Ex-Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager makes strong impression in first CFL action with Roughriders

Brayden Schager made a strong first impression in Canadian Football League action, delivering an encouraging display for the Saskatchewan Roughriders during their preseason clash with the Calgary Stampeders.

The Dallas native completed 10 of his 18 pass attempts for 139 yards while also making an impact on the ground, rushing five times for 41 yards and scoring on an impressive 20-yard touchdown run. Although Saskatchewan suffered a 20-15 preseason defeat, Schager’s performance stood out during his little over a quarter of action for the Green and White.

After the game, the 23-year-old explained that he had remained patient while waiting for his opportunity and focused on staying prepared. He said the coaching staff consistently stresses the importance of readiness, knowing players may be called upon at any moment, and he wanted to take full advantage when his chance arrived.

Schager joined Saskatchewan in late September last year and appears to have used his time developing behind the scenes effectively. At McMahon Stadium, he looked composed under pressure, showed confidence in the pocket, delivered several sharp throws and demonstrated his athletic ability with key runs.

The six-foot-three quarterback admitted getting back onto the field felt rewarding after such a long spell away from live action. He described the experience as exciting, saying he enjoyed the physical side of the game and relished the opportunity to build on the work he had been doing in practice.

Despite being pleased with parts of his display, Schager acknowledged there were still areas he wanted to improve, stressing that growth remains his focus as he continues adapting to the professional level.

Monday’s appearance marked his first competitive action since his final start for the University of Hawaiʻi in November 2024. Across four NCAA seasons with the Rainbow Warriors, Schager started 37 games, throwing for 9,096 yards and 60 touchdowns while adding eight rushing scores.

Reflecting on his college experience, Schager spoke fondly of life in Hawaii, admitting the move initially required adjustment before becoming one of the best experiences of his life. He highlighted the lifestyle, weather and close-knit environment as reasons he cherished his time there, joking that his parents often described it as a “paid vacation.”

The quarterback also recalled the travel demands of college football in Hawaii, noting that even the shortest road trips took around five hours, while some journeys stretched close to 10 hours, including a difficult season opener against Vanderbilt in 2023.

Now settling into life in the CFL, Schager has embraced learning the three-down game and credited veteran quarterback Trevor Harris, offensive coordinator Marc Mueller and Saskatchewan’s coaching staff for helping him adjust.

Head coach Corey Mace said competition for roster spots remains fierce, with players constantly battling for position on the depth chart. He added that understanding the speed and rhythm of the CFL game is just as important as individual plays.

Schager appeared comfortable with that tempo against Calgary. Entering late in the third quarter with Saskatchewan trailing 17-6, he remained focused on proving himself rather than worrying about the scoreline, insisting his goal is to continue showing coaches what he can bring to the team regardless of the situation.