As the CFL continues to hone in on free agency here in the offseason, the CJFL wonders if the 19 teams across country were hypothetically allowed to keep one graduating player from their 2025 roster as a “free agent,” who would they keep?

BC CONFERENCE

Kamloops Broncos – RB Cam Grzegorczyk was a mainstay in the Broncos backfield for five seasons. His work ethic on and off the field was outstanding for his club year after year which rubs off on the younger players. His leadership and veteran voice will be missed in the locker room at Hillside Stadium.

Langley Rams – OL Jordan Sye was one of those graduates that you hate to lose after establishing himself as one of the best offensive linemen in the BC Conference over the course of his three seasons in Langley. He was named a Conference All-Star in 2024 and continued to have a major impact on the Rams line.

Okanagan Sun – LB Jacob Bond didn’t play as a member of the Sun in 2025 but was still on the official roster despite suiting up for the BC Lions. The Sun coaching staff was hoping to have Bond play his final junior season of eligibility this past year, but if the opportunity presented itself, they would no doubt sign him as a free agent for 2026. He was First Team All-Canadian in 2024 and the BC Conference Defensive Player of the Year after making 49 tackles, an interception and recovered two fumbles.

Prince George Kodiaks – QB Sawyer Thiessen helped guide the Kodiaks to their first ever playoff berth and leaves an enormous hole at the quarterback position in Prince George. He not only filled the stats sheet, but was that calming, confident presence inside the huddle leading his club. Through free agency, the Kodiaks would love to have him back after completing 57% of his passes for 1694 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Valley Huskers – LB Andy Ofosuhene gave so much blood, sweat and tears to the Huskers over five seasons and saved his best for last in 2025 finishing with a Conference high 47 solo tackles, along with 14 assists, two sacks, two knockdowns and had an interception.   His leadership and work ethic would make him an attractive free agent signing. 

VI Raiders – REC Ruben Bonsu has been a deep threat for the Raiders over the past couple seasons, and they would love to have him back for one more year if free agency was a thing.  He was a CJFL All-Canadian in 2024 leading the League with 53 receptions for 813 yards.  In 2025, the secret was out and teams tried to shut him down, but he still made 39 receptions, averaging 10 yards a catch and tallied six touchdowns. 

Westshore Rebels – QB Gavin Session was THE Rebels offence in 2025.  Without him, Zion Brown doesn’t tie a CJFL record with 18 touchdown receptions and more than likely the Rebels wouldn’t have played for a Cullen Cup title.  Session was spectacular with a CJFL leading 193 completions for 2802 yards, 28 touchdowns and a 68% pass completion rate.  The Rebels coaching staff would love to sign him back to their team as a free agent.

PRAIRIE CONFERENCE

Calgary Colts – DB Quinn Feodoroff was among the Conference leaders with four interceptions this past season as a lock down defensive back.  He was named a CJFL All-Canadian and Conference All-Star after recording 23 solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, two knockdowns, two fumble recoveries and forced a fumble.  He showed his versatility and was called into punting duties nine times last year, averaging over 25 yards each kick and returned 20 kicks for 145 yards.  Off the field he showed a commitment hard work and leadership which the Colts will no doubt miss moving forward.

Edmonton Huskies – OL Josh Thomas was outstanding on the line for the Huskies during his junior career would be no doubt be signed as a free agent because solid offensive linemen are always a hot commodity. He was one of the strongest players on the team in 2025 with a work ethic, second to none and a heart and determination not always found. 

Edmonton Wildcats – DL D’Wayne Williams would be signed by the Wildcats as a free agent after an outstanding season in the trenches. He was named a Conference All-Star with 27 tackles, 12 assisted tackles, two forced fumbles and even intercepted a pass, returning it 13 yards.   Overall, he played three seasons with the Wildcats and will be missed in 2026.

Regina Thunder – LB Kenton Effa anchoured the Thunder defence in 2025 and leaves a big hole following his graduation and All-Star performance.  He collected 32 tackles, 21 assisted stops, had half a sack, a knockdown, along with forcing and recovering a fumble.   He also got a taste of CFL life this past season getting suited up for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.  His leadership and ability on and off the field will be missed in the Thunder’s locker room and if they could bring him back in free agency, they would do it in a heartbeat.

