CW Football: 2025 Season Preview

Aug. 27, 2025 - If last year taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected in Canada West football.

The 2024 campaign ended with one of the most remarkable championship stories in recent memory, as the Regina Rams — a team that entered the playoffs with a 3-5 record — went on a stunning, unforgettable Hardy Cup run.

The Rams’ triumph was the perfect exclamation point on a season that showcased the razor-thin margins separating all six Canada West programs. From top to bottom, every team proved capable of beating the other on any given weekend — a level of parity that sets the stage for another unpredictable and drama-filled fall.

The results of the 2025 Canada West Coaches Poll are in, and that trademark level of parity was reflected once again. The Saskatchewan Huskies were voted the favourites, receiving four first-place nods, while Manitoba (2), Regina (3), and UBC (4) were separated by just three points in the poll. Calgary came in fifth, one point ahead of Alberta.

With a veteran-laden lineup on both sides of the ball, Scott Flory's Saskatchewan Huskies enter with a sense of unfinished business. Quarterback Anton Amundrud is expected to take another step after a strong sophomore season in which he threw for 15 TDs. He has a talented arsenal of receivers at his disposal, including Daniel Wiebe, who returns after being selected 69th overall in the CFL Draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Manitoba's prolific offence should be even more dangerous in 2025, boasting 10 returning starters led by fifth-year quarterback Jackson Tachinski, the reigning CW Player of the Year. Now guided by first-year head coach Stan Pierre, who succeeds the legendary Brian Dobie, the Bisons have championship aspirations.

As hosts of the 60th U SPORTS Vanier Cup, defending CW champion Regina will look to continue the magic that led to the team's second-ever conference championship last fall. Meanwhile out west, look for Blake Nill's UBC Thunderbirds to hunt for a quick start - especially with three of their first four contests at home.

Calgary showed signs of resurgence late last season and appear poised to take another step forward in its second year with head coach Ryan Sheahan at the helm. Meanwhile in Edmonton, the Alberta Golden Bears will look to regroup from a 2-6 campaign under the guidance of first year head coach Stevenson Bone.

Week 1 Matchups

A trio of intriguing matchups await in Week 1, beginning with Manitoba visiting UBC to open the season tomorrow night (6:30 p.m. PT at Thunderbird Stadium / CanadaWest.TV).

The action shifts to Alberta the following evening, with both the Dinos and Golden Bears hosting their home openers. Calgary will host the defending Hardy Cup champion Regina Rams (5:30 p.m. MT at McMahon Stadium / CanadaWest.TV), while the Bears welcome the Saskatchewan Huskies (6:30 p.m. MT at Foote Field / CanadaWest.TV).

Friday night's games will also kickoff the 2025 Canada West Football Showcase, with both broadcasts available to view on SaskTel maxTV and maxTV Stream. Viewers can find them on channels 48 or 348 for the Rams and 49 or 349 for the Huskies.

The Road to the 88th BioSteel Hardy Cup 🏆

The eight-game CW regular season runs for nine weeks and concludes Oct. 25.

Semifinal action takes place Nov. 1, before the 88th edition of the BioSteel Hardy Cup will be contested on Nov. 8, hosted at the highest finishing seed.

View the 2025 Canada West Football schedule here.

View Canada West Football history here.

2025 CW FOOTBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Team - Points (First-place votes)

1. ​ Saskatchewan Huskies - 24 (4)

2. Manitoba Bisons ​ - 18 (2)

3. Regina Rams - 17

4. UBC Thunderbirds - 16

5. Calgary Dinos - 8

6. Alberta Golden Bears - 7

TEAM BY TEAM PREVIEWS

Saskatchewan Huskies

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #1

2024 Regular Season Record: 5-3

Team Outlook: The 2025 edition of the Saskatchewan Huskie football team boasts plenty of talent on both sides of the ball with a proven group of veteran student-athletes set to join forces with a talented and exciting class of incoming rookies. With new faces on the sideline, including a pair of new coordinators in Mason Nyhus (Offensive Coordinator) and Cody Halseth (Defensive Coordinator), the Dogs are poised to build off a successful 2024 campaign which ended with a 5-game win streak prior to an appearance in the 87th Hardy Cup.

From the coach: "We're excited for another competitive season of Canada West football. Every weekend is filled with exciting, fast, and physical football. Looking forward to an action packed 2025!” - Scott Flory

Key Offensive Performer: Daniel Wiebe
​Receiver | 5th Year | Saskatoon, Sask.

