Week 4 of the U SPORTS football season was rivalry week.
Montreal vs. Laval at CEPSUM, the Battle of Alberta in Edmonton, the Banjo Bowl in Winnipeg, and the Battle of Waterloo headlined the games around the country.
A rematch of last year's OUA quarterfinal in Guelph between the Gryphons and Gee-Gees, a meeting between UBC and Regina, and a clash between Bishop's and St. FX rounded out a stacked field of games.
José Alejandro Gonzalez Garza would likely be the longest name ever engraved on the U SPORTS Rookie of the Year trophy — though maybe the phenom would opt to go with "Pépé," if that happens come October.
The Rookie of the Year trophy won't be the only trophy he has his eyes on either. Through three games, and after defeating the defending Vanier Cup champions Laval, his numbers make you go 'wow'.
Gonzalez Garza's quarterback rating of 210.5 stands as the best mark in the country, thanks to his 51-of-69 passing and eight touchdowns to zero interceptions so far.
Anton Amundrud, Arnaud Desjardins, Cal Wither, Jackson Tachinski, and Noah Pelletier all have their own headlights directed towards the Hec Crighton too. Throw Ethan Jordan, Ryker Frank, and Ethan Dolby into that mix, and you've got a crowded list of contenders.
Good thing we have five more weeks of football to figure it out.
1. Montreal Carabins (2)
LAST YEAR: 8-2, Dunsmore Cup loss
WEEK FOUR: Friday, 38-28 win vs. Laval
In front of a sold-out, electric CEPSUM crowd, Montreal extended their home dominance over Laval with a 38-28 win Friday night. Rookie quarterback José Alejandro “Pépé” Gonzalez Garza impressed again, throwing for 338 yards and two touchdowns while directing an offence that capitalized on Laval turnovers.
Early momentum came from Félix Deslauriers’ forced fumble and recovery and an Elijah Cramaix pick-six, while Montreal’s defence racked up four sacks. The Carabins haven’t lost at home to Laval since 2018, and at 3-0 now sit atop the RSEQ standings.
Mike Still's feature article on Pépé was well timed. Will other quarterbacks line up for one next ahead of marquee matchups for good luck? — Andrew Wilimek, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief
2. Western Mustangs (3)
LAST YEAR: 9-2, Yates Cup loss
WEEK FOUR: Saturday, 63-26 win at Carleton
The Mustangs continued their dominant start with a 63-26 win over Carleton, powered by another explosive performance from running back Ethan Dolby, who is making quite the Larry Haylor Award push.
Dolby rushed for 230 yards and four touchdowns, bringing his season total to 11 — the most in U SPORTS. Jack Kelly added 110 on just six runs. The defence contributed four interceptions, including a pick-six from Jackson MacKay. Week 9 spells a true test against Laurier.
The way in which Western has been absolutely dismantling their opponents behind the brilliant rushing of Ethan Dolby through the first four games of the year keeps them atop my OUA rankings. They have been the most complete model of consistency in the country in 2025. — Nicolas Tazzeo, OUA Writer
3. Laval Rouge et Or (1)
LAST YEAR: 11-1, Vanier Cup win
WEEK FOUR: Friday, 38-28 loss at Montreal
At 2-1 after the loss in Montreal, the defending Vanier Cup champions remain dangerous, with an October rematch against the Carabins circled.
Neither team bothered with much of a ground game, as Arnaud Desjardins completed 33-of-45 passes for 309 yards, three touchdowns, and a costly pick six.
Desjardins has never won at the CEPSUM — will we see the first ever Jacques Dussault Cup on the sidelines the next time he's there?
Down goes Laval! The defending champs lose to Montreal and are dethroned from their number one spot. The Oct. 18 rematch will be must see TV, both teams will try and lock up the #1 RSEQ seed heading into playoffs. — Ryan O'Connor, OUA Writer
4. Laurier Golden Hawks (-)
LAST YEAR: 11-1, Vanier Cup loss
WEEK FOUR: 41-19 win vs. Waterloo
The Laurier Golden Hawks stayed perfect at 4-0 with a 41-19 victory over crosstown rivals Waterloo in the 59th Battle of Waterloo.
