All six Canada West University Football Conference teams will see their first action of 2026 this weekend.

There’s two games Friday with the third on Saturday in Winnipeg as the Manitoba Bisons welcome the defending Hardy Cup-champion Saskatchewan Huskies. The Dogs edged the Regina Rams for first place in the annual Canada West Coaches pre-season poll. Coaches could not vote for their own team. Saskatchewan received three of six first place votes and 23 voting points in total. Regina received two first place votes and 21 points while U-B-C got the other first place vote and 16 points. Calgary, Manitoba and Alberta rounded out the voting with 13, 11 and six points, respectively. Following is the news release from the Canada West Conference…..

Huskies, Rams top 2026 Canada West Football Coaches Poll

Week 1 kicks off Friday night

Sept. 3, 2026 – The Saskatchewan Huskies and Regina Rams are favourites in Canada West football once again, with the provincial rivals occupying the top two spots in the 2026 preseason Coaches Poll ahead of a new season that kicks off tomorrow night.

The defending BioSteel Hardy Cup champion Huskies were voted No. 1 with three first-place votes, while the Rams earned the No. 2 spot and two first-place votes. UBC, which rounds out the top three, received the remaining first-place vote.

Saskatchewan and Regina were separated by just two points in the poll. The provincial foes have met in each of the last two BioSteel Hardy Cup finals, reigniting one of the conference’s fiercest rivalries along the way.

The two programs have split those last two title games, with Regina capturing the Hardy Cup in 2024 before Saskatchewan reclaimed the championship in 2025 with a thrilling 25-24 comeback victory. The Huskies went on to advance to the Vanier Cup, ultimately falling 30-16 to the Montreal Carabins in the national championship game at Mosaic Stadium.

The Dogs’ figure to be national championship contenders once again in 2026. Their dependably dynamic offence receives a big boost with the return of fifth-year QB Anton Amundrud, who is back under centre after his 2025 season was cut short due to a lymphoma diagnosis. On the other side of the ball, look for defensive lineman Nathan Jule to make an immediate impact after missing the last two seasons due to injury.

“We are excited for the challenge ahead this season,” said Saskatchewan head coach Scott Flory. “Every week presents a fast, physical, and highly competitive matchup, which means we must be prepared to perform at our best every game.”

Regina enters the season ranked No. 2 and will look for redemption after coming agonizingly close to a second-straight conference title. The Rams will look to break through against their provincial rivals while continuing their run as one of Canada West’s premier programs.

“We are excited to compete in the toughest conference in U SPORTS,” said Regina head coach Mark McConkey. “We are looking to have continued success in this conference by staying focused on playing our brand of football.”

UBC rounds out the top three in this year’s poll, with the Thunderbirds looking to take a significant step forward after a young squad gained valuable experience in 2025. Quarterback Drew Viotto returns to lead an offence that also features veterans such as receiver Trey Montour and running back Riley Michaud, while a young defensive unit will be anchored by Deacon Sterna, Clark Leonard, and Malcolm Fraser.

“I feel we’re going to be better than last year,” said UBC head coach Blake Nill. “It was difficult with the graduation in 2024, especially at quarterback. Whenever you start a new quarterback it’s tough. I feel we’ve had the offseason that should align with improving results. Overall, we’re a year older, we didn’t have a large graduation and we should be in pretty good shape.”

Calgary checks in at No. 4 after a 2025 campaign in which the Dinos showed signs of a young team beginning to mature. The offence looks to take another step forward, led by fifth-year receiver Matt Sibley – a Calgary Stampeders draft pick who has spent time on the Stamps practice roster. The Dinos were on the wrong end of three one-score games a season ago, and turning those close contests into wins will be key to securing their first playoff berth since 2019.

Manitoba is ranked fifth heading into a transitional 2026 season. The Bisons graduated 19 players from last year’s roster, including quarterback Jackson Tachinski, but return a strong defensive group and will hand the offensive reins to quarterback Cole Anseeuw.

The Alberta Golden Bears round out the poll in sixth, entering the second season under head coach Stevenson Bone. The Bears return a number of young contributors from last year’s squad and will be aiming for a playoff berth, led on offence by sophomore running back Seth Poelzer and an exciting transfer at quarterback in Christian Veilleux.

