Riders’ defensive starters come into focus after key departures

The Roughriders will play their first game of the year, a rematch of the west final. Lee Jones and Wes Cates break it down in this week’s X’s and O’s.

Free agency put quite the dent into the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defense as key players C.J. Reavis, A.J. Allen, Malik Carney and Shane Ray did not return to the Green & White, leaving wide-open holes to be filled.

“I’m very happy. We’ve got a lot of continuity, specifically on the offensive side, and I thought we filled some gaps from the defensive side,” head coach Corey Mace told reporters Tuesday.

“Once we go out there we have to execute those things. But I’m excited for these guys’ opportunities.”

One player looking to step up this year is Ali Saad.

The 2025 1st round CFL draft pick is heading into his second season on the Riders’ defensive line, and knows he has big shoes to fill.

“We lost some guys here and there, but I mean the guys have been working really hard,” Saad told CTV News.

“It was really important for me, especially learning from [my] mistakes last year and developing as a player. Knowing Micah Johnson was a big part of our defensive line and him leaving, I knew I had to step in, put on some weight and get better at what I need to do and fix those mistakes from last year.”

Last season Saskatchewan had five defensive players earn All-CFL nods, including Reavis, who signed with the Ottawa Redblacks in free agency.

Johnson, who was also an all-star, retired to become the Riders’ defensive line coach.

As a team, the Roughriders led the league in points against and rush yards against, while being top-three in sacks, turnovers and net yards against per game.

Despite losing some key pieces of that defense, this reshaped roster is ready to roll.

“I felt like we have a solid team this year,” added Saad. “Our defense has been the talk so far. Based on what I’ve seen and based on what we’re doing, we’re probably even better than last year.”

Not only did Saskatchewan lose players, there’s a new play caller at the helm.

Mace gave up defensive coordinator duties at the end of last season, handing the reins to Josh Bell.

“He’s a different guy,” all-star defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. said. “He’s not coach Mace, so he wants to bring different things to the table when he gets to call it.”

As he prepares for game one of 2026, Milligan believes the Riders have yet to truly form their identity on the defensive side of the ball.

“We haven’t played yet,” he noted. “[Coach] Bell mentioned this week, that’s what we’re going to see come game time,” explained Milligan.

“But it starts in practice, figuring out what we do well when we’re in those situations. And then it’s just trying to build off of that really.”

Saskatchewan will be looking for young players like Saad or Desmond Evans to step up on defense, while veteran additions in defensive linemen James Vaughters and Devin Adams and former B.C. Lion linebacker Josh Woods will be relied upon early.

“The guys are all in it together as one,” said Saad.

“That’s the biggest difference from what we started with and where we are at right now. I know we’re missing a couple guys from last year, but at the end of the day, these guys are ready to go for sure. And they have experience as well.”

The Riders will get quite the test early in the season in a Lions team led by Nathan Rourke, fresh off both Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian awards in 2025.

Last season the pivot threw for more than 5,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, while adding another 10 majors on the ground.

Saskatchewan’s home opener is set for Saturday. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.