The 2025 Golden Bears football season is officially in full swing, with fall training camp kicking off early last week for both rookies and returning veterans under new head coach Stevenson Bone.
According to insider reports and head coach Bone, many senior players have ultimately chosen to return to the Golden Bears roster for an additional season.
For many, the decision to return to U SPORTS may have arisen from going undrafted and unsigned to professional rosters, being released from CFL teams after their 2025 spring camps, or dissatisfaction with being placed on practice squads that offered little or no playing time.
The Golden Bear returnees are looking to make their final mark in the U SPORTS landscape this season by bringing back their talent, leadership, and determination to help push the team over the playoff line.
The returning vets also have the opportunity to keep their professional aspirations alive while continuing to develop their talent. Here are the returning Golden Bears veterans to watch out for this season.
Kolby Hurford, WR
Hurford makes a surprise return to the Golden Bears after initially being drafted to the Edmonton Elks in the seventh round of the 2025 CFL Draft at 58th overall.
Hurford’s return to the Golden Bears is good news for the receivers room — who can rely on his seniority and developed route-running skills to help lead the way for the unit.
The fifth-year receiver is currently clutching a previous season high of 338 receiving yards, a career total of 1,254 yards across four seasons, and will cement himself in the team’s leadership group this year.
Iwinosa Uwubanmwen, OL
The 6’4”, 290-pound offensive lineman is making his quiet return to the Golden Bears from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after being drafted in the eighth round of the 2025 CFL Draft at 71st overall.
Injured in last year's season opener at UBC, Uwubanmwen’s impressive size and physicality will continue to make him an exceptional asset on the offensive line this season.
The veteran, used at left tackle a season ago, will be looking to make his mark in his final year of eligibility while providing guidance and cohesion to the offensive line unit.
Carter Stuart, OL
A 6’6”, 300-pound powerhouse, Stuart has dominated the offensive line with his impressive size and physicality — making him a force to be reckoned with at the line of scrimmage.
Named to the West's roster for the 2025 East-West Bowl roster in the spring, the senior offensive lineman’s return to the Golden Bears could be “a source of major strength,” as told by head coach Bone.
Stuart’s physicality and brute strength will be essential for protecting his fellow members on the offensive unit and whoever winds up taking snaps for the Golden Bears.
Chase Tataryn, LB
Tataryn makes a return to the Golden Bears from the B.C. Lions for a final season. The veteran linebacker was drafted to the Lions in the sixth round of the draft this year at 50th overall.
Tataryn, described by head coach Bone as “athletic and instinctive with range to cover sideline-to-sideline and the toughness to set the tone physically,” led Canada West with 54.5 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2024.
Tataryn’s return to the defensive lineup adds an extra layer of security to a unit that struggled last season, giving up the second most points in the conference.
Carter Kettyle, WR
Kettyle, a seasoned fourth-year receiver, is set to make his return to the Golden Bears as a leading route-runner. Kettyle also made an appearance at the East-West Bowl on the West’s roster.
The Grovedale, Alta. native exploded for four touchdowns and 138 yards in an overtime loss against Manitoba last season in his return from injury. Insider reports from the team claim that Carter is in good spirits and health and has showed strong physicality at both the spring and fall training camps.
After his late-season explosion, all signs point to Kettyle having a standout starting performance after claiming his starting spot back from rookie Isaiah Sanderson last year.
With a mix of veterans returning from CFL opportunities and players stepping back into leadership roles, the Golden Bears have no shortage of experience heading into 2025.
These returnees bring proven production, toughness, and mentorship to a roster looking to take the next step in Canada West. Their presence could be the difference in pushing Alberta past the playoff line this fall.
dropping their preseason opener to the Calgary Dinos