Riders and REDBLACKS Clash in a High-Stakes CFL Season Opener
The 2025 CFL season is finally here, and it all kicks off with a compelling matchup between the Ottawa REDBLACKS and the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium. It’s more than just a Week 1 game—it’s a tone-setter, a statement opportunity for both teams looking to build on respectable 9-8-1 campaigns from last season.
Let’s start with Ottawa. Dru Brown is stepping into his second season as a starter, after making a strong impression last year. The former Winnipeg backup threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2024. The question now is: can he take the next leap? He’ll need to be especially sharp, with Riders defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. lurking in the secondary after racking up eight interceptions last season.
Ottawa’s ground game also gets a major boost with the addition of William Stanback. The REDBLACKS brought him in to solidify the backfield and take pressure off Brown. Stanback rushed for over 1,100 yards last season and is expected to play a central role alongside Daniel Adeboboye. With that kind of one-two punch, the REDBLACKS offense becomes a lot less predictable.
Defensively, Ottawa brings heat. Michael Wakefield and Lorenzo Mauldin IV were terrors off the edge in 2024, tying for the league lead with eight sacks each. Disrupting Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris is going to be crucial if Ottawa wants to start their season with a win.
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Speaking of Harris, the 39-year-old is entering his 13th CFL season, and he’s still slinging it like a QB in his prime. Last year, he averaged over nine yards per pass and was named a West Division All-Star. The Riders are hoping he can replicate that form and lead them back to the postseason.
Helping Harris is AJ Ouellette, a rugged and explosive back who’s looking for a healthy rebound year after missing much of 2024 with a hip injury. He’ll be tested early by Ottawa’s aggressive defensive front, but if he finds space, he could be the X-factor.
One of the most intriguing stories in this game is the debut of rookie left tackle Payton Collins—dubbed “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” Called up unexpectedly due to injuries, the 6’7” lineman is ready to make his mark. Coaches and teammates have sung his praises, with Harris expressing full confidence in the rookie’s ability to protect him.
Then there’s the youth movement at receiver for the Riders. KeeSean Johnson, Dohnte Meyers, and Dhel Duncan-Busby are all entering year two, ready to take on more responsibility. Add in veteran Samuel Emilus, chasing a third consecutive 1,000-yard season, and the Riders passing game looks sharp.
Injuries could play a role—Ottawa will miss DB Justin Howell and WR Nick Mardner, while Saskatchewan’s Shawn Bane Jr. is ruled out and LB C.J. Avery is a game-time decision. Still, both sides bring depth and experience.
These two teams split their meetings last year, tying once and with Saskatchewan winning the other. This opener is more than just a rematch—it’s a showcase of two playoff-hopeful squads looking to establish dominance early in a stacked CFL season.
Kickoff is set for 9:00 p.m. ET. Expect intensity, big plays, and a potential early-season classic.
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