024 CFL draft. After beginning his pro career on the practice squad, the defensive lineman would go on to appear in 16 games in 2024, recording one defensive tackle and four on special teams. Last year, Idoko appeared in four games as a special-teamer and reserve defensive lineman, recording one defensive tackle.
Charlie Parks, Defensive Line, Ottawa REDBLACKS
As a Huskie (2022-25)
Another former student-athlete in a long line of productive USask defensive linemen,
Charlie Parks showed his potential early on in his time with the Huskies. Appearing in 19 games over his first two seasons the former Sheldon Williams Spartan totaled 27 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, and 6.5 sacks while demonstrating his ability to be a premier pass rusher. Unfortunately, a back injury would limit his 2024 season to just four games, but the defensive lineman came back better than ever in 2025. While helping the Dogs to a Hardy Cup title and Vanier Cup appearance, Parks recorded a Canada West-leading 5.0 sacks and 6.0 tackles for a loss while totaling 23 tackles. His remarkable campaign led him to him being recognized as the conference's Most Outstanding Lineman and a finalist for the J.P. Metras Trophy in addition to receiving the first All-Star and All-Canadian nods of his career.
In the CFL
Parks was the first of two Huskies to come off the board in the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft, hearing the Ottawa REDBLACKS call his name in the 4th round, 31st overall. Appearing in both Ottawa preseason games, Parks did not record any statistics however will join former teammate and 2025 Winnipeg draft pick Lane Novak as one of the few U SPORTS athletes to make an active CFL roster as a rookie.
Pat Neufeld, Offensive Line, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
As a Huskie (2006-10)
A former Canada West All-Star and First Team All-Canadian, Patrick Neufeld spent five seasons with the Huskies. During his career in green and white, the product of Regina helped the Huskies to the Hardy Cup and Mitchell Bowl in 2006 followed by four straight playoff appearances which included a second Canada West Championship appearance in 2009.
In the CFL
Neufeld was selected in the 5th round, 33rd overall by his hometown team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, in the 2010 draft. Since being drafted, Neufeld has spent 12 seasons in the CFL and appeared in over 150 games. After being selected by the Riders, he spent three seasons in Regina before being sent to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with a fourth-round pick in exchange for Alex Hall and a second-round selection. Neufeld has been a staple on the Blue Bombers offensive line ever since. A two-time Grey Cup Champion (2020, 2021), Neufeld has experienced the best years of his career recently. The right guard failed to miss a game between 2021 and 2023, leading to three consecutive CFL All-Star selections. In 2024, Neufeld once again helped the Bombers to the top of the CFL's West Division after making way for Zach Collaros to finish the season second in passing yards (4,336) and Brady Oliveira to once again first in rushing yards (1,353). This past season, he once again started all 18 regular season games and the Eastern semifinal for the Bombers, playing a key role in an offence which helped Oliveria to a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season and an attack which finished second in CFL rushing yards per game at 124.1.
Neufeld has also made an impact off the field and in 2021 was honoured with Winnipeg's 'Heart of a Legend Award' which is presented to the player who shows 'outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the CFL and the community.
Lane Novak, Linebacker, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
As a Huskie (2021-24)
A four-year starter in green & white, Lane Novak made an immediate impact upon joining the Huskies. A product of Balgonie, Saskatchewan, the linebacker out of Greenall High school starterd10 games his rookie season, recording 41 total and 37 solo tackles in addition to two interceptions, a sack, and fumble recovery while helping the Huskies to both Hardy Cup and Uteck Bowl Titles. The following season he would help the Dogs to a second consecutive Vanier Cup appearance with 12 games, 64 total tackle season. Novak closed the book on his Huskie career after making one more trip to the Hardy Cup in 2024 and will head to the CFL with one of the more impressive USask resumes in program history. Appearing several times in the Huskie record books, Novak is 4th all-time in total tackles (187), 6th in solo tackles (147), and 4th in assisted tackles (80).
In the CFL
Lane Novak was selected 45th overall in the 2025 CFL draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, becoming just the 5th Huskie selected by the Bombers in the modern draft era. Novak became one of the few U SPORTS athletes drafted to begin his professional career on an active roster, going on to appear in five games during the regular season where he recorded three special teams tackles.
Dan Farthing, Head of Strength & Conditioning, Saskatchewan Roughriders
As a Huskie (1987-90)
A member of the 1990 Vanier Cup Champion Huskies, Farthing's career at USask was nothing short of outstanding. In his rookie season, he made his mark in football as a receiver with three touchdowns on 31 receptions for 759 yards. He was named the Canada West and CIS Rookie of the Year and is still just one of five Huskies to ever win a national award. The next season, Farthing again took the league by storm finishing with three touchdowns on 33 receptions for 756 yards, leading the conference and country in receiving. As well as winning the Canada West Player of the Year award, he was named both an all-star and a CIAU All-Canadian. He added another all-star nod in 1990 after helping the Huskies to their first-ever national title. At the time of his departure from the program, he was the career receiving yards record holder (2,120) and remains 6th on the all-time list. He continues to hold the program record for the most receiving yards in a single game with 259 and the Canada West record for career yards per reception (22.10).
