The Mustangs have one less athlete in the mix for the 2026 Canadian Football League Draft.

Mustangs football star third-year linebacker Jude Buchanan was removed from the 2026 CFL Invitational Combine roster and announced a commitment to play for NCAA Division I football at Akron University in Ohio, U.S.. 

British Columbia-born Buchanan was previously rostered for Virginia’s NCAA DI Old Dominion University Monarchs in 2022, before transferring to Western University in Fall 2023. 

Buchanan led the Mustangs’ defence, recording 5.3 tackles per game this past season. He was also third in the Ontario University Athletics in assists for the 2025–26 season. 

“It was really a golden opportunity. It was hard to pass up on,” Buchanan said about his signing with the Akron Zips, in an interview with the Gazette. He added that Akron’s coaching staff was one of the key reasons for his decision. 

The CFL confirmed Buchanan was removed from the Invitational Combine Roster via a post on X.

2026 CFL Invitational Combine Roster Update

Added:
DB Isiah Blackson – Waterloo
DB Tristan Miller – Laurier

Not participating in on‑field testing/drills (injury):
DB Robert Springer Jr. – Windsor

Removed:
LB Jude Buchanan – Western (NCAA transfer – deferred)

Roster:… pic.twitter.com/zgGz2pSxtK

— CFL Communications (@CFL_PR) March 4, 2026

Buchanan added that although he recognizes the CFL as “a very respected option,” his ultimate goal is to play in the National Football League. 

He also feels his style of play fits the American-style of football, describing himself as a “run-stopping downhill player.”

The Akron football program was barred from the 2025 NCAA postseason due to its failure to meet the NCAA’s measure of academic standards, the Academic Progress Rate.

The NCAA lifted the restrictions on Akron’s program in 2026, ESPN reported on March 4.

The remaining three Mustangs — fullback Sandro Pierini, defensive lineman Conner Franzisi and alumni receiver Sam La Roue — are set to participate in the CFL Invitational Combine.

The CFL Invitational Combine is set to start at 8:30 a.m. on March 6, with the National Combine marked in the calendar for March 27 to 29.