Every fall, the Golden Bears welcome a new wave of talent — and with depth questions across the roster, the 2025 freshman class could be one of the most important in recent memory. From versatile defensive backs to promising receivers, here are the rookies Bears fans should get to know this season.
David Okoye – REC
The first-year Calgary native earned a spot straight out of high school. The former Western Wildcats and U18 Team Alberta receiver will be joining the Bears' official roster this season.
After a strong show out at the Bears' spring and fall training camps, he's officially in the mix and sporting the jersey number 16 this season.
His 5'10", 173lbs frame gives him agility and speed to help leverage his unique route running skills.
These skills give him a chance to carve out reps in a competitive receiver group led by veterans like Carter Kettyle. However, don’t be surprised if he makes his mark on special teams before working into the offence.
Seth Poelzer – RB
Poelzer arrives from Okotoks, Alta. with size, power, and an aggressive running style. The 5'11" powerhouse is currently holding a resume of 170 touches, 2142 yards and 30 touchdowns from his high school senior season.
With senior running back Ope Oshinubi anchoring the run game, Poelzer may not be asked to carry the load right away, but he could emerge as a reliable short-yardage or backup option. He’s a name to watch for this season as someone who might see situational touches as a freshman.
Trey Reider – QB
Quarterback depth is critical in U SPORTS, and Reider, a former CJFL quarterback with the Saskatoon Hilltops from Saskatoon will likely provide the primary with extra stability behind veterans quarterbacks Cade Labrecque and Eli Hetlinger.
Despite being a rookie at the U SPORTS level, Reider’s four years of CJFL experience give him a strong chance to earn meaningful snaps this season. He isn’t afraid to use his legs, often turning broken plays into positive gains with his scrambling ability. With continued development under Bone’s system, he could become a cornerstone for the program’s long-term stability at the most important position.
Carter McLean — DL
A redshirt last season, McLean didn’t see any minutes on the field but used the year to develop and transition from linebacker to the defensive line. The Medicine Hat product now steps into his first active season as part of Alberta’s front four.
His impressive 6'5", 240lbs frame and linebacker background justify the positional shift and gives him advantages that could translate well onto the D-line, and 2025 will be his first chance to show it in live action.
Eric Schwartz — K/P
From Barrie, Ont., Schwartz enters his first active season with the Golden Bears after redshirting it out last year. Now assigned a jersey number (#98), the rookie kicker/punter is expected to take on full time special teams duties in 2025 with as Jonathan Giustini graduates
His role may not carry the same heavy spotlight as a quarterback or running back, but his consistency in the kicking game is critical, where field position and close scores often decide outcomes.
If Schwartz can deliver steady punts and reliable field goals, he could quietly become one of Alberta’s most important first-year contributors.
Sam Metcalfe – LB
A standout from Edmonton’s powerhouse Harry Ainlay program, Metcalfe arrives at the U of A as a decorated recruit. A a defensive MVP and city champion, Metcalfe's credentials already speaks for him.
On film, he shows a knack for closing quickly on ball carriers, with swift tackles and the ability to recover into position fast. With Alberta’s linebacker squad always looking for depth and reliable special teams contributors, Metcalfe has the tools to make an early impression as a freshman.
Gavin Weisser — DB
Another graduate of Harry Ainlay in Edmonton, Weisser brings a physical edge to the Golden Bears’ secondary. On film, he shows a full body, head-on approach to tackling — never shying away from contact and often meeting ball carriers square and from the side.
With history lining up at both cornerback and free safety, Weisser adds versatility to a defensive backfield that desperately needs reliable depth. His physical style could earn him early looks on special teams and in rotation packages this fall.
Tristan Aherne — OL
At 6’3” and 295 pounds, Calgary’s Tristan Aherne comes to the Bears from Henry Wisewood High School with an impressive blend of size and mobility. On film, he shows surprising speed and blocking ability for his frame, traits that could make him a valuable asset on the offensive line as a freshman.
Even if he begins the year learning behind more seasoned veterans, Aherne's athleticism gives him the potential to contribute immediately on special teams and develop into a reliable presence up front.