In 2011, he was inducted into the University of Saskatchewan Athletics Wall of Fame.
In the CFL
Drafted second overall in the 1991 CFL Draft by the Roughriders, he went on to have an 11-year career with Saskatchewan and was later inducted into the club's Plaza of Honour in 2007. In 2012 he returned to the club as the Strength & conditioning Coordinator, holding the position for four years and helping the team to a Grey Cup title in 2013.
In December of 2023, it was announced he was once again returning the Riders as the team's head of strength & conditioning. He claimed his second CFL title as a member of the club in 2025.
Nathan Schellenberg, Video & Analytics, Saskatchewan Roughriders
As a Huskie (1995-96)
Nathan Schellenberg joined the Huskies in 1995 after briefly attending Idaho State. Initially a member of both the Huskie football and basketball teams, Schellenberg moved exclusively to football in 1996 as a receiver. That season he was part of a dominant Huskie team which went 7-1 in the regular season before claiming a Hardy Cup and the program's second Vanier Cup Championship. Schellenberg would later serve as an Assistant Coach for the Huskie men's basketball team from 2002 to 2014, helping the program capture it's lone national championship in 2010.
In the CFL
Schellenberg's time with the Roughriders began in 2015 when he served as a Training Camp Assistant. After holding this role for four seasons he remained with the organization as a Football Research and Development Assistant on a seasonal basis. Shortly after the 2021 season, he was hired as a full-time Video and Analytics Co-Coordinator. In 2025, he helped the club to its fifth Grey Cup title.
Mike Woytowich, Video & Analytics, Saskatchewan Roughriders
As a Huskie (2018-21)
Mike Woytowich, a current student at USask completing a degree in Kinesiology, started his video and analytics career with the Huskies in 2018 serving as the Head Video Coordinator. In his first season with the Huskies, Woytowich was part of the 2018 Hardy Cup Championship team. He would serve as the Head Video Coordinator for three seasons.
In the CFL
Woytowich's time with the Roughriders began in 2019 when he interned with the team during training camp. Two years later he returned to the CFL, this time with the Edmonton Elks, serving as the team's Head Video Coordinator. Now, the 2024 season will mark Woytowich's third season back with the Roughriders after returning to the team in 2022. In 2025, he helped the club to its fifth Grey Cup title.
Craig Reynolds, President & CEO, Saskatchewan Roughriders
Craig Reynolds is a graduate of the Edwards School of Business, having received a Bachelor of Commerce and master's in professional accounting from USask. In 2009 he joined the Roughriders as the organization's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) before being promoted to Senior Vice-President and CFO three years later. In 2015, he was named President and CEO and currently represents the Riders on the CFL's Board of Governors as an Alternate Governor. Reynolds is a devoted member of the Saskatchewan community and an avid fan of Huskie Football.
U SPORTS Alumni by Program
Montreal Carabins - 13
UBC Thunderbirds - 13
Laurier Golden Hawks - 13
Calgary Dinos - 12
Laval Rouge et Or - 11
Saskatchewan Huskies - 10
Western Mustangs - 9
Guelph Gryphons - 9
Alberta Golden Bears - 8
Regina Rams - 7
Manitoba Bisons - 6
McMaster Marauders - 6
Queen's Gaels - 6
Windsor Lancers - 5
Ottawa Gee-Gees - 4
Saint Mary's Huskies - 4
McGill Redbirds - 3
Waterloo Warriors - 3
Carleton Ravens - 2
Concordia Stingers - 2
Mount Allison Mounties - 2
Sherbrooke Vert et Or - 2
StFX X-Men - 2
UofT Varsity Blues - 2
York Lions - 2
Acadia Axemen - 1
Bishop's Gaiters - 1
TOTAL: 157
U SPORTS Alumni by CFL Club
Winnipeg Blue Bombers - 20
Hamilton Tiger-Cats - 19
Ottawa REDBLACKS - 19
Calgary Stampeders - 19
Edmonton Elk - 19
Saskatchewan Roughriders - 18
Montreal Alouettes - 16
B.C. Lions - 14
Toronto Argonauts - 14
U SPORTS Alumni by Position
Defensive Back - 31
Offensive Line - 28
Linebacker - 26
Receiver - 23
Defensive Line - 17
Fullback - 11
Running Back - 8
Long Snapper - 7
Kicker - 5
Quarterback - 2
