Roughriders open Grey Cup defense with comeback win over Lions

Saskatchewan Roughriders wide receiver Samuel Emilus (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the BC Lions during first half CFL football action in Regina on Saturday, June 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kayle Neis

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are 1-0 to start their 2025 Grey Cup title defense, defeating the B.C. Lions 31-27 in their first game of 2026.

After leading a game-winning drive in the Western Division Final – Saskatchewan’s last appearance at Mosaic Stadium – Trevor Harris did it again Saturday against the very same Lions.

Starting on his own 27-yard line, the Riders’ offense marched down the field.

A six-yard TD pass from Harris to Samuel Emilus capped off an 11-play, 87-yard drive to give Saskatchewan the lead with 48 seconds remaining.

Then the defense needed to stop the reigning CFL Most Outstanding Player.

Nathan Rourke had to go 85 yards to win the game, but the Riders’ defense did its job – stopping the Lions short to clinch the victory.

Saskatchewan did jump out to an early 14-0 lead after scoring majors on each of their first two possessions of the game and controlled much of the first half.

Quarterback Trevor Harris was near-perfect in quarters one and two, throwing for 196 yards on 14 completions and two touchdowns – finding Samuel Emilus twice in the endzone to put Saskatchewan out in front.

Harris would finish with 30 completions on 36 attempts, 417 yards passing and three touchdowns.

His most targeted receiver for the night was Kian Schaffer-Baker, who made 10 catches for 160 yards.

KeeSean Johnson, who missed the Grey Cup due to an injury, also notched over 100 yards receiving, with 131 yards on nine receptions.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

Emilus was targeted just six times, but he made them count – with three touchdown catches.

While Rourke had just 172 passing yards in the first half, he did find the endzone for B.C.’s first touchdown of the year on a 15-yard rush.

Rourke led the Lions all the way back from the 14-point deficit to take a 3-point lead into the final three minutes of the game before the Riders’ game-winning drive.

Rourke ended the game 24/37, 330 yards passing and added 59 yards on the ground on five carries, including that touchdown.

Lion’s running back James Butler found the endzone twice, despite having just 35 rushing yards on nine carries.

Saskatchewan has now won seven-straight season openers, dating back to 2019.

The Roughriders are next in action next Saturday, on the road in Calgary taking on the Stampeders.

Milligan Jr. leaves opener with upper body injury

Former CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year, Rolan Milligan Jr. exited Saskatchewan’s season opener.

With about four minutes remaining, Milligan attempted a tackle on Lions’ receiver Justin McInnis.

While Milligan made the play, he appeared to favour his right shoulder and remained on the turf for a few moments. He walked off the field on his own power.

After the defensive back was checked by team staff on the sidelines in a medical tent, he walked alone to the locker room - alone - just before halftime.

Milligan Jr. was seen on the sideline at the start of the second half out of his uniform and his right shoulder wrapped.

No injury update was immediately available from the team.

Milligan won the MODP award in 2024. As part of last season’s Grey Cup team, the halfback made 52 defensive tackles in 15 games, adding four interceptions.

In 2023, Milligan suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 4.

Saskatchewan led the Lions 17-10 at the break.