The Saskatchewan Roughriders may be the defending Grey Cup champions. Still, head coach Corey Mace made it clear on Day 1 of rookie camp that no one in the organization is carrying that mindset into 2026.
“We’re not defending really anything,” Mace said following the opening day of training camp at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon.
“You know, I’ve been saying this all off-season. Our next game is not for a trophy. So, we’re working like we’re starving because everybody across the league wants to play in that last game of the year. We’re no different than anybody else. We’ve got to go earn the right to do that. So, this is day one, and it’s incredible to be out here to get back on that journey.”
That tone set the stage for a high-energy opening session featuring 63 newcomers eligible to participate in rookie camp. Much of the day was centred on teaching, particularly as players adjusted to the nuances of the Canadian game, but competitiveness still surfaced throughout the workout.
The offence and defence squared off during the final team period of practice, with the defence decisively winning the session by intercepting three passes.
Former Los Angeles Rams defensive back JuJu Hughes delivered arguably the defensive play of the day, stepping in front of a receiver and reading a pass perfectly for a highlight-reel interception.
On the offensive side, receiver Tyrie Cleveland made the top splash play, hauling in a heavily contested 34-yard pass from quarterback Jack Coan.
Mace said players with previous professional experience showed why they’ve generated intrigue entering camp.
“Yeah, you expect it,” Mace said. “And not just those guys. There’s other guys making big plays for us today. Those are the things you’re excited about.”
“You never know till you see them in person. But judging off the film that they’ve had to get to this point, they’re really good players. So, matching them up with other guys who’ve had a bunch of success to this point, you want to see who rises to the top.”
Mace also praised the intelligence of the rookie group after their first day in meetings and on the practice field.
“I thought it was a really good day,” Mace said. “Smart group of football players. We talked about that as a staff last night, just going through the meetings and stuff before we got on the field, and then seeing it parley onto the field today.”
The Riders’ head coach, in his third season with the organization, added that confidence began separating certain players as the session progressed, especially those already familiar with the CFL game.
“It’s a feel-out process,” Mace said. “A lot of guys coming up north, getting adjusted to the game, but still having some guys who’ve played in the CFL with our team last year returning. So you’re starting to see pro-calibre players beginning that confidence before the vets come.”
“Obviously, it’s going to ramp up more, but certainly making plays out here can only help you going forward.”
One notable absence from the field was Saskatchewan’s second-round CFL Draft pick Dylan Djete, who is dealing with an injury.
Mace said the Canadian receiver remains heavily involved despite being sidelined.
“He’s just dealing with a little bit of soft tissue stuff, and he’ll be out here fairly soon,” Mace said. “But for him, even a guy obviously who we thought highly of where we picked him in the draft, having him still being in all the meetings, making sure he comes out here to get as much time on the field with the offence after he’s doing his rehab, he’s an excellent player. He’s going to have a great shot.”
While the Grey Cup banner may hang over the franchise entering 2026, Day 1 in Saskatoon looked much more like a team trying to prove itself all over again.