2024 stats: 52 receptions, 807 receiving yards, 7 TDs, 6.5 rec/g, 15.5 yds/reception

Daniel Wiebe returns to the Huskies for the 2025 season following the most productive campaign of his career in 2024. A Canada West All-Star, All-Canadian, and 2025 CFL Draft pick, Wiebe led the Dogs with 1,062 all-purpose yards as the team's No. 1 receiver and punt return specialist. A speedy, talented playmaker after the catch and quarterback Anton Amundrud's favourite target, Wiebe has the ability to be a game wrecker for the green & white on any given game day.

Key Defensive Performer: Seth Hundeby
​LB | 5th Year | Saskatoon, Sask.

2024 stats: 41.0 total tackles, 29 solo, 24 assisted, 2.0 sacks, 4.0 TFLs, 1 FF, 1 brup

2025 CFL Draft pick Seth Hundeby returns for his final season with the Huskies following a standout campaign in 2024 which ended in both All-Star and All-Canadian selections. Hundeby is an unquestioned leader in the locker room and, on the field, brings the perfect blend of size, speed, and athleticism to the middle of the defence. The 6-foot-2, 247 lbs linebacker is a true hybrid player, possessing the quickness to track down opposing ball carriers and physicality to meet them at the line of scrimmage.

Manitoba Bisons

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #2

2024 Regular Season Record: 7-1

Team Outlook: Manitoba returns ten starters on offence, including CW Player of the Year Jackson Tachinski at quarterback. On defence, veterans from the junior and NCAA levels will help elevate an experienced unit that led the conference in takeaways in 2024. On special teams, Canada West All-Star kicker Maya Turner is back, while CJFL standout Robert Lasebnik joins the team at punter.

From the coach: “Excited to welcome back most of a veteran offence including Canada West player of the year Jackson Tachinski. Hoping to overcome the graduation of most of a veteran secondary on defence.” - Stan Pierre

Key Offensive Performer: Jackson Tachinski
​QB | 5th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

2024 stats: 1662 passing yards, 8 TD, 559 rushing yards, 6 TD

A dual threat pivot, Tachinski -- also the last quarterback to start for Manitoba in a Hardy Cup -- is the school leader in career regular season rushing yards for a pivot, at 1,305. He totalled 559 of those yards a year ago, keeping defences on their toes with his ability as both a rusher and passer. He returns to Manitoba with CFL experience, taking part in Edmonton's CFL training camp as a free agent receiver.

Key Defensive Performer: Nic Pereira
​LB | 4th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

2024 stats: 35 tackles, 1 forced fumble, one pass breakup

Veteran WILL linebacker Nic Pereira will be fundamental to Manitoba's success on defence in 2025. A physical, athletic presence at 6'0", 220-pounds, the hard-hitting Winnipeger was a key reason why the Herd led Canada West in total takeaways in 2024.

A vocal leader, Pereira posted a career high 35 tackles a year ago, and can "fly around" at an elite level. A team captain, expect a big season for the St. Paul's grad.

Regina Rams

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #3

2024 Regular Season Record: 3-5

Team Outlook: The Rams are hoping to take the experience from last year's incredible post-season run and Hardy Cup victory and build even further as they host the 2025 edition of the Vanier Cup.

From the coach: “We are excited to compete in the toughest conference in U SPORTS. Games are won by such small margins in this conference so we are really focused on being consistent every play.” - Mark McConkey

Key Offensive Performer: Ethan Graham
​OL | 4th Year | Regina, Sask.

The Rams are looking for another big season from Graham, who emerged as the team's starting left tackle in his third year of eligibility. He was also invited to participate in the 2025 U SPORTS East-West Bowl.

Key Defensive Performer: Colin McKellar
​LB | 4th Year | Vancouver, B.C.

2024 stats: 57 Tackles, 1 INT (Hardy Cup vs. SSK)

The Rams starting WLB last season, McKellar was a crucial part of a stingy Regina defence that rose to the occasion in big games against high powered opponents. Also attended the 2025 U SPORTS East-West Bowl.

UBC Thunderbirds

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #4

2024 Regular Season Record: 5-3

Team Outlook: The Thunderbirds will have a very different look in 2025 after losing several key starters to graduation on both sides of the ball. The team has added a plethora of young talent and combined with key returning veterans the group expects to be right in the mix to make a push for their second Hardy Cup in the last three seasons. Along with the new look roster, the team has added former CFL Most Outstanding Player, Khari Jones, to the coaching staff as the new offensive coordinator, adding a wealth of talent and experience to what should be a high octane offence.