Week 1 Matchups

The 2026 Canada West regular season opens Friday, Sept. 4, with a doubleheader featuring Regina at Alberta and UBC at Calgary. Saskatchewan then opens its title defence Saturday in Winnipeg against Manitoba.

After an eight-game regular season, the top four teams will advance to the Canada West semifinals on Nov. 7, with the winners meeting in the 89th BioSteel Hardy Cup on Nov. 14. From there, the Canada West champion will travel to the RSEQ champion for the U SPORTS Uteck Bowl on Nov. 21, with a berth in the 61st Vanier Cup on the line.

The 2026 Vanier Cup is set for Nov. 28 at Stade TELUS–Université Laval in Quebec City, where Canada’s top two university football teams will battle for the national championship.

2026 CW FOOTBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL

TEAM BY TEAM PREVIEWS

Saskatchewan Huskies

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Outlook: The 2026 Huskies return a deeper, younger, and yet more experienced group, hungry to repeat as Hardy Cup champions, return to the national stage and give themselves a chance at Vanier Cup redemption. Despite the graduation of several key contributors on both sides of the ball ​ – most notably reigning Player of the Year Daniel Wiebe, U SPORTS Presidents’ Trophy winner Seth Hundeby, Ryker Frank and Charlie Parks – the latest edition of the Huskies features a plethora of student-athletes poised to take the next step and fill the gaps left by a talented group of seniors. Offensively, the team returns eight starters, among them quarterback Anton Amundrud who is back under centre and set to command a high-octane unit rich with depth. On defence, Saskatchewan coaches will look to an established group of returning starters, veterans back from injury, and a unit full of young student-athletes to set the tone come Sept. 5 in Manitoba.

Key Offensive Performer: Anton Amundrud
​QB | 5th Year | Lloydminster, Alta.

2025 stats: 5 GP, 115-166, 69.3 Comp%, 1641 yds, 14 TDs, 0 INTs

Returning to his position at QB1 after his 2025 season was cut short due to a Lymphoma diagnosis, Amundrud is set to officially resume his command of one of the most productive offensive units in the country. In five games last season, the field general was on pace to set career highs across the board while averaging over 320 yards per game and producing a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 14-to-0. The now fifth-year quarterback brings an unrivalled steadying presence under centre with the ability to operate every down at an elite level and the potential for explosive plays on every snap of the ball.

Key Defensive Performer: Nathan Jule
​DL | 4th Year | Saskatoon, Sask.

After missing the 2024 and 2025 seasons due to injury, Nathan Jule is officially set to return to the gridiron. A talented defensive lineman and pass rusher, Jule’s last appearance in 2023 saw the local Saskatoon product record 8.5 tackles for a loss and 4.0 sacks on his way to being named a conference All-Star. The now 4th-year lineman will provide some much-needed ability coming off the edge in 2026 in addition to a veteran presence for a young and upcoming group.

Regina Rams

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Outlook: Coming off back-to-back BioSteel Hardy Cup appearances, the Rams will look to continue their recent run of success in 2026 with an experienced group returning on both sides of the ball. Head coach Mark McConkey’s squad brings back 10 defensive starters and eight offensive starters, including six All-Canadians in Marshall Erichsen, Ty Gorniak, Max Polischuk, Nicholas Sirleaf, Carson Sombach, and Brandon Wong. The veteran roster features a total of 31 players in their final two seasons of U SPORTS eligibility, including nine fifth-year veterans looking for a banner in their last year with the program.

From the coach: “We are excited to compete in the toughest conference in U SPORTS. We are looking to have continued success in this conference by staying focused on playing our brand of football.” – Mark McConkey

Key Offensive Performer: Owen Sieben
​QB | 4th Year | Langley, B.C.
​
​2025 stats: 61-83, 657 pass yds, 2 TD passes, 73.5% completion

Back for his fourth season with the Rams, Owen Sieben has already established himself as one of the most accurate passers in U of R history. He has a 66.4% completion rate through his first three years with the Rams, trailing only Noah Picton’s 67.6% for top spot in school history. Sieben, who split time with Noah Pelletier at pivot last season, will enjoy throwing to a receiving corps which returns Nicholas Sirleaf, Renzel Arinaza, and others to this year’s roster.

