MONTREAL – Three former McGill University players are among 193 products from U SPORTS institutions that were listed on Canadian Football League rosters during Week 1 of the 2024 CFL season, which kicks off on June 6. The total number, which includes 37 inactive players – from the practice roster, injured/suspended list – and is 15 short of the U SPORTS record high set in 2021.
Over the years, McGill has produced 65 players for the CFL, including 11 who have combined to win 23 Grey Cup rings, and three who have also suited up in the NFL (see complete list below).
Leading the current group of McGillians is B.C. Lions defensive lineman
Joshua Archibald (BA '22) of Montreal, and Lions linebacker
Maxime Rouyer (BEd '19) from Troyes, France, in addition to a newcomer joining the CFL this year is rookie defensive back
Benjamin Labrosse of Greenfield Park, Que., a former All-Canadian who was selected fourth overall in the 2024 CFL Draft.
Another McGill grad not included in the list above is former linebacker
Benoit Major, a CFL referee entering his 19th season in the league, who has worked in seven Grey Cup games. The 50-year-old native of Montreal wears No. 31 on the back of his striped uniform, the same number that he wore as a middle linebacker when he played at McGill from 1992 to 1994. He graduated in just three years, earning a science degree in 1995, majoring in occupational therapy.
The 11-team OUA conference leads the way with 74 players on CFL rosters, followed by the six-team Canada West division which has 58. The Quebec-based RSEQ, a five-team league since Bishop's departed for the Maritimes in 2017, has 45 players listed and the five-team AUS has 16.
In total, all 27 U SPORTS football-playing institutions will be represented in the CFL this summer. The University of Calgary leads all schools with 17 former Dinos on CFL lineups. They are one of eight U SPORTS football programs to reach double digits this year, along with Laval (16), the Montreal Carabins (15), Wilfrid Laurier (12), Saskatchewan (11), UBC (11), Alberta (10) and Western (10).
The Toronto Argos top all CFL teams with 27 rostered players from U SPORTS football. Montreal ranks second with 24, followed by Calgary (23), Hamilton (23), Ottawa (21), Winnipeg (21), Edmonton (21), Saskatchewan (17) and the B.C. Lions (16).
Offensive linemen are the most common positions occupied by U SPORTS products with 39 players currently listed on CFL rosters. Defensive backs are next with 38 roster spots, followed by defensive linemen (30), linebackers (28), receivers (25), fullbacks (11), long-snappers (8), kickers (7), running backs (6) and quarterbacks (1).
The 2024 U SPORTS season kicks off on Aug. 30 when McGill opens its 151st year of intercollegiate football as the cross-town rival Montreal Carabins visits Percival Molson Stadium. The regular season culminates on Nov. 23 with the 59th edition of the Vanier Cup national championship in Kingston, Ont.
NOTE: CFL roster information updated as of June 5/24