‘We’re on the clock’: Riders set to open 2025 CFL season against Ottawa

As the Saskatchewan Roughriders kick off the 2025 CFL regular season, the mindset is simple for the veteran squad.

“We think it’s our time. We are on the clock, so what are we going to do with it?” said Riders head coach Corey Mace. “Everybody is hungry, but it’s one thing to say it; it’s another thing to do it every day and certainly (Thursday) is another day we have to answer the bell.

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The Riders took plenty of positive steps last season under Mace, who was in his first season as a CFL head coach.

The team returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2021 and got all the way to the West Final, though the season ended in a loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers once again.

In 2025, the expectations are even higher as the team looks to reach the Grey Cup for the first time since 2013.

“We all feel like it’s our time. We still have a bad taste from what happened in the west final, so we are ready to get rolling this year,” said wide receiver Sam Emilus, who is coming off back-to-back 1,000 receiving yard seasons.

The first steps towards appearing in Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on November 16 take place on Thursday at Mosaic Stadium. The Riders will host the Ottawa Redblacks. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m., and the Green Zone pregame show begins at 5 p.m.

One of the biggest keys for the Riders this season will be quarterback Trevor Harris and keeping the 39-year-old healthy. As Harris enters his 13th CFL season, he still gets excited about Week 1.

“All the guys making fun of my age, it hurt,” Harris said jokingly. “When you strap the helmet on, you feel like a kid out here. I don’t feel my age and I am excited about it. I am very grateful. There’s been a lot of times when I didn’t know if the next snap was going to happen or where it was going to happen… I’m just thankful that I am here and get to be the quarterback of this franchise.”

In order to keep Harris healthy, the offensive line will need to overcome some early-season adversity.

Not only has the group possibly lost both centre Sean McEwen (knee) and guard Philippe Gagnon (bicep) for the season, but another presumed Week 1 starter is now out. Jacob Brammer tweaked his back in practice and is unable to play this week. Payton Collins will make his first CFL start in Brammer’s place at left tackle.

“Obviously I didn’t expect to be called up Week 1, but just have to be ready for whatever and (I’m) happy to get a chance to help the team this week,” Collins said. “I’m excited to see us go out and compete.”

The offensive line will also look to clear a path for running back AJ Ouellette, who is healthy to start this season. In eight games last season, Ouellette rushed for 558 yards and three touchdowns.

The offence will have to deal with linebacker Adarius Pickett, who is playing in his first game since he suffered a torn Achilles in Week 15 last season.

On defence, the Riders will try to stop a new look Redblacks offence.

Ottawa pivot Dru Brown is in his second season as a starting quarterback. Last season Brown had 3,959 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

A few new weapons for Ottawa’s offence include running back William Stanback and wide receiver Eugene Lewis.

Stanback had 1,175 yards and three touchdowns in 18 games for the Lions last season.

Lewis is one of the CFL’s best pass-catchers, and hauled in 1,070 yards and 10 touchdowns as a member of the Edmonton Elks.

“He’s a great player. He’s a jump-ball guy and a guy who is going to go get it every single time. We have to make sure we are locked in on our responsibilities. We feel if we take care of our job, we will be successful,” said defensive back Marcus Sayles, who was an All-CFLer last season.

The Riders will look to get off to a fast start after bringing back so many players from last season, and the team will also look to use the home crowd to their advantage in the contest.

“You can sort of feel the excitement building up. Every time you’re in a store and people mention it to you, they are counting down to the days left. It just reminds you and gives you chills a little bit when you’re younger and the town shuts down, and it’s a big deal for the people here,” Harris said.

“We’re really excited to play in front of the best fan base in Canada.”