Key Defensive Performer: Brandon Wong
​LB | 4th Year | Port Coquitlam, B.C. ​

2025 stats: 34.0 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 sack, 3 fumble recoveries

Brandon Wong returns for his fourth season with the Rams after earning second-team All-Canadian honours in 2025. Wong, a two-year starter at the sam linebacker position for the U of R, led the Rams in tackles last season while also collecting three fumble recoveries. The coaching staff considers Wong the leader of the team’s defence and sets the standard of play for not only that side of the ball, but for the whole squad as well.

UBC Thunderbirds

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Outlook: 2025 was a rebuilding year of sorts for UBC but the team will be all the better for it this fall, especially returning the likes of offensive veterans in quarterback Drew Viotto, receiver Trey Montour and running back Riley Michaud. Factor in the addition of both veteran and blue chip freshmen and UBC boasts one of the deepest offences the program has seen in the Blake Nill era. A young defence will be anchored by former CW Rookie of the Year Deacon Sterna and fellow DL Clark Leonard and Malcolm Fraser. An experienced linebacker corps will also be key for UBC’s success on defence this season. Overall, the T-Birds are a program fully expecting to take a significant step forward.

From the coach: “I feel we’re going to be better than last year. It was difficult with the graduation in 2024, especially at quarterback. Whenever you start a new quarterback it’s tough. I feel we’ve had the offseason that should align with improving results. The recruiting effort means we’ll have some freshmen coming in and be able to make an immediate difference. Overall, we’re a year older, we didn’t have a large graduation and we should be in pretty good shape.” – Blake Nill

Key Offensive Performer: Drew Viotto
​QB | 2nd Year | Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
​
​2025 stats: 1984 YDS Passing, 12 TD, 4 INT, 1 Rushing TD

Throwing for over 300 yards in each of UBC’s three final regular season games in 2025, two of those with over 400 yards, Drew Viotto finished the season as the Canada West passing yards leader with 1984 total along with 12 touchdowns, second in the conference.

Working with a young offence and in his first U SPORTS season, the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native found his groove and helped lead the T-Birds into the post-season. Building on that valuable first year experience, Viotto returns full of confidence and the ​ familiarity with his teammates has him full of optimism for a big 2026 season.

Key Defensive Performer: Deacon Sterna
​DL | 3rd Year | Calgary, Alta.

2025 stats: 29.5 TKL, 1 Sack, 1 INT, 5 TKL for Loss

Entering his third Canada West season, the 2024 conference Rookie of the Year will once again be expected to be a force for the T-Birds. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive lineman was a one-man wrecking crew for UBC in 2025 leading the team in forced fumbles and tackles for a loss while adding a sack and an interception.

Calgary Dinos

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Outlook: One of the youngest teams in the country a year ago, the Dinos enter 2026 a year older and looking to take another step forward. Calgary was on the wrong side of three one-score games last season, but returns with the talent and experience to make a push for the postseason for the first time since 2019. While the roster remains primarily made up of first- and second-year players, the difference this season could be the continuity of a group eager to prove it belongs among Canada West’s best.

From the coach: “We have just completed two solid years of recruiting to rebuild our roster. We believe we have created more competition at every position, which we believe will translate to a better product on the field. This is a young group that is excited to grow as a team. The Dinos hope to lean on some key veterans like Matthew Sibley, Osasere Odemwingie, Sylvester Ibelo, and Everett Schmuland as this roster matures. Team speed and efficiency will play huge factors in the team’s ability to compete in U SPORTS’ toughest football conference.” – Ryan Sheahan

Key Offensive Performer: Matt Sibley
​REC | 5th Year | Calgary, Alta.

2025 stats: 37 Receptions, 506 Receiving Yards, 2 Touchdowns

What an offseason it was for Matt Sibley. A standout at both the regional and national combines, Sibley turned those performances into a selection by the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL Draft. After spending time on the Stampeders’ practice roster, Sibley returns to the Dinos for his final season, bringing valuable experience to the Calgary offence.

