The CJFL is excited to welcome our 20th franchise to begin play in 2025; the Sault College Cougars who will play in the Ontario Conference. 

Sault College Athletics is thrilled to announce its entry into the CJFL marking a historic moment for the institution and the community of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The newly formed team, the Sault College Cougars, is set to kick off its inaugural season in the summer of 2025, bringing the excitement of college football to the heart of Northern Ontario.

The Sault College Cougars will compete in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) of the CJFL, where they will face formidable opponents, including the Quinte Skyhawks, GTA Grizzlies, St. Clair Saints, London Beefeaters, Hamilton Hurricanes, and the Ottawa Sooners. The competition is fierce, with the winner of the OFC advancing to the national championship stage for a shot at the Canadian Bowl, battling the top teams from the Prairie and BC Conferences.

Sault College is committed to building a competitive program, and the Cougars will feature a sixty-five-man roster. Student athletes will be eligible from ages 18 to 23. The selection process for the coaching staff and player recruitment is already underway, with Sault College’s Athletic Director Paul Orazietti, former Associate Head Coach at the University of British Columbia, set to lead the program in its initial seasons.

"Our goal at Sault College is to invest in sports programs deeply rooted in the local community, and football certainly fits this bill," stated Paul Orazietti. "Sault Ste. Marie boasts incredible local talent for a community of its size, and our hope at the College is to provide our local high school players with the opportunity to pursue both a post-secondary education and a post-secondary football experience while remaining in their hometown or in Northern Ontario.”

The College envisions football becoming a major cornerstone of campus life, contributing to the vibrancy of student engagement. The sport will also be a primary focus for the new turf field planned at Sault College, creating a dynamic space for both athletes and fans.

"We know football will add a tremendous buzz on campus," added Orazietti.  "Sault College Athletics invites the community to join them in celebrating this momentous occasion as they embark on their journey in the CJFL, shaping the future of college life in Sault Ste. Marie. Go Cougars!"

For more information, to volunteer or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Paul Orazietti - Athletic Director, Sault College Email: athletics@saultcollege.ca