After a scoreless first quarter, Laurier exploded for 24 points in the second, highlighted by Ethan Jordan’s 88-yard touchdown reception — a new career high — and one of three scores on the day for the receiver, who stands as a Larry Haylor Award favourite.
Laurier’s win in the Battle of Waterloo was expected and they took care of business handily. Callum Wither was nearly perfect, completing 19 of 25 passes for 299 yards and four touchdown passes, including three to Ethan Jordan. What a clash of the titans their rematch against Western will be in Week 9. — Nicolas Tazzeo, OUA Writer
5. Regina Rams (7)
LAST YEAR: 5-6, Mitchell Bowl loss to Laval
WEEK FOUR: Friday, 30-17 win at UBC
The Regina Rams remain unbeaten at 3-0 after a 30-17 victory over UBC in a marquee Canada West matchup. Quarterback Noah Pelletier led the charge with 360 passing yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Rylan Sokul, Nicholas Sirleaf, and Blake Laidlaw.
Marshall Erichsen dominated on the ground, rushing for 196 yards and sealing the win late in the fourth quarter. Regina’s balanced offence, backed by smart adjustments and precise execution, kept them in control despite a UBC rally in the third quarter. The Rams now turn their attention to a high-stakes provincial clash with Saskatchewan next week.
In a chaotic conference, Regina brings stability: a dominant O-line fueling both run and pass, paired with one of the country’s top run defences. A win over Saskatchewan could cement them as a top-3 team. — Bryden O'Flaherty, Co-Founder & CEO
6. Queen's Gaels (6)
LAST YEAR: 6-4, Yates Cup semifinal loss to Laurier
WEEK FOUR: Friday, 44-6 win at Toronto
Queen’s cruised to a dominant 44-6 victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday at Varsity Stadium, improving to 2-2 on the season and couple of friendlier games on the horizon.
Alex Vreeken passed for 223 yards and three touchdowns, all caught by Nathan Falconi, who finished with 74 yards receiving. Running back Jared Chisari returned to 2024 form, powering the ground game with 183 yards and two touchdowns, while the defence picked Scott Barnett off five times, highlighted by John Corscadden’s three picks and Ashton Miller-Melancon’s two.
Queen's stays at #6 this week on my ballot. A decisive, but expected, victory against the Varsity Blues sees them at 2-2 to start the year. I wouldn't be surprised if the tricolour goes the rest of the season undefeated, and finishes third in the OUA. Week 7 against Guelph and Week 9 against Windsor will be huge games to determine playoff seedings. — Ryan O'Connor, OUA Writer
7. Saskatchewan Huskies (5)
LAST YEAR: 6-4, Hardy Cup loss
WEEK FOUR: Saturday, 21-20 loss at Manitoba
The Saskatchewan Huskies saw their perfect start halted in a nail-biter, falling 21-20 at Manitoba in a heartbreaking Banjo Bowl. Quarterback Anton Amundrud threw for 187 yards and a touchdown, while Ryker Frank contributed 98 rushing yards and one score.
The Huskies jumped out to a 17-0 first-half lead, but Manitoba stormed back in the second half behind Jackson Tachinski. Both defences were stellar, with six combined sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 20 punts in the game.
Saskatchewan had a late chance to reclaim the lead with a 43-yard field goal attempt, but Lukas Scott missed wide left. The Huskies will now return home to face provincial rival Regina after a bye on Friday, Sept. 19.
