Game Details
Date/Location: Thursday, June 5, 2025 / Mosaic Stadium, Regina, Saskatchewan
Kickoff Time: 9:00 p.m. ET, 6:00 p.m. PT
Channel: TSN, CFL+, Fubo, YouTube TV, ESPN+
Odds
Spread: Roughriders -3 (-110), Redblacks +3 (-110)
Moneyline: Roughriders -155, Redblacks +135
Over/Under: 48 (Over -110, Under -110)
Overview
The Saskatchewan Roughriders look to start their 2025 campaign on the right foot as they host the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL season opener at Mosaic Stadium. Coming off a 9-8-1 record and a Western Semi-Final victory last season, the Riders aim to build on that momentum under second-year head coach Corey Mace.
With veteran quarterback Trevor Harris entering his 13th CFL season and a defense that led the league in both rushing yards allowed (80.3 per game) and turnover ratio (+26) in 2024, Saskatchewan has legitimate championship aspirations. They'll face an improved Redblacks squad that matched their 9-8-1 record last season before falling in the Eastern Semi-Final.
Key Players
Trevor Harris (QB) - The 39-year-old pivot averaged an impressive 9.1 yards per attempt last season, the third-best mark of his career. Harris completed 260 passes in 2024 and will look to maintain his efficiency as the veteran leader of this offense.
AJ Ouellette (RB) - Limited to just eight games last season due to hip issues, Ouellette's health will be crucial to the Riders' offensive balance. He received 130 carries in 2024 and provides a physical presence in the backfield.
Samuel Emilus (WR) - Seeking his third consecutive 1,000+ yard season, Emilus offers Harris a reliable target in the passing game amid a receiving corps that features promising second-year players.
Rolan Milligan Jr. (DB) - The ballhawking defensive back collected eight interceptions last season, making him a game-changing presence in Saskatchewan's secondary.
Micah Johnson (DL) - The veteran defensive tackle anchors the Riders' formidable run defense that led the CFL last season, consistently disrupting opposing offensive lines.
Keys to the Game
Establish the Run - With AJ Ouellette healthy and ready to go, establishing a ground game early will help the Riders control time of possession and set up play-action opportunities against an aggressive Ottawa defense.
Pressure Dru Brown - Ottawa's quarterback thrived in his first season as a starter last year, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards. Saskatchewan's front seven needs to collapse the pocket consistently to disrupt his rhythm.
Protect Harris - The offensive line must give their veteran quarterback clean pockets against Ottawa's pass rush duo of Michael Wakefield and Lorenzo Mauldin IV, who tied for the league lead with eight sacks apiece last season.
Injury Report
Depth Chart
Score Prediction
Based on the spread and over/under, we're looking at a relatively close contest with Saskatchewan projected as the favorite. Analyzing the numbers, we can expect a hard-fought battle that may come down to the fourth quarter.
Saskatchewan Roughriders 27 - Ottawa Redblacks 22
The Riders' home-field advantage at Mosaic Stadium should provide the edge they need to start the season with a victory. Trevor Harris will connect with his young receiving corps effectively while the defense makes timely stops against Dru Brown and the Redblacks offense. Look for a competitive game that ultimately sees Saskatchewan pull away late to cover the spread in front of their passionate fans to kick off the 2025 CFL season.