VIDEO: ‘Super excited’: Jack Coan gets first CFL start Saturday

A few new faces will get a chance to showcase their talents in the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ regular-season finale.

Saskatchewan will take on the Edmonton Elks on Saturday, as both teams will be resting a number of starters. The Elks have already clinched first place in the CFL West Division and will host the West Final on Nov. 7.

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Meanwhile, Saskatchewan will be on the road no matter the result of Saturday’s game as a win keeps them West to take on the B.C. Lions, while a loss will send them East to meet the Toronto Argonauts. Kickoff for Saturday’s game is set for 1 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 11 a.m.

With the team resting starting quarterback and team Most Outstanding Player Trevor Harris, Jack Coan will make his first career CFL start.

“I was super excited. It has been a long time coming. It has been a few years since I’ve started a game like this. Just super excited. My family is pumped. They will be here,” Coan said. “It’s going to be an awesome time and I’m just going to try enjoy every second.”

Coan played three seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers before ending his college career with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He last started games in the XFL in 2023 with the San Antonio Brahmas.

He admits it’s tough to be patient at times waiting for your next opportunity.

“When I first started to not play coming out of college and things like that, it was difficult for me at first but I think as I have gone on, I have had a change of perspective. You can be sitting here going, ‘Man, this is brutal. I just come to practice every day and run the scout team.’ When you look back at it, it’s just amazing being a part of this organization and the QB room I am with and everything is so awesome,” Coan said. “I have a chance to get better every day no matter what.”

The #Riders will see some new faces tomorrow in the game against the Elks. @BrittonGray brings an update from practice from starting quarterback Jack Coan and running back Deon Jackson. #CFL https://t.co/xA8vRAu3rn
— The Green Zone (@GreenZoneSK) October 23, 2026

Along with Coan, quarterback Brayden Schager could see some snaps.

“It’s great. I have been working hard all year just trying to pick up everything I can and learn from the older guys and it’s been a great experience this year and excited for the opportunity,” Schager said. “If I get my chance out there, I’m going to be looking forward to it and just have fun.”

Changes at the quarterback spot aren’t the only ones taking place. Running back Deon Jackson will start at running back for A.J. Ouellette and Jaison Williams will start at right tackle for Jermarcus Hardrick, who showed up on the injury report with a knee injury.

“He’s been pushing through some stuff throughout the whole year,” Riders head coach Corey Mace said. “Jaison Williams has been here all year just waiting for an opportunity and we have been pretty fortunate up front. Due to injuries, I looked at it as a win-win — Jaison to get an opportunity and (Hardrick) has been battling and could use a little (rest) here.”

Linebacker Seyi Oladipo makes his return to the lineup after missing a few games due to an ankle injury. Wide receiver KeeSean Johnson (ankle) is out this week.