SASKATOON, SK - With the 2024 Canadian Football League regular season officially set to begin this weekend (June 6-9), it is a perfect time to highlight the 14 Huskie alumni who are currently making a living in the highest level of Canadian football. Of the 14 individuals who have successfully carried their Huskie pride to the CFL, 11 are players currently listed on CFL rosters, two are members of football operations, and one serves on a coaching staff.
In total, 193 former U SPORTS student-athletes and 27 programs are represented on opening week rosters. The Huskies rank 5th, trailing only Calgary (17), Laval (16), Montreal (15), and Laurier (12), and tying UBC (11).
The Toronto Argonauts lead the way for Canadian talent with 27 U SPORTS alumni featured on the roster. The Montreal Allouettes rank second with 24 followed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (23), Calgary Stampeders (23), Ottawa REDBLACKS (21), Winnipeg Blue Bombers (21), Edmonton Elk (21), Saskatchewan Roughriders (17), and BC Lions (16).
The
2024 Huskie football season kicks off on August 31 when Saskatchewan visits the Manitoba Bisons. The Huskies will take the field at Griffiths Stadium for the first time on September 13 when they host the Calgary Dinos in the annual Homecoming game. An exhibition match between the Alberta Golden Bears is also set to take place in Saskatoon on August 22, 2024. Season tickets are on sale now at
huskietickets.com.
FULL U SPORTS/CFL ROSTER LIST
*** Stats courtesy McGill Sports Information
See below for details on each of the 14 Huskie alumni and a breakdown on the former U SPORTS athletes currently in the CFL.
Former Huskies currently listed on 2024 CFL rosters (11):
| Nicholas Dheilly |
Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| Nelson Lokombo |
Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| Nick Wiebe |
Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| Noah Zerr |
Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| Nathan Cherry |
BC Lions |
| Riley Pickett |
BC Lions |
| Charlie Ringland |
BC Lions |
| George Idoko |
Calgary Stampeders |
| Patrick Neufeld |
Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
| Dayton Black |
Hamilton Tiger-Cats |
| Evan Johnson |
Hamilton Tiger-Cats |
Former Huskies Working in the CFL (3)
| Nathan Schellenberg |
Saskatchewan Roughriders (Video & Analytics) |
| Mike Woytowich |
Saskatchewan Roughriders (Video & Analytics) |
| Kelly Bates |
BC Lions (Offensive Line Coach) |
#96 Nicholas Dheilly, DL - Saskatchewan Roughriders
As a Huskie (2019)
Nicholas Dheilly joined the Huskies ahead of the 2019 season after spending three years with the Regina Rams. In his lone season wearing green and white the product of Regina was frequently found in opponent backfields, totaling a team-high 11 tackles for a loss and six sacks.
He would finish the season with 22 total tackles while adding four passes defended and an interception as he helped the Huskies to a Hardy Cup appearance. The 6-foot-5 230 lbs defensive lineman was named a Canada West All-Star for his efforts, his second time appearing on the conference All-Star team.
Before his transfer to USask from his hometown team, Dheilly experienced an impressive start to his career, becoming the first player in Rams history to be named Canada West Rookie of the Year. In his sophomore season, he would earn the first Canada West All-Star nod his career after finishing the season with 6.5 sacks.
In the CFL
In the 2020 CFL draft Dheilly was selected in the 5th round, 46th overall by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers but would be forced to wait a year before appearing in his first professional game after the 2020 season was canceled. In 2021, he suited up in four games for the Bombers, recording a single special teams tackle. Later that season he returned home and signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and appeared in two games. In 2022, Dheilly had the best start to a season of his career, playing in seven games and recording three total tackles before being sidelined with a significant hip injury in Week 8. In 2023, he was back on the field and played in seven games, recording one special teams tackle.
*** Photo courtesy Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club
#21 Nelson Lokombo, DB - 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 23 games, starting four, and recorded 18 defensive tackles, five special teams tackles, and a forced fumble. In January 2024 he signed a one-year extension to return to the Riders.
*** Photo courtesy Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club
Related:
(riderville.com) Nelson Lokombo Embraces Opportunity with Roughriders
(Regina Leader Post) Nelson Lokombo: Forgotten Man to Starting Roughriders Cornerback
#43 Nick Wiebe, LB - 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. Wiebe will begin the 2024 season on the six-game injured list.
Related:
(riderville.com) There's Nothing Like Putting on that 'S' and Playing for Saskatchewan
(Saskatoon Star Pheonix) 'The Best Fanbase in Football': Huskies' Wiebe Happy to be a Rider
#68 Noah Zerr, OL - Saskatchewan Roughriders
As a Huskie (2016-21)
Noah Zerr spent four seasons with the Huskies, proving to be one of the most reliable offensive linemen in the conference throughout his career.
