Have you had your football fix yet?
The narratives leading into this U SPORTS football season seemed typical — that this will be the best season in a long time. It's the same tune hummed during the preseason of any sports league anywhere.
To deliver on that hype is a whole different story. Where do you even begin to tell the story of the weekend that was?
Maybe it starts chronologically, with a SMU blowout win over Acadia in Halifax, where Malik Williams torched the Axemen defence for 75 yards and three rushing touchdowns.
If so, it would follow with Eloa Latendresse-Regimbald leading the Redbirds over the Sherbrooke Vert et Or in a performance that saw the Hec Creighton candidate rack up 289 yards passing and 62 yards rushing, dishing out two touchdowns and running for one himself.
That was Friday night, sure. But Saturday's story is far more roundabout.
In a game dubbed the "Keagan Hall Bowl," York defeated the McMaster Marauders for the first time in 28 years, backed by a pile of new transfers including Hall, old Mac running mate Nicolas Adair, and Ole Miss transfer Jaden Dicks.
Bishop's blew out Mount Allison; Montreal handled Concordia with ease; and the Ottawa Gee-Gees defeated Waterloo as expected.
Back in Ottawa, there was none of the same ho-hum as Toronto rolled into TAAG Park and dismantled the Ravens thanks to a career day from fourth-year gunslinger Scott Barnett, who was the Blues backup last year.
While his bloodline carries championship DNA — his father Chris was a standout defensive back on the Blues the last time they won the Vanier in 1993 — the Alliston, Ont. native didn't exactly enter the season with the kind of fanfare usually warranted of someone who could throw for 567 yards in a game.
But Barnett did just that on Saturday afternoon, finding Chris Joseph 18 times for 257 yards and two touchdowns, Jake Oseen 10 times for 164 yards and a score, and Thomas Roberts four times for 146 yards and another score, coming on a 102 yard catch and run at the beginning of the third quarter.
Barnett's explosion earned him the single game yardage record at the University of Toronto — a feat quite remarkable considering the program has been around since the days of Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie.
Down the 416, it finally looked like the Western Mustangs’ unbeaten streak against the Tricolour — one that feels like it stretches back to when Kingston was still the nation's capital — might actually be in jeopardy.
Queen's held a 16-point lead with just over two minutes to play, but Evan Hillock would orchestrate two quick scores and two-point conversions, forcing overtime.
Hillock would exit the game due to injury and give way to backup Jerome Rancourt, who proved big enough for the moment.
After three tied overtime periods, Western forced a long field goal; Queen's kicker Tyler Mullan would miss, and the Gaels 13-year drought against the purple and silver would continue.
In The Royal City, Callum Wither (176 yards, three touchdowns) and the Laurier Golden Hawks looked to be cruising to a victory against the Guelph Gryphons, but a 21-point onslaught by Tristan Aboud (415 yards, two touchdowns, one interception) made the long-awaited game interesting.
The defending OUA champions would take the game 33-28, but the Gryphons proved that they could hang with the big boys.
Same time next weekend? Don’t be late, Canada West.
1. Laval Rouge et Or (-)
LAST YEAR: 11-1, Vanier Cup win
WEEK ONE: BYE
Last year’s national champions are idle this week, and so is their deservedly high spot in the poll. When they did take the field in preseason, they made quick work of last year’s AUS champs Bishop’s, 52-3. Laval brings back 6'5" quarterback Arnaud Desjardins after he went undrafted in the CFL Draft, and Glen Constantin’s perennial powerhouse also retains First Team All-Canadian receiver Olivier “The Artist” Cool, who torched Montreal and Regina in last year’s playoff run.
With that firepower, it would be a shock if the Dunsmore Cup wasn’t a 13th straight Laval–Montreal showdown. All eyes will be on Laval next Saturday night, when they welcome the McGill Redbirds to Quebec City.
