Hold onto your helmets, Saskatchewan fans! Your star running back, A.J. Ouellette, is staying put! The Saskatchewan Roughriders have secured their powerhouse running back, A.J. Ouellette, for another season, locking him in for the 2026 CFL season with a one-year contract. This is fantastic news for Riders Nation, especially after Ouellette's phenomenal performance in 2025.
But here's where it gets truly impressive: In 2025, the 30-year-old shattered his previous career highs. He toted the ball 248 times, racking up a staggering 1,222 rushing yards and finding the end zone eight times on the ground. Not only that, but he was also a significant threat through the air, hauling in 35 receptions for 250 yards and one touchdown. This level of production made him the highest-paid American running back in the three-down league, a testament to his value.
And this is the part most people miss: Ouellette wasn't just a regular-season warrior; he shined in the playoffs! In the 24-21 West Final victory, he galloped for 113 yards on 17 carries, adding two catches for 13 yards. Then, in the 112th Grey Cup victory, he powered through for 83 yards on 17 carries, scoring one touchdown, and snagging one pass for 32 yards. That's a grand total of 241 offensive yards in just two crucial playoff games for the man they call No. 45, who now boasts two CFL championship rings!
What fueled this incredible season? A carnivore diet! Yes, you read that right. Ouellette's commitment to this unique eating plan led to a viral body transformation and, more importantly, powered his durable and productive campaign in 2025. It's a fascinating example of how athletes push boundaries to achieve peak performance.
Let's rewind a bit. Ouellette initially joined Saskatchewan in February 2024. That season, he started eight regular-season games but faced some challenges, missing 10 contests due to hip and quad issues. Despite this, he still managed 98 carries for 516 yards and two touchdowns, along with 16 receptions for 147 yards. Even in the playoffs that year, he showed flashes of brilliance, rushing for 70 yards and two touchdowns in a West Semi-Final win and 51 yards and one touchdown in a West Final loss.
Before his Rider glory, the five-foot-nine, 208-pound ball-carrier had a true breakout year in 2023 with the Toronto Argonauts. He rushed 178 times for an impressive 1,009 yards (averaging 5.7 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns. He also contributed 16 catches for 163 yards and four majors. He even tied for the league lead with 10 runs of 20-plus yards, earning him an East Division all-star nod for the second consecutive season.
Looking at his entire CFL career through 62 games, Ouellette has accumulated 700 carries for 3,562 yards (averaging 5.1 yards per carry) and 21 touchdowns. He's also a reliable receiver, with 110 receptions for 802 yards (averaging 8.6 yards per catch) and five touchdowns. His journey in the CFL began after stints with the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints, signing with the Argos in September 2019.
His collegiate days were also noteworthy. Hailing from Covington, Ohio, he was a standout at Ohio University, earning second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors twice. In 50 games with the Bobcats, he rushed 719 times for 3,829 yards and 32 touchdowns, including two 1,000-yard seasons. He also added 64 receptions for 516 yards and six touchdowns, playing alongside Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke.
Now, about that championship team: Saskatchewan finished first in the West Division in 2025 with a 12-6 record, their best finish since 2019. They went on to conquer the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup, bringing home the title for the first time in 12 years! Quarterback Trevor Harris had a stellar season, going 11-5 as a starter, throwing for 4,549 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions in 16 regular-season starts.
The Riders were a dominant force in 2025, ranking second in net offense and second in net defense. Their turnover differential was also strong, tied for third with a plus-eight advantage. Ouellette led the team in rushing with those 1,222 yards, KeeSean Johnson was the top receiver with 1,159 yards, and A.J. Allen was the defensive leader with 91 tackles. The team also saw fantastic fan support, finishing second in attendance with an average of 28,427 fans per game, a 2.7 percent increase from the year before!
But here's where it gets controversial... While Ouellette's individual success and the team's championship are undeniable, some might argue that paying a running back as the highest-paid American RB in the league is a risky investment, especially given the physical nature of the position and his injury history in 2024. Do you think the Riders made the right move by re-signing him to a one-year deal, or should they have explored other options? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