From the coach: “We have the athletes to be successful and I believe our coaching staff is stronger now than it has been during my tenure overall. Now it's about convincing this group of athletes they are good enough to play with anyone in the country. If we can do that, it can be a big year for us.” - Blake Nill

Key Offensive Performer: Mark Webb
​REC | 3rd Year | Ottawa, Ont. ​
​​
​2024 stats: 422 yards receiving, 2 TD

UBC's top returning receiver from 2024, Webb established himself as a premiere option racking up 422 total receiving yards and the fifth higehest average in the Canada West with 60.3 yards-per-game. The Ottawa product scored two touchdowns and led the conference with 20.1 yards-per-catch.

Key Defensive Performer: Deacon Sterna
​DL | 2nd Year | Calgary, Alta.

2024 stats: 20 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Tied for the Canada West sacks lead, Sterna racked up 20 tackles along with a pair of forced fumbles as the Calgary product was named the conference's 2024 Rookie of the Year, the first defensive lineman to win the award in eight years. Sterna added another forced fumble and 1.5 sacks in his first career playoff game and his seven tackles for a loss during the regular season led all Thunderbirds.

Calgary Dinos

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #5

2024 Regular Season Record: 2-6

Team Outlook: Despite the loss of two standouts in the defensive backfield to the CFL, the Dinos outstanding defensive unit once again is expected to be a strong point for this year's squad. Meanwhile, Calgary's offence features a number of new faces that could turn some heads once things get clicking.

From the coach: “The Calgary Dinos have just entered phase one of a rebuild as we have recruited over 50 new players to join our roster. We are excited to see how the team gels as we attempt to battle each week in U SPORTS’ toughest conference. We will need to be stingy on defence, very sound on special teams, and capitalize on speed where we can on offence to be successful in 2025.” - Ryan Sheahan

Key Offensive Performer: Matthieu Clarke
​RB | 4th Year | Brantford, Ont.

2024 stats: 698 yards rushing, 58 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns

Matthieu Clark is a veteran leader who is primed to have an explosive year carrying the football. He took big step a season ago under first-year head coach Ryan Sheahan and should continue that trend as a fourth-year senior.

Key Defensive Performer: Liam Reid
​DL | 5th Year | Vernon, B.C.

2024 stats: 30 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery

Liam Reid is a natural football player who always has a knack for making things happen. Back for his fifth year, the returning First Team All-Canadian is excited to lead his unit for a defensive squad that was one of the best in the country a season ago.

Alberta Golden Bears

2025 Coaches Poll Rank: #6

2024 Regular Season Record: 2-6

Team Outlook: The Golden Bears goal for the season is the same as any other year — win a championship — but under new head coach Stevenson Bone, their focus is on how they get there. That means controlling what they can control each day: attitude and effort. If the team buys in, competes with intent, and leans into the pressure they create for each other, the Bears expect to be in the mix come the last game of the season.

From the coach: “In 2025, our program is focused on consistency. There’s no question that when CFL players like Matthew Peterson, Mack Bannatyne, and Ty Anderson move on, along with an All-Canadian like Daniel Shin on the offensive line, there are big shoes to fill. Last season, only Western and Montreal had more draft selections than the University of Alberta, which speaks to the level of talent Alberta has been developing.

This year, our focus is simple: continue improving and getting 1% better every single practice and every single game. Because of the talent that has graduated, we likely won’t be picked to finish near the top of the conference. But if we can put ourselves in position to reach the playoffs, I believe we’ll be a dangerous, much-improved team—one that thrives on the pressure of being overlooked. We will be much younger on defense and offense then in years past.

This group has the ability to win games in Canada West, and if we embrace that mentality, we hopefully can surprise a lot of people this season.” - Stevenson Bone

Key Offensive Performer: Carter Kettyle
​REC | 4th Year | Grovedale, Alta.

2024 stats: 2 Games Played, 11 receptions, 171 yards, 4 TDs

Returning healthy after a strong offseason, Kettyle brings experience, reliability, and playmaking ability to the receiving corps.

Key Defensive Performer: Chase Tataryn
​LB | 5th Year | Saskatoon, Sask.

2024 stats: 54.5 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 Fumble, 1 INT

Returns from the BC Lions. Athletic and instinctive, Chase has the range to cover sideline-to-sideline and the toughness to set the tone physically.