Saskatchewan's second half collapse against Manitoba raises some red flags for me. The Huskies had the game firmly in their control — and had chances to turn the tides when the Bisons were gaining steam — but couldn't capitalize. Is it a one week hiccup? Or is it something to worry about? We will find out next week as they face Regina. — Geono Aloisio, Canada West Writer
8. Ottawa Gee-Gees (9)
LAST YEAR: 4-5, Yates Cup quarterfinal loss to Guelph
WEEK FOUR: Saturday, 30-23 win at Guelph
The Gee-Gees edged the Gryphons 30-23 in a game dominated by special teams and defence. Denny Ferdinand returned a punt for a touchdown, while Jaxxon Brashear nabbed two interceptions (one pick-six) and led the team with nine total tackles, including a sack and forced fumble. At 3-1, Ottawa now controls its playoff destiny heading into a critical stretch of the OUA schedule.
The Gee-Gees rolled into Guelph ready to play, picking Tristan Aboud off four times and sacking him twice. This was the last road trip of the season, thanks to an "away" Panda Game. — Andrew Wilimek, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief
9. Manitoba Bisons (11)
LAST YEAR: 7-2, Hardy Cup semifinal loss
WEEK FOUR: Saturday, 21-20 win vs. Saskatchewan
The Manitoba Bisons stunned the undefeated Saskatchewan Huskies 21-20 in their home opener at Princess Auto Stadium, rallying from a 17-0 halftime deficit for their first win under head coach Stan Pierre.
QB Jackson Tachinski threw for 258 yards and three second-half touchdowns, connecting with Nathan Udoh (12 catches, 158 yards) and Vaughan Lloyd for the game-winner. Breydon Stubbs rushed for 107 yards, while Manitoba’s defence held Saskatchewan to just three second-half points, with Jerome Fouillard and Kaleb Mackie-McLeod combining for three sacks.
Manitoba improves to 1-2, with the Huskies dropping to 2-1, as the Bisons prepare for Homecoming against Alberta.
10. UBC Thunderbirds (8)
LAST YEAR: 5-4, Hardy Cup semifinal loss to Saskatchewan
WEEK FOUR: Friday, 30-17 loss vs. Regina
The UBC Thunderbirds fell 30-17 to the undefeated Regina Rams Friday night at Thunderbird Stadium, dropping to 1-2 on the season. Blake Nill started Derek Engel for the first time in 2025, and trailed 20-6 at halftime. UBC rallied in the third, with Engel hitting Shemar McBean for a 62-yard touchdown and Drew Viotto getting a goalline look and connecting with Jeff Curtis for his first career Canada West score.
But the Rams controlled the fourth quarter, adding two touchdowns and a key interception to seal the win. Engel finished 21-of-29 for 297 yards with a touchdown and two picks, while McBean had 158 receiving yards and a touchdown in the loss.
UBC gets one more week ahead of Calgary on my list and as the two teams prepare to face off this week, the outlook on Canada West should start to gain some clarity. — Jeffrey Kennett, Canada West Writer
UBC continues to slide back in my ballot. I was expecting them to put up better fights against Regina and Saskatchewan. Those are arguably the top two teams in Canada West — although, this week taught us nothing is certain in that conference — and thought the T-Birds could give them a run for their money. Beating Calgary next week would go a long way in establishing them as the number three team in the conference. — Geono Aloisio, Canada West Writer
11. Calgary Dinos (14)
LAST YEAR: 2-6, missed playoffs
WEEK FOUR: Friday, 23-19 win at Alberta
The Calgary Dinos (2-1) have leaned on a powerful and balanced offense early in 2025, highlighted by a dominant rushing attack led by rookie Eri Olarubofin. Calgary’s defence has also been stout, forcing turnovers and limiting big plays in crucial moments.
The team has extended its long-standing dominance in Edmonton with 12 straight wins in Northern Alberta and remains a tough road opponent. With a rematch against UBC on the horizon, the Dinos are clicking at the right time.
Calgary is emerging as my sleeper to win the West. They’ve now won back-to-back nail-biters, including a last-minute touchdown to take the Battle of Alberta. At 2-1 and a couple of plays from 3-0, this young team is learning how to win... and that’s dangerous. — Bryden O'Flaherty, Co-Founder & CEO
Calgary is quietly 2-1 with a big road win against Alberta. Definitely a team to watch as we get into the thick of the Canada West schedule. — Scott Hutter, National Writer
12. Guelph Gryphons (10)
LAST YEAR: 7-3, Yates Cup semifinal loss
WEEK FOUR: Saturday, 30-23 loss vs. Ottawa
The Gryphons have shown flashes of big-play ability early in 2025, highlighted by dynamic rookies like Matthew Stam and explosive pass-catchers such as Jarod Tessier. Quarterback Tristan Aboud threw for over 300 yards, but also threw four interceptions.
