Ottawa Redblacks vs Saskatchewan Roughriders

The 2025 CFL season kicked off in style on June 5 with a high-stakes clash between the Ottawa Redblacks and the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. Both teams entered the matchup with renewed energy after snapping playoff droughts in 2024, setting the stage for a gritty and emotional opener.

Ottawa, fresh off their first postseason appearance in four years, came in looking to build on that momentum. Despite falling to the eventual Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts in last year’s East Division semifinal, the Redblacks showed glimpses of a team on the rise. Their focus for 2025: shore up a vulnerable secondary and improve offensive efficiency, especially in the red zone.

On the other side, Saskatchewan aimed to protect their turf with a passionate home crowd behind them. The Roughriders enjoyed a successful playoff run in 2024, highlighted by a dramatic semifinal win over BC before bowing out to Winnipeg in the West final. Their game plan revolved around controlling the line of scrimmage and setting an early tone with aggressive play.

From the opening whistle, it was clear this wasn’t just another game—it was a statement. Saskatchewan sought to seize momentum early with home-field advantage, while Ottawa looked to prove their rebuild had staying power. The atmosphere under the prairie evening sky added a layer of drama to a matchup that blended physical intensity with tactical finesse.

As the first points of the 2025 season were scored, the league’s storylines began to unfold: rising stars, evolving identities, and two franchises hungry for more than just playoff appearances. This opener wasn’t just about who won—it was about which team could define its path forward from the very first snap.