Riders and Lions Set the Stage for Defining Offseason Moves After Thrilling 2025 Campaign

Riders and Lions Set the Stage for Defining Offseason Moves After Thrilling 2025 Campaign

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and BC Lions capped off the 2025 CFL season with compelling showings that will have fans buzzing well into the offseason. From playoff heroics to major individual achievements and roster decisions ahead, both teams are entering a pivotal moment as they look toward 2026.

Riders Ride Late‑Season Surge to Grey Cup Berth

The Saskatchewan Roughriders capped one of their most dramatic seasons in years with a memorable 24‑21 victory over the BC Lions in the Western Final at Mosaic Stadium. Quarterback Trevor Harris delivered when it mattered most, orchestrating a game‑winning drive with just seconds on the clock as he found Tommy Nield for the decisive touchdown with 11 seconds remaining to clinch the Riders’ first Grey Cup appearance since 2013.

Harris, a seasoned veteran, completed 26 of 38 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns in the contest, guiding Saskatchewan through a tense back‑and‑forth affair that showcased both teams’ resilience and high‑stakes football

That late‑game heroics not only signaled a return to championship contention for the Riders, but also underscored the effectiveness of coach Corey Mace’s game management and tenacity throughout the season. The win was a culmination of a consistently strong 2025 campaign in which Saskatchewan maintained a top spot in the West Division and repeatedly demonstrated balanced play on both sides of the ball.

Despite some mid‑season bumps — including a hard‑fought but narrow loss to Winnipeg late in the year — the Riders’ ability to respond under pressure was one of their defining characteristics. The team finished the regular season with a strong 12‑5 record, capturing first place in the West Division and setting itself up for postseason success.

Lions Wrap Up Heartbreak and Individual Accolades

The BC Lions, meanwhile, enjoyed an impressive season of their own even though it ultimately fell short of a Grey Cup berth. The Lions closed the regular season with a 10‑7 record and secured key victories late in the year, including an important road win over Saskatchewan in Regina to clinch a home playoff spot.

A major story for the Lions was the exceptional performances of quarterback Nathan Rourke, whose 2025 campaign earned him both the George Reed Most Outstanding Player award and the Most Outstanding Canadian award at the CFL postseason gala. Rourke’s resume this season was nothing short of historic — he threw for over 5,200 yards and 31 touchdowns while also contributing significant production on the ground, setting a new standard for quarterbacks in the league. bclions.com

Rourke’s dynamic dual‑threat ability and leadership have established him as one of the premier talents in the CFL and a cornerstone for the Lions’ future — particularly as management looks to build toward another deep playoff run in 2026. His connection with star receiver Keon Hatcher Sr. was a major factor in BC’s offensive success, and the two will remain central figures after Hatcher agreed to a contract extension through the 2027 season.

Offseason Moves and What’s Next

With the season wrapped, both franchises now shift their attention to roster construction ahead of the 2026 campaign. For Saskatchewan, the challenge will be to maintain roster continuity while addressing any gaps exposed during the postseason. The Riders’ playoff run will have given general management valuable insight into where reinforcements are needed — especially in supporting Harris and bolstering depth across key positions.

The Roughriders also posted positive off‑field news earlier in the year, announcing a $2.1 million profit for the 2024 season — a strong financial turnaround that could provide additional flexibility this offseason.

For the Lions, the focus will almost certainly be on retaining chemistry while scouting opportunities to add talent that complements their high‑powered offense. With Rourke in his prime and emerging playmakers like Hatcher locked in for the long term, BC is positioned to contend again — but the front office will need to be aggressive in free agency and the draft to close the final gap that kept them from a Grey Cup appearance.

Fan Expectations and League Impact

Both fanbases should enter 2026 with optimism. Roughriders supporters have seen their club break a 12‑year drought with a dramatic playoff victory and now head to the Grey Cup with belief and momentum. The Lions, despite their loss, have strong reasons for confidence — including record‑setting offense and a core group that has proven it can play at an elite level. The offseason race between these two teams, and across the West Division, is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent CFL history.

As the teams regroup and prepare for what promises to be another exciting CFL season, Riders vs. Lions remains one of the league’s most compelling rivalries — one that continues to deliver drama, passion, and high‑stakes competition with every meeting on the field.