Riders’ linebacker Josh Woods faces off against former team in home opener

When it came to choosing where he wanted to play in 2026, coming to Saskatchewan was at the top of Josh Woods’ list.

“This was my number one. Immediately with coach (Travis) Brown and (Corey) Mace and (Josh) Bell, and the defence with everything that is going on … this is where I wanted to be,” the linebacker said. “I wanted to be in an environment that loves football and the capital of football in Canada, so I’m just grateful to be here.”

Read more:

• Riders’ KeeSean Johnson ready for action after late-season injury in 2025
• ‘Prove who we are’: Riders on practice field after bye week
• Saskatoon Valkyries embracing ‘gritty’ regular season finale visiting Manitoba

Woods is a CFL veteran, coming to the league in 2021. The 28 year old first signed with the B.C. Lions, where he spent the past five seasons amassing 152 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.

Now his first game in green and white will come against those Lions on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.

“(Nathan Rourke) is a dynamic playmaker. He’s Kid Canada – trying to be the face of the league,” said the Ontario, Calif., product. “He’s dynamic and can throw the ball or run the ball. It’s going to take all 12 of us to stop him.”

Woods has been able to line up and learn from some of the top defenders from the CFL last season, including linebacker Jameer Thurman. Thurman was an All-CFLer last season.

“We’re getting better every day, just knowing where each other is going to fit, and how we see things and how we are going to be able to play off of each other and make plays,” Woods said. “It’s been easy playing with someone like that who knows everything – you don’t have to look over or second-guess anything.”

Woods is also excited to finally have the fans in Saskatchewan on his side during a game.

“I can’t wait to have Rider country out here rocking with the fans and the energy,” Woods said. “I’ve been on the other side of it, so I know what it looks like, but being in it and being a part of it and having them cheer for you and not against you, I can’t wait for that.”

Of course, that noise means it can be difficult to communicate. Woods believes the veteran members of the Riders will help ease that issue.

“I don’t have to worry about the guys around me when I have Rolan Milligan and Marcus Sayles to the boundary side and Jameer. They all know what they are doing,” Woods said.

“There are times I know they are going to play off me, especially Marcus, who knows how I like to play because I played with him in B.C., so he knows where I will be at and he will play off me and there will times I will make them right.

“I’ll give them looks they haven’t really seen before. I’m a different body type at Will (linebacker) I feel like, so I think we’re all excited and just can’t wait for Saturday.”

Fans preparing for 2025 championship celebration

Along with it being the opening game of the season for both the Riders and Lions, Saskatchewan will unveil the 2025 championship banner before the start of Saturday’s game.

The home opener will also be the first Riders’ home game that will allow for tailgating to take place at REAL District.

“The now-familiar refrain from Trevor Harris (‘We’re champs forever’) after winning the 112th Grey Cup Championship will echo throughout Mosaic Stadium as we unveil our Championship Banner in a moment Rider Nation will remember for years to come,” stated a release from the Roughriders ahead of the game.

The release encouraged fans to arrive well before the game’s 5 p.m. kickoff to enjoy the pregame celebrations in store.

Security Building Supplies Riderland Park will be a spot for fan and family fun ahead of the game with its live DJ, inflatables, face painting and autographs on Saturday afternoon.

Donations of cash and non-perishable food items will be accepted at Riderland Park and the Grey Cup will be on site between 2 and 4:30 p.m. for fans to take a photo with the trophy while helping fight food insecurity in Saskatchewan, the Roughriders shared.

Donation bins will be located throughout the park, at each gate and be collected by Purolator volunteers around the concourse.

The Roughriders are also excited for fans to take in the new game-day tradition of its Coors Light Tailgate, which is open to the public by foot, located south of the Brandt Centre.

Two Harvard II from 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, 15 Wing Moose Jaw, will flyover Mosaic Stadium just before kickoff. At halftime, the Engelheim Minor Football Showcase will entertain attendees with a youth flag football game to show off local football talent.

“For many kids, this is where the football journey begins, and you may get your very first glimpse of a future Saskatchewan Roughrider!” the release said.

The third quarter will bring the opportunity to meet and get autographs from 2025 champions Jorgen Hus and Mitch Picton at Pepsi Gate 2 in Mosaic Stadium.

After the game, fans will be invited onto the Mosaic Stadium field.

Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. on June 13.