University of Saskatchewan Huskies eyeing first Vanier Cup title since 1998

In August, 27 university football teams set out with the goal of reaching the Vanier Cup.

Now, as 25 teams sit on their couches and watch, just two teams remain and only one can come out on top.

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The University of Saskatchewan Huskies went 7-1 during the regular season before rattling off playoff wins against the University of British Columbia, the University of Regina, and Queen’s University.

Now, the Huskies are preparing to play for the Vanier Cup at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on Saturday, with the University of Montreal Carabins on the other side of the field.

Montreal went 6-2 in the regular season before taking down Concordia University, Laval University and St. Mary’s University in the playoffs.

Montreal was last in the Vanier Cup in 2023, when they beat UBC 16-9 to secure the championship.

As for the Huskies, their last appearance in the Vanier Cup was in 2022 when they fell 30-24 to Laval University.

Huskies Head Coach Scott Flory said both sides’ previous experience playing for Vanier Cup is something that can’t be underestimated.

“There’s experience there, and that helps,” he said. “It’s ‘Been there, done that’ a little bit, but we can’t just rely on that. The bulk of (Montreal’s) team was in the Vanier Cup a couple years ago too, so they’ve got experience as well.”

But while experience may play a factor in Saturday’s game, inexperience may play a role as well, as both sides are running out young quarterbacks

Second-year quarterback Jake Farrell is starting for the Huskies, while first-year quarterback José Alejandro Gonzalez Garza leads Montreal.

Saturday will be Farrell’s seventh start for the Huskies. He took over the role after quarterback Anton Amundrud was diagnosed with lymphoma.

At Thursday’s Vanier Cup News Conference, the Huskies displayed Amundrud’s number 11 next to the national trophy.

The Vanier Cup, with Huskies quarterback Anton Amundrud’s jersey. (Abby Zieverink/980CJME)

Farrell said each start has come with more pressure than the previous one, but he said the team does a fantastic job of getting all the players ready before the games.

“We do a great job in practice and really developing game-like situations,” he said. “Trusting the game plan and really leaning on each other.”

Farrell also credited quarterback coach Mason Nyhus for making his transition to the starting job as smooth as possible.

“All the knowledge he’s able to give me, it’s unbelievable,” the Huskies quarterback said. “I’ve improved so much under him.”

This is only the second time the Vanier Cup has been played in Saskatchewan. The first time was back in 2006 in Saskatoon, and the Huskies have found themselves in the game on both occasions.

For Regina-born quarterback coach Mason Nyhus, a win on Saturday would be a fairy tale ending to his Huskies career.

“It’s a nice full-circle moment for me, getting to play my last Huskie game here, back in my hometown,” he said. “This is a special game for us. We’ve gone through a lot this season on and off the field. It’s no secret. We know there’s a lot riding on this one.”

Huskies linebacker Seth Hundeby said Montreal has a really great team this year, which he expects will make for a very exciting game.

“They have a lot of good athletes everywhere on the field. They’re well coached,” he said. “They execute well and they fly around out there. I think it’s just going to be a really good match up.”

The Carabins have had their eyes on the Huskies this season, and Montreal receiver Brandon Gourgon said Saskatchewan is bringing a strong team to the game on Saturday.

“We actually watched the game last week,” said Gourgon. “(They’re) a great defensive team – well coached. They’re going to be well prepared. It’s going to be a good challenge.”

Kickoff for Saturday’s game at Mosaic Stadium is set for 1:15 p.m.

The Regina Exhibition Association, which manages Mosaic Stadium, encouraged fans to use alternate transportation to get to the big game, as parking will be in high demand.

“Due to increased demand for on-site parking at the REAL District between Saturday, November 22 to Saturday, November 29, 2025, we strongly encourage visitors to explore alternative transportation and parking options,” the association said in a statement.

Parking access can be found at the Lewvan Drive and Elphinstone entrances, and parking will be available in Lot D, south of the Brandt Centre. But for those aiming to avoid the rush for parking, the Park ‘n Ride Fan Bus will carry fans to the game from the University of Regina. The free bus departs from the Riddell Centre at 11 a.m. and return to the university campus at 4:30 p.m.