Consistency remains a challenge. With back-to-back road games at McMaster and Carleton coming up, the Gryphons will look to stabilize and climb the OUA standings.
Guelph has had a tough start to the season. But their schedule does get easier from here on. Gryphon fans will hope to see their 1-3 start improved upon when they meet McMaster on Sept. 19. — Ryan O'Connor, OUA Writer
13. SMU Huskies (-)
LAST YEAR: 4-5, Loney Bowl semifinal loss to St. FX
WEEK FOUR: BYE
After their 33-7 beatdown of Bishop’s last week, Saint Mary’s watched the Gaiters hammer StFX 29-3. If the Huskies handled Bishop’s that easily, and Bishop’s crushed StFX, I’m more confident than ever in these Huskies to take care of business out east. — Bryden O'Flaherty, Co-Founder & CEO
14. Concordia Stingers (12)
LAST YEAR: 2-7, Dunsmore Cup semifinal loss to Laval
WEEK FOUR: Saturday, 26-13 loss at Sherbrooke
The Concordia Stingers (1-2) fell 26-13 at Sherbrooke, unable to capitalize on a late fourth-quarter push. Quarterback Xavier Tremblay passed for 197 yards and added 60 yards on the ground, but two costly interceptions and penalties at critical moments stalled the Stingers’ comeback.
The RSEQ picture is crowded — with Concordia, Sherbrooke, and McGill all recording wins against each other.
15. McGill Redbirds (-)
LAST YEAR: 3-6, Dunsmore Cup semifinal loss to Montreal
WEEK FOUR: BYE
Sherbrooke beats Concordia this week, Concordia beat McGill last week, and McGill beat Sherbrooke to open the season… the RSEQ’s third spot is a mess. I’ve got McGill slightly ahead for now, but the Stingers or Vert et Or both have a case. — Bryden O'Flaherty, Co-Founder & CEO
On the Cusp
It's easy to commentate from the press box or couch. But quarterbacks really struggled with keeping the ball safe this weekend. Varsity Blues quarterback Scott Barnett threw five picks in Saturday's loss to Queen's, three alone to John Corscadden. Tristan Aboud was picked off four times by the Gee-Gees in Guelph, including two by Jaxxon Brashear. Out east, Sam Tremblay managed just one more completion (three) than interception (two) in a game where the Bishop's Gaiters allowed just two first downs to the X-Men. Elijah Barnes threw two picks before giving way to Tristan Lefebvre against Western — who added two of his own. — Andrew Wilimek, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief
I can't make heads or tails of the AUS right now. Saint Mary's blows out Bishop's, Bishop's blows out St. FX. Next weeks Saint Mary's at St. FX game will either add clarity or even more confusion as to who the top team is. — Scott Hutter, National Writer
It seems like when Saint Mary’s gets a bye week, chaos reigns in the AUS. After getting blown out by the Huskies, Bishop’s, in return, blew out second-ranked StFX this weekend, 29-3. The winner of that conference may be clear by now, the real question is who comes next. — Nicolas Tazzeo, OUA Writer
Canada West football is pure chaos. Anytime you think you have a team figured out, they surprise you with a magical upset. Whoever comes out with the Hardy Cup this year should not be taken lightly. This conference is full of great teams. — Geono Aloisio, Canada West Writer
The Warriors actually put up a great fight against Laurier, with Nick Orr completing 23-of-35 passes for 288 yards, two touchdowns, an interception, and 75 yards rushing on the ground in his return from injury. The battle for the final OUA playoff spot is going to come down to the wire. — Andrew Wilimek, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief