Photo courtesy: Hailey Tripodi/Laurier Athletics
Another promising young U Sports athlete is making the jump to the NCAA, as Wilfrid Laurier University offensive lineman Delphyn Ngaleu has announced his commitment to San Diego State University.
The six-foot-six, 305-pound blocker is represented by Matt Tewelde, owner of Lion Share Sports Inc., and his partners at Nilson Sports Group in New York. He chose the Aztecs after receiving interest from several Power conference programs, including Auburn, Baylor, and Mississippi.
Ngaleu has been a member of the Golden Hawks since 2023, appearing in one game over his first two seasons. He became a starter during the 2025 season and appeared in nine games, splitting his time between left and right tackle. He will have at least two seasons of eligibility remaining, but may be eligible for a third pending an NCAA decision.
The native of Mono, Ont., is the fifth notable U Sports player to commit to a major United States institution in the current offseason, joining former Laval University cornerback Jordan Lessard (Colorado State), Wilfrid Laurier quarterback Cal Wither (Maryland), Western University safety Jackson Mackay (Arkansas), and Alberta defensive lineman Emerson Joy (West Virginia).
Transfers from U Sports to NCAA football have become increasingly common since the transfer portal opened up, with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation adding a financial incentive for athletes to look south of the border.
Players such as Tavius Robinson (Guelph), Deane Leonard (Calgary), and Isaiah Adams (Laurier) have translated stints at Power Four programs into NFL Draft selections with the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers, and Arizona Cardinals in recent years. The first overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, offensive lineman Giordano Vaccaro, transferred from the University of Manitoba to Purdue University for his senior year.
San Diego State went 9-4 last season, finishing third in the Mountain West and capping their campaign with a loss to North Texas in the New Mexico Bowl. Junior defensive lineman Djibril Rahman, who transferred from Rutgers, is currently the only other Canadian player on the school’s roster.