Bye week for the champs. Until someone takes them down, they’re still #1. — Bryden O'Flaherty, Co-Founder & CEO
Laval will be my number one team until proven otherwise. Champs deserve the respect. — Ryan O'Connor, OUA Writer
Laval is Laval, until someone beats them, they will remain number one. — Scott Hutter, National Writer
2. Montreal Carabins (3)
LAST YEAR: 8-2, Dunsmore Cup loss
WEEK ONE: Saturday, 41-14 win. vs. Concordia
"Pepe" Gonzalez split snaps with veteran Rakim Canal-Charles, but don't expect a timeshare to continue all season — the former Team Canada U20 quarterback threw for all three of Montreal's passing touchdowns on the day and added a 56-yard run. On defence, the big blue machine limited the Stingers to just 37 yards rushing on 16 attempts, led by Harold Miessan's sack and tackle for loss. The secondary did allow 326 passing yards from the arm of Xavier Tremblay. Next week spells a potentially easier matchup at Sherbrooke.
Montreal has an heir apparent at quarterback — and a solid backup if he falters. I'm more than comfortable with this team in my top three after Week 1. — Andrew Wilimek, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief
3. Western Mustangs (2)
LAST YEAR: 9-2, Yates Cup loss
WEEK ONE: Saturday, 45-42 4OT win @ Queen's
By the slightest of margins, the Mustangs fall behind the Carabins in our poll. Western couldn't find the zone early with their fastball, but like all good pitchers, figured it out and turned in a quality start. Starting quarterback Evan Hillock was seen on the sidelines in a sling after giving way to Jerome Rancourt late in the game against the Gaels. If he's out for any length of time, their offence could be in trouble. Ethan Dolby had a productive game as RB1, running for 116 yards and adding two scores. Don't let the score fool you — this defence came to play too.
There's no break for the Mustangs after the marathon battle in Kingston. While they will enjoy home cooking next weekend, their Sunday dinner will be interrupted by Tristan Aboud and the Guelph Gryphons. That's just rude, on a long weekend.
Winning 45-42 in an instant classic against a good Queen's team has to be good enough to lock down the number two spot for the second straight poll. It may not have been pretty, but the ability to close out a tight game helps them retain this ranking. — Geono Aloisio, Canada West Writer
Western is still the top team in the OUA for me — though this offence will take a hit if Evan Hillock misses any time. Ethan Dolby had a huge game — Greg Marshall has his new RB1. — Andrew Wilimek, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief
4. Laurier Golden Hawks (-)
LAST YEAR: 11-1, Vanier Cup loss
WEEK ONE: Saturday, 33-28 win @ Guelph
Callum Wither (17-of-27, 186 yards, three touchdowns) isn't Taylor Elgersma, but he absolutely does not need to be with this stacked squad. Defensive lineman Joseph Edlington was the only one to break through Guelph's otherwise stellar offensive line, but expect more of that going forward. Windsor will try to take a chunk off the defending OUA champs after their poorly timed bye week.
Laurier proved that they can come out of the gate with a tough road win against one of the nation’s most talented teams with a new QB. Callum Wither looked composed in his first U SPORTS start with three TD passes to Ethan Jordan and Jace Atkinson in efficient fashion. — Nicolas Tazzeo, OUA Writer
Not many big jumps or slips this week. Most results were as expected. I'll note that while Western and Laurier still seem like the top dogs in the OUA, Guelph and Queen's aren't far behind. — Ryan O'Connor, OUA Writer
5. Manitoba Bisons (-)
LAST YEAR: 7-2, Hardy Cup semifinal loss
WEEK ONE: Thursday, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m. @ UBC
Last week, they tested their roster in a preseason game against Regina, falling just short with a score decided in the final minute. With ten of twelve offensive starters returning — including quarterback and 2024 Canada West Player of the Year Jackson Tachinski — and a veteran offensive line that powered a record-setting rushing attack, Manitoba enters the season with high expectations.
All eyes will also be on the sidelines, as longtime defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Stan Pierre steps into the head coaching role following Brian Dobie’s retirement, tasked with maintaining the program’s national relevance. Early-season performances will be key to gauging how the team adapts under new leadership while leveraging its experienced core.
6. Saskatchewan Huskies (-)
LAST YEAR: 6-4, Hardy Cup loss
WEEK ONE: Friday, Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m. @ Alberta
Again, it’s preseason, so results come with a grain of salt (especially when games are called at halftime for lightning…). But Saskatchewan looked solid against UBC, finding their footing early and making the most of the opportunity. The road ahead is always tough in the west, but they’ll enter the next two weeks as favorites against Alberta and UBC. The dogs haven't missed the playoffs since Brian Flory's first season at the helm. Don't expect that to change in 2025.
