Winning a championship changes everything, until the exact moment the next season kicks off.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders won the 112th Grey Cup on November 16, 2025, beating the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 in Winnipeg. It ended a painful championship drought stretching back to 2013. For a few months, Regina felt like the center of the football universe. Fans celebrated, players partied, and the green and white banner was prepped for the rafters at Mosaic Stadium. For an alternative look, see: this related article.
But if you think Corey Mace is letting his team coast on last year's hardware, you don't know the man.
The 2025 season was a masterclass in execution. The Riders finished 12-6, locked down first place in the regular-season standings, and outlasted the B.C. Lions 24-21 in a brutal Western Final before taking the big trophy. Now, as the team prepares to host those same Lions for the 2026 season opener, the vibe around Riderville isn't a relaxed victory lap. It's an urgent reset. Similar reporting on this trend has been provided by CBS Sports.
Moving Past the Glory of 2025
Championship hangovers are real in pro sports. Complacency creeps in, off-season distractions take a toll, and every opponent circles your date on their calendar. Head coach Corey Mace isn't having any of it. He openly told reporters that last year is officially dead.
That is exactly the mindset required to survive in the Canadian Football League.
The core of that championship group remains, which gives Saskatchewan a massive head start. Grey Cup MVP Trevor Harris is back under center. His veteran composure was the anchor last November, especially during that decisive second-quarter surge where the Riders dropped 14 unanswered points on Montreal. Harris threw the ball cleanly, managed the clock perfectly, and proved that his age is just a number when paired with high football IQ.
Saskatchewan also retains their multi-headed rushing attack. AJ Ouellette, who wore down the Alouettes defense in the second half of the Grey Cup, returns to handle the heavy lifting. Short-yardage specialist Tommy Stevens, who scored two majors on the ground in Winnipeg, gives this offense an elite physical identity that teams hate dealing with on third down.
The Defensive Identity Must Reset
You don't win a Grey Cup without an elite defense, and the 2025 Riders had a historic unit. They forced three crucial interceptions against Davis Alexander in the championship game. Marcus Sayles, Rolan Milligan Jr., and Tevaughn Campbell turned the secondary into a no-fly zone.
But defensive success in the CFL is incredibly volatile from year to year.
Teams figure out your tendencies. Coordinators study your tape all winter. If defensive coordinator Corey Mace keeps running the exact same schemes without adding wrinkles, the rest of the league will catch up by July.
The real test comes immediately against B.C. The Lions are still sour about losing the Western Final by a single field goal. They possess the perimeter speed to test Saskatchewan's deep coverage, meaning the pass rush must generate immediate pressure up front to protect the secondary.
What Made the 2025 Title Run Work
- Physical Dominance: Out-muscling opponents in cold weather.
- Turnover Margin: The defensive secondary consistently won the football.
- Quarterback Stability: Trevor Harris executed when it mattered most.
Managing the Target on Their Backs
Saskatchewan spent 2025 acting as the hunter. Now, they're the hunted. Every team coming into Mosaic Stadium this summer will treat the game like their personal statement match.
The pressure from the fan base is another beast entirely. Roughriders fans are notoriously passionate, meaning expectations have skyrocketed from "let's make the playoffs" to "we need a dynasty." Dealing with that local media fishbowl takes thick skin.
Mace’s coaching staff spent the entire training camp breaking down bad habits before they could form. They aren't talking about defending a title. They’re talking about winning a completely separate one.
The next step for this roster happens on the field against B.C. Don't look back at the banner ceremony. Watch how the offensive line sets the pocket on the very first series. That will tell you everything you need to know about where this team is mentally. Buy your tickets, get to your seat early, and watch how this new chapter begins.
