Football: Canada West announces 2026 All-Stars

Nov. 9, 2026 - Canada West has unveiled its 2026 football All-Stars, recognizing 30 student-athletes with representation from across all six programs.

The announcement comes on the heels of a dramatic semifinal playoff weekend, which saw the Regina Rams and UBC Thunderbirds punch their tickets to the 89th BioSteel Hardy Cup. The two programs will meet in the conference championship for the first time next Saturday, with UBC playing host at Thunderbird Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. PDT.

Canada West will announce its 2026 football major award winners on Thursday, Nov. 12.

A total of 30 student-athletes earned all-star recognition, with the conference's trademark parity once again on display. Regina led all teams with eight selections, earning the most all-stars for a second consecutive season. UBC and Saskatchewan, who finished atop the standings with identical 6-2 records, followed with six selections apiece. Manitoba had five representatives, Calgary featured four, while Alberta had one selection.

The offensive team was headlined by two standout performers who will be in the conversation for the conference's Player of the Year award.

Saskatchewan quarterback Anton Amundrud earned his second consecutive all-star selection following another outstanding season at the helm of the conference's most productive offence. Amundrud led U SPORTS with 2,686 passing yards while topping Canada West with 15 touchdowns.

UBC rookie sensation Marvyn Larozar also made an immediate impact in his debut season, leading the nation with nine touchdowns and 891 total yards while averaging 127.3 yards per game.

Regina running back Carter Ashman was also recognized after playing a key role in the Rams' offence. Ashman led U SPORTS in total rushing attempts, scored seven touchdowns and ranked fourth nationally with an average of 97 rushing yards per game.

On the offensive line, Manitoba tackle Sean Rowe earned his second career all-star selection, having previously received the honour in 2024. UBC's Caleb Cunningham also secured his second consecutive selection, joining three teammates on the offensive team. Offensive lineman Tristan Montgomery and receiver Trey Montour round out the Thunderbirds' offensive selections, with Montour tying for the conference lead with seven receiving touchdowns.

Alberta centre Matt Ljuden was the Golden Bears' lone representative, while Calgary's Evan Smith earned his second consecutive all-star selection. He was joined by Dinos teammate Matt Sibley, who dominated most receiving categories, ranking first in the conference in total yards (938), yards per game (117.3) and yards per catch (18.3), along with six touchdowns.

Rounding out the offensive selections were receivers Keaton Belsher (Saskatchewan) and Nathan Udoh (Manitoba), as well as Regina guard Connor Klassen.

The Regina Rams were a force defensively throughout the 2026 campaign, and their success was reflected in a conference-leading five selections on the defensive team. Cornerback Max Polischuk, halfback Jacob Tkachuk and safety Carson Sombach all earned repeat honours after being named all-stars in 2025. Linebacker Owen Zimmer and defensive lineman Mike Zalaski rounded out Regina's selections, each earning the recognition for the first time.

Manitoba had three defensive selections, led by repeat all-star linebacker Nic Pereira. He was joined by teammates Dario Macchia and Kaleb Mackie-McLeod, who each earned their first conference all-star recognition.

Canada West's Special Teams All-Stars feature five selections, highlighted by repeat honourees Ty Gorniak (Regina) and Daniel Kubongo (Saskatchewan). Gorniak led the conference with 23 field goals made, 11 more than the next closest kicker, while converting on a conference-best 82 per cent of his attempts. Kubongo showcased his speed and elusiveness throughout the season, highlighted by a memorable program-record 123-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown in Week 2.

Joining them are punters Ira Hozack (Calgary) and Lukas Scott (Saskatchewan), along with rush/cover standout Kayden Miller (Saskatchewan).

89th BioSteel Hardy Cup

The Regina Rams and UBC Thunderbirds are set to meet in the BioSteel Hardy Cup for the very first time next Saturday afternoon, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. PDT.

Regina is making their third consecutive championship appearance. The Rams defeated Saskatchewan in 2024 to claim their second title in program history, before falling to the Huskies in the rematch last November.

UBC last hoisted the Hardy in 2023, when they defeated Alberta 28-27 in a memorable tilt in Vancouver. The T-Birds will be looking for their 17th conference title.

The 89th BioSteel Hardy Cup can be streamed live on CanadaWest.TV - Powered by BioSteel. Fans in Saskatchewan can also view the game on SaskTel maxTV as part of the Canada West Football Showcase.


2026 Canada West Football All-Stars

CW Offensive All-Stars

Centre

  • Matt Ljuden, Alberta

Guards

  • Connor Klassen, Regina
  • Tristan Montgomery, UBC

Tackles

  • Caleb Cunningham, UBC
  • Sean Rowe, Manitoba

Receivers

  • Keaton Belsher, Saskatchewan
  • Trey Montour, UBC
  • Matt Sibley, Calgary
  • Nathan Udoh, Manitoba

Running Backs

  • Carter Ashman, Regina
  • Marvyn Larozar, UBC

Quarterback

  • Anton Amundrud, Saskatchewan

FB/TE/H-Back

  • Evan Smith, Calgary

CW Defensive All-Stars

Linebackers

  • Nic Pereira, Manitoba
  • Owen Zimmer, Regina

SAM

  • Dario Macchia, Manitoba

Interior Linemen

  • Nathan Jule, Saskatchewan
  • Kaleb Mackie-McLeod, Manitoba

Ends

  • Crown Otoro, Calgary
  • Mike Zalaski, Regina

Cornerbacks

  • Jehovany Batalonga, UBC
  • Max Polischuk, Regina

Halfbacks

  • Isaiah Thomas, UBC
  • Jacob Tkachuk, Regina

Safety

  • Carson Sombach, Regina

CW Special Teams All-Stars

Punter

  • Ira Hozack, Calgary
  • Lukas Scott, Saskatchewan

Place-Kicker

  • Ty Gorniak, Regina

Kick Returner

  • Daniel Kubongo, Saskatchewan

Rush/Cover

  • Kayden Miller, Saskatchewan

2026 FOOTBALL ALL STARS BY TEAM

Offensive All Stars / Defensive All Stars / Special Teams All Stars = Total

  • Regina Rams: 2 / 5 / 1 = 8
  • UBC Thunderbirds: 4 / 2 / 0 = 6
  • Saskatchewan Huskies: 2 / 1 / 3 = 6
  • Manitoba Bisons: 2 / 3 / 0 = 5
  • Calgary Dinos: 2 / 1 / 1 = 4
  • Alberta Golden Bears: 1 / 0 / 0 = 1

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About Canada West

Since 1972, Canada West (CW) has been a leader in Canadian university sport, working to provide our student-athletes the opportunities to excel in sport, the classroom, and their communities. CW and our 18 members from across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba collectively carry on a legacy of competitive excellence, as our champions proudly go on to represent the conference at U SPORTS national championships.

Canada West – Building Champions Since 1919. 

Contact

jamin.heller@canadawest.org

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