VIDEO: Roughriders name Thurman, Harris among 2026 award winners

“It’s an honour. As you know me, I’m not too concerned about (the awards). I just want to make sure I am doing the best I can to lead this team and be the best quarterback I can for this organization and province,” Harris said. “It’s something I don’t take lightly so I am very grateful and thankful.”

Harris is the first Roughrider to win back-to-back MOP nominations since Cody Fajardo in 2019 and 2021. Harris is the 12th Roughrider to win the award in at least two straight years. Kent Austin (1990-92) and fullback George Reed (1967-69) are the only players in team history to win three consecutive MOP awards.

The #Riders team award winners were announced on Thursday. @BrittonGray has more from the practice field. #CFL https://t.co/7qZiqO03Qb

— The Green Zone (@GreenZoneSK) October 22, 2026

Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Jameer Thurman

Thurman has been named the Roughriders’ Most Outstanding Defensive Player for the second straight year. He ranks fifth in the CFL with 99 defensive tackles through 17 games. That is already a new career high for the linebacker. Thurman has also recorded three sacks, five tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and two pass knockdowns.

“This season, I think I sacrificed my turnovers for tackles this year because I am on pace to have a career-high in that,” Thurman said. “I could have been a lot better but I am thankful for where I am and there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

The last Riders defender to earn the nomination in back-to-back seasons was Tyron Brackenridge in 2012 and 2013.

Most Outstanding Canadian: Kian Schaffer-Baker

Kian Schaffer-Baker only needed 11 games to cross the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career, leading to him being named the team’s Most Outstanding Canadian.

He has caught 67 passes for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns.

“Every time I step onto the field, I leave everything out there. Could there have been more out there? I don’t think so. I think I did everything I possibly could have done with the opportunity I was given,” Schaffer-Baker said. “Injuries come into place or whatever setback there is, I kept grinding and kept working and never quit.”

Schaffer-Baker has recorded four 100-yard games this season, including a career-high 185 receiving yards against Edmonton on July 23. He was also the nominee for this award in 2022.

Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Logan Ferland

Logan Ferland has been named the Roughriders’ Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman for the fourth time in five seasons. The Melfort, Sask., product has helped lock down a Riders offensive line that has allowed the second-fewest sacks in the CFL this season (24).

“I think there’s a lot of guys deserving of this award and it really is a team award along the offensive line. No guy can win this without the help of the other guy beside him so it really goes out to those guys and just very grateful,” Ferland said.

Ferland recently played his 100th game with Saskatchewan after becoming a starter on the offensive line in 2021.

Most Outstanding Rookie: Daniel Wiebe

Daniel Wiebe has made a smooth transition from being one of the top weapons in U Sports with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies to becoming a key contributor with the Riders.

“The support I have from the team and coaches has been amazing. I attribute a lot of that success to them so just that leadership that has been shown all throughout the season has been amazing,” Wiebe said. “To backup some of those veterans has meant a lot. I have learned so much from them and just having that guidance from all those guys in the locker room. It means a lot.”

Wiebe was named the team’s Most Outstanding Rookie after being selected in the eighth round of the 2025 CFL Draft. In 13 games, Wiebe has caught 20 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 15.8 yards per reception.

Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Melique Straker

Melique Straker has been one of the CFL’s top contributors on special teams this season, ranking third with 21 special teams tackles.

“It’s real when you are who you think you are. I think that’s the best way I can put it. Being represented or noticed in that way, it’s cool. It’s nice but it just lines up to how I see myself,” Straker said.

“I see myself as the best so the fact that that lines up on the stat sheet and how I am viewed by my peers and my coaches and other people around the league is awesome.”

Those contributions have led to the 2024 fourth-round pick (32nd overall) being named the Riders’ Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.

New voting procedure

Starting this season, the CFL player of the year awards will no longer have divisional finalists. Moving forward, the team award winners along with all other players who received at least one vote from the local voters, will advance to the national vote.

The CFL will not be holding an awards show during Grey Cup week. Instead, the league has opted to present the award winners their accolades personally but will be announcing them on its website and social media.

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by Britton Gray/CJME