Saskatchewan Roughriders finalize 2026 roster

Sexton finished tied for the team lead in pre-season receiving with nine catches for 112 yards while also contributing on special teams. Johnson III made the most of his opportunities, hauling in four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. Conley added 43 rushing yards on 13 carries over two exhibition games.

Several Saskatchewan athletes were among those affected by the final roster decisions.

Former University of Regina Rams defensive back Carson Sombach was listed as a return-to-school transaction. Sombach was one of the local stories of training camp after earning an opportunity with the Riders following his standout university career.

A return to school designation allows the club to retain a player’s rights for a future season while keeping the player off the active roster.

Meanwhile, University of Saskatchewan athlete Daniel Wiebe earned a practice roster spot. Wiebe made the most of limited opportunities during the pre-season, recording two catches for 10 yards and a game-winning touchdown on his former home turf.

Big River-born offensive lineman Connor Klassen was among the players released.

One of the more notable cuts was running back Mario Anderson Jr., who led the Riders in pre-season rushing with 65 yards on 10 carries. Also released were receivers Juwann Winfree, Siaosi Mariner, Javian Hester and Abdul Janneh Jr.

Saskatchewan also decided to cut kicker Jonathan Kim, as well as Jesse Mirco who handled punting duties for the team late in the season and won a Grey Cup last year.

The complete list of players is:

Added to practice roster

American running back Quali Conley
American linebacker David Gbenda
National defensive lineman Liam Hoskins
American defensive back Juju Hughes
National offensive lineman Jez Janvier
American receiver Johnny Johnson III
American defensive back Seyi Oladipo Jr.
American defensive lineman Jaylen Pate
American offensive lineman Thomas Perry
American receiver Mathew Sexton
Global linebacker Tyron Vrede
National receiver Daniel Wiebe
American offensive lineman Jaison Williams

Retired or return to school

National linebacker Osasere Odemwinge
National defensive back Carson Sombach

Moved to one-game injured list

National defensive lineman Benoit Marion

Moved to six-game injured list

National offensive lineman Darius Bell
National receiver Dylan Djete

Released

American running back Mario Anderson Jr.
American defensive lineman Sundiata Anderson
American defensive lineman Chico Bennett Jr.
American offensive lineman Spencer Brown
American defensive back James Burgess Jr.
American receiver Javian Hester
American long snapper Reed Hughes
American receiver Abdul Janneh Jr.
American linebacker Vi Jones
American kicker Jonathan Kim
National offensive lineman Connor Klassen
American receiver Siaosi Mariner
National receiver Shemar McBean
Global punter Jesse Mirco
American defensive back Benny Sapp III
National defensive back Trae Tomlinson
American defensive lineman Davin Vann
American defensive back Steven Weston Jr.
American receiver Juwann Winfre

The transactions finalized Saskatchewan’s roster as the defending Grey Cup champions prepare to open their 2026 regular-season on June 13 against BC Lions after their bye in week 1.

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by Jacob Bamhour/CJME