Key Defensive Performer: Osasere Odemwingie
​LB | 5th Year | Calgary, Alta.

2025 stats: 26 Solo Tackles, 29 Assisted Tackles, 1 Sack, 3.5 Tackles For Loss

A draft pick of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Odemwingie is a veteran presence in the Calgary locker room. One of the Dinos’ top statistical performers on defence, he enters another season with a wealth of university experience and a key role in guiding a defensive unit that has added several talented young pieces.

Manitoba Bisons

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Outlook: Having graduated 19 players from last year, and with over 50 in their first season of eligibility, it will be a transition year for the Herd in 2026. Look for Manitoba’s defence to lead the charge, with ten players returning on that side of the ball. Offensively, Cole Anseeuw – a two-time CFL quarterback internship participant – will call the signals following the graduation of Jackson Tachinski.

From the coach: “We are in a period of transition this season replacing 19 graduating seniors. Most of our rushing production on offence has graduated. We have a good amount of returners on defence and hope to be competitive on that side of the ball. Our success this year will hinge on replacing some of that rushing production and the quick maturity of QB Cole Anseeuw.” – Stan Pierre

Key Offensive Performer: Nathan Udoh
​REC | 5th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

2025 stats: 40 REC, 531 yards, 1 TD

Receiver Nathan Udoh set career highs in all major categories last year, and will be looked upon to lead Manitoba’s aerial attack in 2026 following the graduation of seven major contributors on that side of the ball. A CFL draft pick of Montreal, Udoh led the Herd in yards and receptions in 2025, and his strength and size will be a major issue for the opposition again during the upcoming campaign.

Key Defensive Performer: Jerome Fouillard
​DL | 3rd Year | Marchand, Man.

2025 stats: 22.5 tackles, two sacks, 1 FR, 3 PBUs

Defensive lineman Jerome Fouillard is coming off a career year for the Herd, and is one of the cornerstone pieces defensively this season and beyond. A Swiss Army knife, Fouillard is capable of rushing the passer, containing the edge or stepping back into a hybrid linebacker role in a 30 front.

Alberta Golden Bears

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Outlook: Heading into the 2026 season, the Golden Bears will be looking to build on last year’s results under second-year head coach Stevenson Bone as the program continues to take shape. Alberta returns a group of proven contributors ready to lead the way, while also welcoming a wave of new talent into the fold looking to make an impact right away. The coaching staff will be focused on developing chemistry and depth across the roster as the Golden Bears work to establish themselves as a consistent competitor in Canada West this fall. With training camp on the horizon, expectations will cent on growth, competition for playing time, and building toward the program’s long-term goals.

From the coach: “We had an extremely young team last year in 2025 with many rookie starters. We have many back on our defence this season and hopefully can take a step forward and create more turnovers with this group. Offensively, we need to continue to get Seth Poelzer the football. He had a great rookie year and we expect him to build on that success from last year.

Keeping our QBs protected is also going to be an important attribute in our success as we feel as though we have great experience and leadership on the roster at that position.

We hope our kicking game is much improved from 2025 as well with some new kickers vying for the starting position. We need to be more consistent in that area in 2026.” – Stevenson Bone

Key Offensive Performer: Seth Poelzer
​RB | 2nd Year | Okotoks, Alta.

2025 stats: 79 rushes, 366 yards, 3 TD

Seth Poelzer showed off elite vision for a young running back during a strong rookie campaign, flashing the kind of instincts that are hard to teach. He put up 79 carries for 366 yards and 3 touchdowns in his first year, and another offseason in the program should only add to his tools.

Key Defensive Performer: Matteo Trasolini

LB | 4th Year | Vancouver, B.C.

2025 stats: 21 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 5 TFL, 2 Forced Fumbles

Matteo Trasolini returns as a captain and a key piece of the Golden Bears’ linebacker corps, bringing the speed, athleticism, and physicality the position is known for. He earned recognition at the U SPORTS East-West Bowl last year and backed it up with strong production.