7. UBC Thunderbirds (-)
LAST YEAR: 5-4, Hardy Cup semifinal loss to Saskatchewan
WEEK ONE: Thursday, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m. vs. Manitoba
With the starting quarterback role no longer looking like a done deal — Derek Engel is proving a firm challenger to incomer Drew Viotto — this game will be must-watch football. Blake Nill has traditionally played his cards close to his chest when it comes to lineups. How do the losses of OC Stevenson Bone, QB Garrett Rooker, and RB Isaiah Knight impact this Thunderbirds squad just two years removed from a national championship loss? Can Kahari Jones work some magic in his first year on the job? So many questions for this team — grab your popcorn.
8. Queen's Gaels (11)
LAST YEAR: 6-4, Yates Cup semifinal loss to Laurier
WEEK ONE: Saturday, 45-42 4OT loss. vs. Western
It seems a bit weird that a team who lost moves up a whopping three spots on a poll, but in a 4OT game, someone had to lose. While the loss stings, the Gaels’ performance suggests they’re still very much in the conversation in the OUA, and that this season-long horse race may not be limited to the usual suspects — and it certainly won’t be decided in August.
Queen's deserves to remain in the top 15. The loss aside, I don't see many teams below them that could have given Western a run for their money like the Gaels did in Week 1. It's not time to panic, but they need a bounce-back win against McMaster to prevent them from sliding back. — Geono Aloisio, Canada West Writer
Queen’s couldn’t close on Saturday night, but they made one thing clear... the OUA isn’t just a two-horse race. Are we watching the start of a new parity era? — Bryden O'Flaherty, Co-Founder & CEO
9. Guelph Gryphons (8)
LAST YEAR: 7-3, Yates Cup semifinal loss
WEEK ONE: Saturday, Aug. 23, 33-28 loss. vs. Laurier
A home playoff game is still the expectation in The Royal City, but next week will spell an equally tough matchup as the Gryphons travel to Western. Tristan Aboud threw for 415 yards and a touchdown and ran for 96 and two scores — there's no issues on offence. Guelph moved the chains a staggering 27 time to Laurier's 15. Like Queen's, Guelph showed they're not an fun matchup for anyone in the province.
Even though the Gryphons came up short by five points to Laurier, their effort was something to be proud of. Tristan Aboud was awesome, commanding the offence with 415 passing yards, two passing scores, and two rushing touchdowns. Next week at Western brings another test early for Guelph, however. — Nicolas Tazzeo, OUA Writer
10. Bishop's Gaiters (-)
LAST YEAR: 10-1, Uteck Bowl loss to Laurier
WEEK ONE: Saturday, 43-7 win @ Mount Allison
Last year's undefeated Gaiters kept rolling. A Week 2 bye keeps the boys in purple fresh ahead of a huge matchup against SMU, who are eager to get back to their winning ways and carry over the momentum from last year's playoff win over St. FX. 2024 AUS Most Outstanding Player Justin Quirion finished with a whopping five passing touchdowns and 367 yards, though did throw two picks. They took 14 penalties for 100 yards — which won't fly against some other opponents.
11. Regina Rams (9)
LAST YEAR: 5-6, Mitchell Bowl loss to Laval
WEEK ONE: Friday, Aug. 29, 5:30 p.m. @ Calgary
The Regina Rams opened their preseason with a dramatic 31-28 win over Manitoba in Winnipeg. After surrendering 25 straight points to trail late, second-year quarterback Conner Kerr led the Rams on a final drive capped by Damien Cherry’s one-yard touchdown with 13 seconds left to seal the victory for the defending Canada West champions. With Regina set to host the 60th Vanier Cup this fall, the spotlight will be on the city and the program — adding extra motivation for the Rams to make a deep playoff push on home turf. Last year, that push fell three points short of a national championship appearance, as the Rams lost to eventual champions Laval at Mosaic Stadium. If this defence remains the conference's best, they're going to be in every game.
