The Saskatchewan Roughriders begin their Grey Cup title defence on Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium, and one of their newest defensive pieces will open the season against the team he knows best.
Linebacker Josh Woods will make his regular-season debut in green and white against the B.C. Lions, the club he spent the previous five seasons with before signing in Saskatchewan this offseason. For Woods, there’s excitement in finally getting to hit someone wearing a different jersey after a long training camp and unusual season build-up.
“Finally, time to let it out on the field,” Woods said. “We’re so excited. It’s a weird schedule, but I’m ready to go.”
The matchup carries added significance, considering Woods appeared in 55 regular-season games for B.C., recording 152 defensive tackles, 25 special teams tackles, three sacks and two interceptions during his time with the club.
Last season, Woods posted career highs with 65 total tackles and helped the Lions reach the West Final, where B.C.’s season ended at the hands of Saskatchewan. Now, he’ll watch the Roughriders raise a Grey Cup banner before trying to help bring another championship to the province. Asked whether seeing the 2025 championship banner could sting after coming so close with the Lions, Woods didn’t hesitate.
“I’m a Roughrider. I want to get another one out there.”
Saskatchewan was Woods’ preferred destination once free agency opened. He pointed to head coach Corey Mace, defensive coordinator Joshua Bell and the culture surrounding the organization as reasons why the move felt right.
“This was my number one. I wanted to be in an environment that loves football and be in really the capital of football in Canada. I’m just grateful to be here.”
Saturday’s challenge comes in the form of a familiar quarterback. Woods spent time alongside Nathan Rourke in B.C. and understands exactly what the Lions’ offence can become when the Canadian pivot gets rolling.
“He’s a dynamic playmaker. He can run the ball, throw the ball, and pretty much do everything. It’s going to take all 12 of us to stop him.”
While Woods is learning a new system in Saskatchewan, he’s found comfort lining up beside veteran linebacker Jameer Thurman. Instead of carrying the communication load like he often did in previous years, Woods says the transition has allowed him to focus more on simply playing fast.
“He’s made it so much easier,” Woods said of Thurman. “When you have somebody beside you that knows everything, knows the defence inside and out and knows this league inside and out, I can let him run the show.”
Then came Woods’ description of the partnership.
“He’s Superman — I’m Batman.”
The chemistry continues to grow both on and off the field.
Woods believes relationships built away from football become visible on game day and make teammates play harder for one another.
That trust will be tested immediately against a Lions roster that still features several familiar faces who previously played alongside Woods in B.C. But once kickoff arrives, Woods says the friendships disappear.
“We can have friendships and be family off the field, but when the game starts, we all know what time it is.”
And after spending years hearing Mosaic Stadium roar against him, Woods is looking forward to hearing it for him.
“I know what it looks like, but being in it and being a part of it, having the cheer for you and not against you, I can’t wait for that.”
Kickoff between Saskatchewan and B.C. is set for 5 p.m. Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. Coverage begins at 2 p.m. on the Rider Broadcast Network with Countdown to Kickoff.