Saskatoon Hilltops – LB Isaac Michayluk was a leader on the Canadian Bowl champions defence, named an All-Canadian for the second straight season in 2025.  He meant more to the Hilltops than just his nose for the football.  On the field he led by example with 32 tackles, 22 assists and three interceptions, but he was leader off the field for the younger players showing the next generation of the Toppers what it takes to be one of the best.  He capped off his junior career with a national title and was named the Defensive Player of the Canadian Bowl.

Winnipeg Rifles – LB Kyler Banfield was the Prairie Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was everywhere on the field as an All-Canadian.  He led the PFC with 37 tackles and 26 assisted stops, added two sacks and was the heart and sole of their defence.  He was one of the most consistent players over the course of his Rifles career and will definitely be missed going forward.  

ONTARIO CONFERENCE

Hamilton Hurricanes – QB Kayrus Sam was one of the major reasons the Hurricanes were one win away from the Ontario Conference title following an impressive turnaround from the previous season.  He guided the ‘Canes to six wins in the regular season along a road playoff win throwing for 1362 yards and 15 touchdowns giving the Hurricanes a formitable offensive push.  He also averaged 11.7 yards with each carry, showing off his ability to keep drives alive with his legs. 

London Beefeaters – LB Clay Ritschard only played one season with the Beefs but made it count named a First Team All-Canadian with 39 tackles, four sacks, an interception and recovered two fumbles.  He not only was able to compete at a high level but help coach some of the younger linebackers looking to make a difference in the years to come.  With a free agency opportunity, the Beefeaters would no doubt love to have him back.

Ottawa Sooners – LB Noah Nelson (pictured) leaves behind an enormous hole and you can bet if the Sooners could, they would bring him back for one more season as a free agent.  He was a CJFL All-Canadian in 2024 then followed that season up with another outstanding campaign in 2025 with 22 tackles, six assists, had two knockdowns and forced a fumble.

St. Clair Saints – QB Matt Guenette spent four seasons with the Saints and blew away the competition in 2025 helping the Saints get back to the national stage.  Losing their starting quarterback in back-to-back seasons, the Saints would no doubt love to have him back through free agency.   He was named the CJFL Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year after setting a new CJFL record for completing 75.9% of his passes and set a new Ontario Conference record with 35 touchdown passes after 2299 yards. 
 

Photo courtesy of Crazy Bees Photography

The CJFL is proud to congratulate five former CJFL players on their invitation directly to the CFL National Combine set for March 27-29, 2026 in Edmonton.

This annual event will be a combination of the top prospects eligible for the 2026 CFL Draft, as well as the top global players hoping to be selected at the 2026 CFL Global Draft.

On Friday, March 27, participants will take part in the 40-yard dash, the 3-cone shuttle, the short shuttle, the broad and vertical jumps, and the bench press.

Then on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, hopefuls will strap on the pads and take to the field for two days of practices hoping to do enough to win over a CFL general manager, coach, or scout in attendance ahead of the CFL Draft.

LB Brody Clark played a couple of seasons for the Langley Rams.  In 2019, he was part of a Rams team that hosted the Saskatoon Hilltops in the Canadian Bowl on a wet, miserable day in Langley.  Over the course of the season Clark made nine tackles and recovered a fumble.  On offence, he hauled in one pass and ran 79 yards for a touchdown.  He rejoined the club in 2023 and collected 11 tackles, three assisted stops and knocked down three passes.   Since his days with the Rams, Clark has made an impact at York.

QB Josh Jenssen led the Valley Huskers to a 7-3 record and a berth in the 2022 Canadian Bowl playoffs.  During the regular season he completed 58.2% of his passes, collecting 2221 yards on 156 completions and threw 22 touchdown passes.  He has found success at the University of Ottawa.

REC Shemar McBean was good on the offensive side of the ball for the Calgary Colts in 2021 making 13 receptions for 253 yards, averaging 19.4 yards a catch and tallied one touchdown.  He has been making an impact with the UBC Thunderbirds and is hoping to continue his football journey.

RB Isaiah Smith played only one game for the Hamilton Hurricanes in 2021 before breaking his wrist after rushing for 80 yards in half of the first quarter.  He went onto have success with the University of Guelph, with a fully healthy wrist.

OL Frank Vreugdenhil was the anchor on the Hamilton Hurricanes line in 2023 and made an impact before transitioning to McMaster University where he caught the eye CFL scouts.

These five will be at the Combine, while the other 12 CJFL players invited to the CFL Invitational Combine are hoping to join them in Edmonton.  Good luck to all former CJFL players!