Can you call a preseason game an upset? Probably not. But there's not much to go on, so we'll consider it. Regina rolled into Winnipeg and took down the Bisons. If they take care of business against a new-look Dinos squad Week 1, I'm keeping this team firmly on my radar moving forward. — Andrew Wilimek, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief
12. Ottawa Gee-Gees (13)
LAST YEAR: 4-5, Yates Cup quarterfinal loss to Guelph
WEEK ONE: Saturday, 27-12 win @ Waterloo
Just like last year, the Gee-Gees strolled in to Waterloo and handled the Warriors without much issue. The secondary has oozed graduations, and will rely on quality (Patrick Cumberbatch & Denny Ferdinand) over quantity. The defence is once again this group's calling card — linebacker Marc Djonay Rondeau (7.5 tackles), defensive lineman Riley Hildebrandt (1.5 sacks) in particular on Saturday. Josh Janssen did his job, finding great chemistry with Noah Avery (six receptions for 105 yards) in particular. But the road gets tougher from here — Ottawa will welcome York for their home opener next weekend then take on Western, Guelph, and Laurier in consecutive weekends.
Ottawa’s showing in Waterloo was solid, highlighted by a defence that refused to give up a touchdown. Still, the offence couldn’t get much traction in the ground game. That won’t cut it next week, when York comes to town with a chance to make noise. The Gee-Gees will be favoured, but they’ll need to rise to the occasion and prove they can deliver against a tougher opponent. — Andrew Wilimek, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief
13. McGill Redbirds (NR)
LAST YEAR: 3-6, Dunsmore Cup semifinal loss to Montreal
WEEK ONE: Friday, 38-22 win vs. Sherbrooke
Entering his fourth season with the Redbirds, the sky is the limit for quarterback Eloa Latendresse-Regimbald. The hometown kid threw for 327 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, and added 62 yards and two more on the ground in a safe win over Sherbrooke. Highly-regarded running back recruit Jerry Momo broke through for a touchdown on an 81-yard run. On defence, second-year defensive back Justin Perron was in issue, racking up two sacks, three total tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. Meanwhile, Mathis Pilon picked off Samuel Goulet-Menard twice. Next week spells a much tougher test in Quebec City.
McGill rolled in Friday night with an offence you don’t want to mess with. Five legit RSEQ All-Star candidates in Eloa Latendresse-Regimbald, Jerry Momo, Darius Simmons, David Kabwe, and Brandon Ciccarello. — Bryden O'Flaherty, Co-Founder & CEO
McGill is the sleeper of all sleepers. In a conference that typically only produces two powerhouse teams, the Redbirds look poised to shock the nation. — Scott Hutter, National Writer
McGill was fantastic in their dominant 38-22 win over Sherbrooke to open regular-season play. The Redbirds bested the Vert et Or in just about every offensive category and had a highlight play to remember in an electric touchdown run from former CEGEP D1 MVP, Jerry Momo. Watch out, RSEQ. — Nicolas Tazzeo, OUA Writer
14. St. FX X-Men (12)
LAST YEAR: 5-4, Loney Bowl semifinal loss to SMU
WEEK ONE: BYE
After three straight undefeated AUS seasons from 2021–23, St. Francis Xavier stumbled in 2024, finishing 5-3 before a shocking first-round playoff loss to Saint Mary’s. With veteran QB Silas Fagnan, a two-time AUS MVP, and RB Malcolm Bussey returning from injury after a 1,000-yard 2023 season, are the X-Men poised for a redemption run in 2025?
STFX had the week one bye, so their ranking remains steady in my book. I want to see what the combo of Fagnan and Bussey looks like this season. — Scott Hutter, National Writer
15. Windsor Lancers (14)
LAST YEAR: 5-4, Yates Cup quarterfinal loss to Queen's
WEEK ONE: BYE
Another team on bye week falls through no fault of their own. Who thought it was a good idea to hand the OUA’s most-travelled team a break in Week 1? Windsor will use the extra prep time for Laurier and Guelph, but the break might have been better placed before back-to-back road trips to Ottawa and Kingston in Weeks 8 and 9. The Lancers will be without two-time OUA Second Team All-Star linebacker Devin Veresuk, drafted second overall by the Ticats — one of four Windsor players taken in the CFL Draft. Still, their ground game remains dangerous with Joey Zorn and Liam Talbot leading the way.
Head coach Jean-Paul Circelli has steadily rebuilt Windsor into a contender, guiding the program to three straight playoff appearances, including a 6–2 regular season and a quarterfinal win in 2023. Last fall, they came within a field goal of upsetting Queen’s in the postseason. With a steady stream of cross-border talent, the Lancers look ready to stay in the mix.