![\"OFFENCE\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Season-Predictor-1270x415-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nOFFENCE<\/p>\n
* denotes National
** denotes Global<\/p>\n
QUARTERBACK<\/p>\n
The Roughriders\u2019 leader is set to make another push against Father Time. Trevor Harris<\/a> will once again be his timeless, accurate, good-decision-making self and push the rest of the roster to maximize its abilities. While Saskatchewan\u2019s backup quarterback position continues to evolve, the stark reality remains that Harris\u2019 health is non-negotiable.<\/p>\n RUNNING BACK\/FULLBACK<\/p>\n AJ Ouellette<\/a> remains one of the premier downhill power runners in the CFL and works extremely well off Harris\u2019 precision passing game, while Thomas Bertrand-Hudon<\/a> has proven to be an effective backup option. Saskatchewan should also continue rotating bodies through the fullback role.<\/p>\n RECEIVER <\/p>\n Saskatchewan has plenty of possibilities at receiver this year, with loads of young Canadian talent and American Mathew Sexton out of Eastern Michigan recently joining the group.<\/p>\n Still, the reality is they need Samuel Emilus<\/a> and Kian Schaffer-Baker<\/a> to be at their best, or KeeSean Johnson to take another leap forward in growth, development and understanding of the CFL if they want a passing game that avoids sitting in the middle of the pack statistically.<\/p>\n OFFENSIVE LINE<\/p>\n Jermarcus Hardrick is a stellar lockdown tackle and Jacob Brammer was sensational last season. The right side is set in stone and often stonewalls pass rushers from across the country, while left guard presents plenty of opportunities for anyone willing to jump in and maximize reps during training camp and preseason.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n DEFENCE<\/p>\n * denotes National DEFENSIVE LINE<\/p>\n With Malik Carney and Habakkuk Baldonado<\/a> both leaving for significantly greener financial pastures, and Shane Ray<\/a> also saying farewell, Saskatchewan\u2019s pass rush entered the off-season searching for answers. Enter James Vaughters<\/a> on one side, but the opposite rush end position remains a work in progress. Aaron Patrick<\/a> showed plenty of potential but now sits on the retired list as of Sunday. A host of Americans, along with Canadian Lake Korte-Moore, are in line to help fill the void.<\/p>\n LINEBACKER<\/p>\n A.J. Allen<\/a> had a special year for Saskatchewan in 2025, but left for Ottawa in the off-season. Enter Josh Woods<\/a>, an established CFL product who should pair seamlessly with Jameer Thurman<\/a> as one of the CFL\u2019s top \u201cbash brothers\u201d linebacker duos. With a solid interior defensive line, plenty of returning veteran defensive backs and these two at linebacker, the Roughriders are well-positioned to have a top-three defence in 2026.<\/p>\n DEFENSIVE BACK <\/p>\n With top draft pick Malcolm Bell<\/a> signed and in camp<\/a>, the Riders have either added excellent depth or could be headed for a shakeup if Bell proves worthy of a starting role. I love the depth Saskatchewan has built with its Canadian options at free safety, as I could realistically see Nelson Lokombo<\/a>, Jaxon Ford<\/a> or Jayden Dalke<\/a> claiming the spot and finding success.<\/p>\n SPECIAL TEAMS<\/p>\n * denotes National KICKER\/PUNTER\/LONG SNAPPER<\/p>\n
** denotes Global<\/p>\n
** denotes Global<\/p>\n