In June, the UBC Thunderbirds have landed quarterback Drew Viotto in a transfer from Missouri State University for the upcoming 2025–26 season, immediately raising the T-Bird's floor and elevating their ceiling.
Viotto, a three-star high school recruit, previously spent time redshirting at the University of Minnesota in 2023 before transferring to Eastern Michigan University the year following. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. native was projected to be the backup quarterback at Missouri State this season before opting to return north of the border.
"There's just something about that I'm a Canadian kid — I just wanted to come back to Canada and play," Viotto explained to OB.SESSED about his decision to return to three down football.
Thunderbirds head coach Blake Nill is no stranger to recruiting elite level talent dating back to the days of Michael O'Connor. But when Viotto was accepted to the Sauder School of Business at UBC, he didn't need to be sold on the idea of playing out West.
The 6'4" Viotto cited former CFL quarterback Khari Jones' addition to the coaching staff as a major factor in his decision.
"I was doing a little bit of research on him and his offence," said Viotto. "Just seeing the success Coach Khari Jones has had in the CFL — I was really excited about what I could do in his offence."
UBC was minus a QB on the depth chart after Garrett Rooker's departure, leaving the starting job open for competition in training camp.
Viotto expressed that his decision to depart Missouri State came after a strong spring camp performance in which he felt he solidified his place on the depth chart, only to not see eye-to-eye with the coaching staff about his role moving forward. The uncertainty weighed on him.
"People lie all the time and I was never really shot straight with any of the schools I was at," said Viotto. "I was told one thing, [and] another thing happened. I was lied to. So I was just like, you know what, screw this. I'm done with it. I'm sick of it. I'm gonna go back to a place where I know people are gonna be honest with me and tell me the truth and tell me exactly where I stand. So I wanted to come back and play in Canada."
After leaving home as a 13 year old to chase D1 football in the United States, Viotto has affectionately become known as the "Canadian Cannon" down South. After three seasons sitting largely on the sidelines, Viotto is eager to play a consistent role on the field with the Thunderbirds and prove he's one of the top quarterbacks in U SPORTS.
"I've got four years in Canada of eligibility — my plan is to use all four here, and if I get an NFL shot, great — if not, hopefully play in the CFL for a long time and take football as far as I can take it."
Viotto and the T-Birds welcome the Manitoba Bisons to Thunderbird Stadium on Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. local time to kick off the 2025 Canada West season with a Thursday night showdown.