The Saskatchewan Roughriders are adding a strong dose of local talent ahead of rookie camp, and one name stands out for fans in Regina.
The club announced it has signed four players, including University of Regina Rams defensive back Carson Sombach, along with long snapper Reed Hughes, defensive lineman Nathan Pickering and defensive back Billy Jonas Pernier.
Sombach, a Regina product, joins the Green and White following a standout 2025 season with the Rams that cemented his status as one of the top defensive players in U SPORTS. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound safety was named a U SPORTS Second-Team All-Canadian and a Canada West All-Star after leading his hometown team’s secondary.
He started all eight regular-season games and both playoff contests, piling up 53 tackles, nine pass deflections, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick. His biggest moment came early in the season, when he returned an interception 109 yards for a touchdown, the longest interception return in University of Regina history and tied for the second longest in Canada West history.
Sombach also showcased his athleticism at the 2026 CFL Combine, finishing sixth in both the shuttle (4.19 seconds) and three-cone drill (7.0 seconds), numbers that helped boost his pro stock.
Over his Rams career, which spanned seven seasons including two redshirt years, Sombach played 36 games and recorded 152 tackles, four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 11 pass knockdowns and a blocked kick — production that made him a consistent presence in the secondary.
His signing continues the Roughriders' trend of investing in local talent, giving Saskatchewan fans a familiar name to watch as rookie camp gets underway.
The team also added Auburn long snapper Reed Hughes, who handled full-time duties for the Tigers over the past two seasons, Laval return specialist Billy Jonas Pernier, the reigning RSEQ Special Teams Player of the Year, and former Mississippi State defensive lineman Nathan Pickering, who spent time with the Seattle Seahawks after going undrafted in 2024.
While all four additions bring intriguing resumes, Sombach’s local roots and playmaking ability make him an especially compelling storyline as he looks to take the next step in his football career with his hometown CFL team.