Joining the Huskies from Langenberg, Saskatchewan, Zerr started every season he played and finished his career on a high, earning a 2021 Canada West All-Star nod and being named a First Team All-Canadian after an exceptional season. Lining up at left tackle, Zerr played a key role in a unit that was consistently one of the most dominant groups in the nation. In 2019, the Huskies averaged a conference-best 32.1 points per game before returning to the top in 2021 averaging 36.2 points. On their way to a Vanier Cup appearance in 2021, Zerr and the Huskie offensive line allowed just 4 sacks during the regular season.
In the CFL
Selected 12th overall by the BC Lions in the 2022 CFL draft, Zerr suited up for four games in his rookie season before joining the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the 2023 season. After appearing in three games for the Tiger-Cats the 6-foot-7 330 lbs lineman was on the move again, returning to his home province to sign with the Roughriders in December of 2023.
*** Photo courtesy Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club
Related:
(riderville.com) Signing with Saskatchewan Hits Home for Noah Zerr
#91 Nathan Cherry, DL - 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. Following an offseason of rehab, Cherry aims for a Week 1 return to the field.
*** Photo courtesy Steven Chang/BC Lions
Related:
(bclions.com) Cherry optimistic after Long Road, Eying Week One Return
#45 Riley Pickett, LS - 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 second in field goal percentage (94.3) and punter Terry Williams producing the third-most punt yards.
*** Photo courtesy Steven Chang/BC Lions
Related:
(bclions.com) Riley Pickett | 5 things to Know
(bclions.com) Life of a Long Snapper | Pickett Excels in New Role
#26 Charlie Ringland, DB - BC Lions
As a Huskie (2018-22)
A four-year starter at defensive back for the Huskies,
Charlie Ringland made an immediate impact in green and white and produced a fantastic career.
A product of Winnipeg, Ringland was at home against Canada Wet competition from the beginning of his career, recording 21 tackles, three passes defended, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery while appearing in all 11 games his freshman season and being named the team rookie of the year. He would return with two impressive seasons before earning the first conference All-Star selection of his career and being named a U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian in 2022. Ringland finished his Huskie career as a two-time Hardy Cup and Uteck Bowl champion with 97 total tackles, 15 passes defended, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, two TFLs, and a sack.
In the CFL
In the 2023 CFL Draft Ringland became the third Huskie to be taken after he was selected 43rd overall in the 5th round by the BC Lions. Prior to the draft Ringland had been a standout player at the CFL Combine before an ACL injury cut his showcase short and forced him to miss his rookie season. The defensive back recently appeared in the Lion's final preseason game against the Edmonton Elk, recording a defensive tackle in a 26-9 BC win. Ringland will begin the 2024 CFL season on the Lion's practice squad.
*** Photo courtesy Steven Chang/BC Lions
Related:
(bclions.com) Ringland Returns, Heads Back to Action in Preseason Action
#72 George Idoko, DL - 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 returns home for for his CFL career after being selected by the Calgary Stampeders in the 3rd round, 28th overall in April's CFL draft. Idoko will begin the 2024 CFL season on the Stampeders practice squad.
Related:
(Calgary Herald) Draftee George Idoko Eager to 'Fly Around' for his Hometown Team
#53 Patrick Neufeld, OL - 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 has failed to miss a game in the past three seasons, leading to three consecutive CFL All-Star selections. In 2023, Neufeld helped the Bombers finish at the top of the league in scoring and made way for running back Brady Oliveria to rush for a league-best 1,534 yards.
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.'
Related:
(Winnipeg Sun) 'Still Stings': Bombers' Neufeld Hoping to Use Grey Cup Loss as Feul for Another Run
(FanNation) Winnipeg Blue Bombers Bring Back CFL All-Star Patrick Neufeld
#55 Dayton Black, OL - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
As a Huskie (2018-22)
A three-year starter on the Huskie offensive line, Dayton Black took a unique path to becoming part of a dominant unit.
After joining the Huskies from Brandon, Manitoba as a defensive lineman in 2018, Dayton utilized a redshirt his sophomore season to transition to offensive line. In his return to the field, he was part of an outstanding unit for the Huskies that led Canada West in scoring in back-to-back seasons (2019 & 2021) and allowed just four sacks on their way to appearing in the 2021 Vanier Cup. In 2022, Dayton would make another change, this time to left tackle where he started all 12 games and made his second Vanier Cup start. Throughout his career, he appeared in 30 games for the Huskies.
In the CFL
In the 2023 draft Dayton was the first Huskie taken off the board when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats selected the 6-foot-6 295 lbs lineman with the 6th overall selection. After dealing with shoulder issues heading into his rookie season, Dayton dressed for 17 games in 2023 and started the Ti-Cats week 9 game at Montreal. He starts the 2024 season on the six-game injured list.
