CW Football: Week 1 Headlines

Aug. 28, 2025 - It’s time. Canada West football returns tonight, and opening week wastes no time delivering drama. With three headline matchups — including a rare Thursday night clash between Manitoba and UBC — the stage is set for another unforgettable season.

Here’s everything you need to know heading into Week 1.

Manitoba Bisons at UBC Thunderbirds

Thu, Aug. 28 | 6:30 p.m. PDT at Thunderbird Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: Two explosive offences go head-to-head in what promises to be an entertaining clash to open the season in Vancouver.

Both teams enjoyed strong regular seasons in 2024, but saw their campaigns end prematurely with semifinal defeats.

Manitoba is coming off a 7-1 regular season that topped the conference. The Bisons return 10 starters on offence, including reigning CW Player of the Year Jackson Tachinski at quarterback. There will be new leadership on the sidelines, as head coach Stan Pierre takes over the reins from long time coach Brian Dobie. Despite graduating most of their veteran secondary on defence, impact additions from the junior and NCAA levels should make the Bisons a well rounded threat to once again challenge for the Hardy Cup.

The host T-Birds will be looking for a fast start, especially with three of their first four games coming at home. UBC will feature a revamped offence with new starters at both quarterback and running back, following the graduation of All-Stars Garrett Rooker and Isaiah Knight.

Head coach Blake Nill enters his 11th season at the helm, and is one win away from moving into sole possession of second all time in T-Birds history.

Head-to-Head: The Bisons swept last year's season series over UBC, including a 33-10 week two result at Thunderbird Stadium. Manitoba also prevailed in a high-scoring 51-38 affair at Princess Auto Stadium to end the regular season.

Manitoba Preview: Offence | Defence | Special Teams

UBC Preview: New look ‘Birds battle familiar Bisons to kick off new season

Regina Rams at Calgary Dinos

Fri, Aug. 29 | 5:30 p.m. MDT at McMahon Stadium

How to watch:

Quick Overview: For the first time in over twenty years, the Regina Rams enter the season as defending Hardy Cup champions. Last year's historic championship season began with a Week 1 win over the Dinos at McMahon Stadium, so this year's edition of the Rams are hoping to replicate that start on Friday.

Regina enters the season at No. 10 in the U SPORTS national rankings. Their stingy defence will once again be crucial to their title defence, led by a core of veterans including fourth year linebacker Colin McKellar, who had 57 tackles and a key interception in last year's Hardy Cup against Saskatchewan.

For Calgary, head coach Ryan Sheahan enters his second season with a largely transformed roster that features over 50 new recruits. The Dinos defensive unit is expected to be a strong point, and the team could surprise if the new faces on offence find chemistry early. Fourth year running back Matthieu Clarke will be counted on to pick up big yards.

Head-to-Head: The Rams and Dinos also linked up for a season opening match at McMahon last season, with the Rams prevailing 24-16. Calgary returned the favour in Week 6, winning a tight 23-20 contest at Mosaic Stadium.

Regina Preview: Rams kick off season with Friday road battle at Calgary

Saskatchewan Huskies at Alberta Golden Bears

Fri, Aug. 29 | 6:30 p.m. MDT at Foote Field

How to watch:

Quick Overview: The Huskies took top spot in this season's CW Coaches Poll, while the Golden Bears finished at the bottom. But rankings won't matter on the field, and this game should be a tightly contested affair.

The Huskies offence promises to be formidable, with quarterback Anton Amundrud entering his third season as a starter. He has plenty of weapons at his disposal, including Saskatchewan Roughriders draft pick Daniel Wiebe, who returns after a CW All-Star campaign in 2024. The fifth year wide receiver had 52 receptions and seven TDs last season, averaging 15.5 yards per reception.

Alberta has new leadership on the sidelines, with Stevenson Bone entering his first season as head coach. The program has graduated key pieces like Matthew Peterson and Mack Bannatyne, but still has veteran quarterback Eli Hetlinger leading the offence. Carter Kettyle will be a primary weapon, as the dynamic receiver looks to make up for lost time after an injury held him out for most of the 2024 season.

Head-to-Head: The Huskies and Golden Bears battled just once last season, but the Week 5 matchup in Saskatoon proved to be one of the most entertaining games of the season. Saskatchewan prevailed 33-30, with the Dogs erasing a 16-point fourth quarter deficit.

Alberta Preview: Bears host Huskies on Friday to open 2025 season

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