Regina products Charlie Parks, Ethan Graham hear names called at CFL Draft

Two hometown success stories took the next step toward their professional football dreams as Canadian Football League teams turned to Saskatchewan talent in the 2026 Canadian Draft.

Two hometown success stories took the next step toward their professional football dreams as Canadian Football League teams turned to Saskatchewan talent in the 2026 Canadian Draft.

Regina products Charlie Parks and Ethan Graham each heard their names called, marking another proud moment for a province that continues to produce pro-ready talent.

Parks, a defensive lineman from the Saskatchewan Huskies, was selected 31st overall in the fourth round by the Ottawa Redblacks. The 6-foot-4 product of Sheldon-Williams Collegiate has long been one of Regina’s top multi-sport athletes, earning numerous honours, including Lorne Aston Male Athlete of the Year in 2022.

For Parks, the moment his name was called was everything he imagined.

“It was awesome. I had family, friends, everybody, just ecstatic. The dream is finally coming true,” he said.

That dream became reality with a FaceTime call from Ottawa’s coaching staff, asking if he was ready to join the organization.

“I had my phone on my lap, picked it up, and they asked if I’m ready to be a Redblack. I’m like, ‘yeah, I am.’ It was just so awesome,” Parks said.

Hours later, Parks was already preparing for the next chapter, ready to head east and begin rookie camp with a clear objective.

“Make sure everybody knows my name. Make sure they know who I am, what I’m about.”

A few rounds later, another Regina standout got his opportunity.

Graham, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive lineman from the University of Regina Rams, was selected 54th overall in the sixth round by the BC Lions after earning Canada West all-star honours in 2025.

“Sounds like a dream coming true. I want to give them everything I have,” Graham said.

The draft experience itself was an emotional rollercoaster, as Graham waited through the rounds before finally getting the call.

“I was super nervous, and then the broadcast cut out, so that made everything ten times worse. I just waited by the phone,” he said.

When the phone rang, it was the Lions delivering the news, followed by a conversation with head coach Buck Pierce.

“I told them I’m ready to play. I’m going to give you everything I have.”

Graham credited his support system, especially his mother, for helping him reach the professional level, calling the moment a shared accomplishment with family, friends, and teammates who supported him along the way.

Both Parks and Graham now turn their attention to rookie camps, where opportunities will be earned, and first impressions will matter. One is focused on making his name known, while the other arrives with a chip on his shoulder.

Together, they represent the latest examples of Saskatchewan talent making the jump to the CFL and the next generation of players ready to carry that tradition forward.