Related:
(ticats.ca) Dayton Black Once Feared He Would Lose His Leg, Now He's a Full Year into His CFL Career
#65 Evan Johnson, OL - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
As a Huskie (2013-16)
Evan Johnson enjoyed four seasons with the Huskies, suiting up for 32 games in green and white and starting in each of his final two seasons.
In his third year with the Huskies, Johnson was part of a unit which helped the Huskies to 30.2 points per game and nearly 500 yards of offence. In his senior season Johnson was named a Canada West All-Star and U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian after playing in all eight games during the regular season and helping the Huskies to average 32.6 points per game and 434 yards.
In the CFL
Taken in the 2017 CFL Draft, Johnson was selected by the Ottawa REDBLACKS with the 9th overall pick. After spending the first four years of his career in Ottawa, the Regina product returned home and signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders prior to the 2021 season. After appearing in 17 games in 2023, and starting 12, the 6-foot-4 290 lbs lineman signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in February of 2024. The 2023 season also featured a career milestone for the former Huskie, as Johnson has now appeared in 101 games throughout his CFL career.
Related:
(3DownNation) Hamilton Tiger-Cats Sign Canadian OL Evan Johnson
(riderville.com) Football is a Family Affair for Roughrider's Evan Johnson
Kelly Bates (Offensive Line Coach) - BC Lions
As a Huskie (1997-01)
A member of the Huskies from 1997 to 2001, Kelly Bates suited up as an offensive lineman during a dominant period for the green and white.
Bates was a member of back-to-back Hardy Cup championship teams in 1998 and 1999 and helped the Huskies claim their third Vanier Cup in 1998.
In the CFL
Kelly Bates was drafted in the 4th round, 32nd overall in the 2001 CFL draft by the BC Lions and would play seven seasons in orange before being traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2009 season. During his time with the Lions, he would hoist his first Grey Cup in 2006 before returning in 2007 for a CFL All-Star campaign. After playing a single season for the Bombers, Bates returned to his home province, signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders ahead of the 2010 CFL season. Later that year he was once again on the move via trade, this time joining Edmonton. Following the 2010 season, Bates returned to BC in 2011 as an Offensive Assistant and contributed to the team's 6th Grey Cup championship as both a player and coach. Bates appeared in four games when several injuries to the Lion's offensive line forced him back into pads.
After returning to the Lions as an Offensive Assistant, Bates went on to serve as the Lions Running Backs Coach and Canadian Draft Coordinator before leaving in 2014 to become the Head Coach of Simon Fraser University. In 2018 he returned to the CFL as a Quality Control Coach for Edmonton. Following one season with the Elk, Bates returned to the team that drafted him, taking over as the Offensive Line Coach. Since his return to the Vancouver, the Lions offensive line has developed into one of the best units in the CFL. In 2022, James Butler became the first Lion to rush for over 1,000 yards since 2015 while Nathan Rourke threw for 3,970 yards in just 10 games. Last season, the BC offence finished Top 3 in nearly every major category.
*** Photo courtesy Steven Chang/BC Lions
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.
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.
Craig Reynolds (President & CEO) - Saskatchewan Roughriders
Craig Reynolds is a graduate of the Edwards School of Business, having received a Bachelor of Commerce and Masters 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 Breakdown by Institution
| School |
Total |
| Calgary |
17 |
| Laval |
16 |
| Montreal |
15 |
| Laurier |
12 |
| Saskatchewan |
11 |
| UBC |
11 |
| Alberta |
10 |
| Western |
10 |
| Guelph |
9 |
| Ottawa |
8 |
| Carleton |
8 |
| McMaster |
7 |
| Concordia |
7 |
| Saint Mary's |
6 |
| York |
5 |
| Waterloo |
5 |
| Regina |
5 |
| Queen's |
5 |
| Sherbrooke |
4 |
| Manitoba |
4 |
| Windsor |
3 |
| StFX |
3 |
| Mount Allison |
3 |
| McGill |
3 |
| Toronto |
2 |
| Bishop's |
2 |
| Acadia |
2 |
Breakdown by CFL Team
| Team |
Total |
| Toronto |
27 |
| Montreal |
24 |
| Hamilton |
23 |
| Calgary |
23 |
| Ottawa |
21 |
| Winnipeg |
21 |
| Edmonton |
21 |
| Saskatchewan |
17 |
| BC Lions |
16 |
Breakdown by Position:
| Position |
Total |
| OL |
39 |
| DB |
38 |
| DL |
30 |
| LB |
28 |
| REC |
25 |
| FB |
11 |
| LS |
8 |
| K/P |
7 |
| RB |
6 |
| QB |
1 |
