EDMONTON — The draft-eligible Class of 2026 has passed another major milestone on the road to the professional ranks with the conclusion of this year’s Canadian Football League (CFL) Combine presented by Anytime Fitness.
The assembled Combine Coaching Staff – on loan from their respective CFL teams – selected University of Calgary receiver Matt Sibley and Mercyhurst University defensive lineman Kyler Laing as their standouts following Day Two of on-field practice sessions. CFL on TSN analyst and draft insider, Duane Forde, detailed their performances and provided personal insight on the selections.
Queen’s University offensive lineman Niklas Henning and University of Ottawa defensive back Marc Rondeau were selected as Coaches’ Picks following Day One of practice sessions.
CFL COMBINE PRESENTED BY ANYTIME FITNESS
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The CFL Combine presented by Anytime Fitness gathered members of the draft-eligible Class of 2026 to showcase their skills for league and team personnel ahead of the CFL Draft on April 28 and the CFL Global Draft on April 29.
2026 COMBINE COACHING STAFF
- Offensive Coordinator | Dominic Picard (TOR)
- Quarterbacks | Josh Donnelly (SSK)
- Running Backs | Ucambre Williams (CGY)
- Receivers | Kevin Bourgoin (BC)
- Offensive Line | Mike Gibson (OTT)
- Defensive Coordinator | Casey Creehan (HAM)
- Defensive Line | Jake Thomas (WPG)
- Linebackers | Danny Nesbitt (EDM)
- Defensive Backs | Noel Thorpe (MTL)
COACHES’ PICKS – OFFENCE
(Name | POS | School | Hometown)
Matt Sibley | REC | Calgary | Calgary
“Sibley’s technical ability really stands out. He does a terrific job of running routes. I’m a big fan of his consistency. He’s very reliable out there and he catches everything. He showcased his ability to set up defenders all weekend.”
– Duane Forde
Honourable mentions
- Charles Asselin | RB | Ottawa | Ottawa
- Josh Janssen | QB | Ottawa | Chilliwack, B.C.
- Jez Janvier | OL | Southern Mississippi | Montreal
COACHES’ PICKS – DEFENCE
Kyler Laing | DL | Mercyhurst | Tallahassee, Fla.
“Laing gained momentum over the past couple of days, especially as someone who hadn’t played the Canadian game. Getting used to that yard and figuring out how to set up his moves – he’s done a really good job of adapting. He’s a very natural pass rusher and his quickness has been very apparent.”
– Duane Forde
Honourable mentions
- Steven Kpehe | DL | Queen’s | London, Ont.
- Eric Rascoe | LB | Angelo State | San Antonio, Texas
- Carson Sombach | DB | Regina | Regina
