2025 Vanier Cup: Huskies Set to Clash with Carabins

As the Saskatchewan Huskies gear up for the 2025 Vanier Cup, they are on the verge of a significant achievement as they face the Montreal Carabins. The Carabins, coached by Marco Iadeluca and fresh off a championship victory just two years ago, are led by the 2023 Hec Crighton Trophy recipient, Jonathan Sénécal.

This season, the spotlight shines on rookie quarterback Pepe Gonzalez, who set a new school record with 19 touchdown passes. Montreal demonstrated their prowess by minting a substantial 49-19 win over the Saint Mary's Huskies, securing their place in the championship.

“Some predicted it might be a trap for us,” Iadeluca remarked following the impressive win. “But we successfully faced a highly skilled team, and we needed to maintain our game strategy, which we did throughout most of the match.”

Since taking over as head coach in 2020, Iadeluca has led Montreal to five consecutive winning seasons, despite the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting one of those campaigns. He had previously been the offensive coordinator in 2014 when the team won their first Vanier Cup.

Montreal’s offensive arsenal extends well beyond Gonzalez. Running backs Mathieu Barsalou and Rémi Lambert were particularly dominant in the Uteck Bowl, with Barsalou scoring four touchdowns from 11 carries and Lambert racking up 90 yards over eight carries. Additionally, wide receiver Enrique Jaimes Leclair made a significant impact with 11 receptions for 136 yards, including a rushing touchdown in their recent victory over Laval in the RSEQ title match.

The upcoming Vanier Cup promises a riveting clash of philosophies: Montreal’s dynamic offense, which averaged 37.4 points per game and ranked sixth nationally, against a resolute Saskatchewan defense allowing only 16.8 points per game for the season. The Huskies’ defense has excelled in their playoff journey, conceding over 12 points just once in their last five outings.

Linebacker Seth Hundeby, named Canada West Defensive Player of the Year, starred in the Mitchell Bowl, amassing two sacks and forcing a fumble that assisted Saskatchewan in besting the Queen's Gaels 22-11. A draft pick for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hundeby opted to continue his education and utilize his final year of eligibility. “Playing football here has been an incredible journey,” Hundeby expressed. “Our camaraderie is evident week by week.”

The Huskies’ offense will lean on Ryker Frank, the program’s record holder for rushing touchdowns. Frank has been pivotal in the postseason, accounting for 549 yards of total offense. Montreal’s defensive line, featuring Mukendi Jhonathan Mutombo and Gabriel Maisonneuve, aims to limit Frank’s multifaceted gameplay.

Adding another layer to Saskatchewan’s assault is wide receiver Daniel Wiebe, a noteworthy Hec Crighton nominee with 1,140 yards and 11 touchdowns from 65 receptions this season. The team will also depend on their special teams, led by All-Star returner Kubongo, for critical scoring opportunities.

Beyond just a quest for victory, this Vanier Cup encapsulates Saskatchewan’s ambition to affirm a team that has previously come close and finally win their first in this century. Even with a 255-kilometre journey from Griffiths Stadium to Mosaic Stadium, the Huskies are driven by a sense of unity and collective historical aspiration.

On the other side, Montreal seeks to reinforce its program legacy after an impressive rematch triumph over Laval. The Carabins’ blend of explosive offense and an astute defense will challenge the Huskies in a pivotal game that could hinge on which team can impose its playing style.

Kickoff for the 2025 Vanier Cup is scheduled for 2 p.m., with live coverage available online.