For Saskatchewan Roughriders rookie defensive back Carson Sombach, Monday’s preseason opener against the Calgary Stampeders will mean more than just his professional debut. It will also mark the first time he’s lined up against his brother Jackson since their high school days.
Signed by Saskatchewan as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 CFL Draft, the former University of Regina Rams standout has quickly made an impression during training camp in Saskatoon.
Sombach said each day at camp has helped him grow as he adjusts to the professional level.
“The vets have been really good helping me out, giving me advice and tips on the sidelines,” Sombach told SportsCage.com. “It’s been really good for my growth.”
Although he wasn’t selected during the CFL Draft, Sombach said his disappointment quickly turned into excitement once the Roughriders offered him an opportunity.
“At the end of the day, all I needed was an opportunity,” he said. “Tuesday was a little sad, but Wednesday I was ecstatic knowing I was coming to the Riders. I’m going to make the most of that opportunity.”
The Regina product built a reputation with the Rams as a playmaker, highlighted by a 109-yard interception return touchdown in 2025, the longest interception return in program history and tied for the second-longest in Canada West history.
That instinct for the football has already shown up at Riders camp. Earlier this week, Sombach stepped in front of a pass from veteran quarterback Trevor Harris and returned the interception the length of the field, drawing a huge reaction from teammates and coaches.
“We were sitting in cover one,” Sombach explained. “I saw it wasn’t a run play and Trevor was looking middle of the field, so I just undercut it and he happened to throw the ball my way. It was pretty exciting to see all the guys on the sideline get super excited for me.”
Sombach admitted the significance of intercepting Harris didn’t fully sink in until later.
“In the moment you don’t really notice it,” he said. “Then after, everyone’s saying, ‘Great play, great play,’ and you realize, ‘Oh yeah, I did that.’ It was pretty cool.”
While big plays help, Sombach knows earning a roster spot will come down to consistency and versatility.
“I just want to be myself, play the football I can play and learn as much as I can,” he said. “I want to show I’m coachable and show I can help in more areas than just one, especially on special teams.”
Now the next step comes Monday afternoon when he finally gets the chance to wear the green and white in a game setting.
“I’m excited to wear the Rider jersey and Rider helmet in front of a bunch of fans,” Sombach said. “Since I was little, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Adding to the moment will be the family rivalry on the opposite sideline, with brother Jackson suiting up for Calgary.
“We haven’t played against each other since the RMF Spring League in high school,” Sombach said with a laugh. “My parents aren’t wearing red or green, though; they’re going with University of Regina Rams gear to stay neutral.”
For Carson Sombach, Monday’s preseason game may only count in the standings as an exhibition contest, but it will still be a day years in the making.
You can catch the game on the Rider Broadcast Network, starting with the Countdown to Kickoff at 10 a.m.
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