Montreal Carabins’ QB Pepe Gonzalez wins Peter Gorman Trophy as top U Sports rookie

Université de Montréal quarterback Jose Alejandro ‘Pepe’ Gonzalez-Garza has been named the Peter Gorman Trophy winner as the best first-year player in Canadian university football.

The Mexican-born passer led the RSEQ with 2,284 passing yards and 19 touchdown strikes, second-most in U Sports, compared to eight interceptions. He also rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown. Gonzalez helped Montreal produce a 6-2 regular season record and completed 27-of-37 passes for 288 yards with two touchdowns to upset Laval in the first-ever Jacques Dussault Cup.

Montreal booked its ticket to the Vanier Cup with a decisive victory over Saint Mary’s in the Uteck Bowl. Gonzalez threw for 168 yards, one touchdown, and an interception in the win.

Gonzalez is the second consecutive Carabins player to win the top rookie honour, equalling his top receiver, Enrique Jaimes Leclair’s, accomplishment from 2024. He beat out Western defensive back Jackson MacKay, Calgary receiver Zion Grant, and Bishop’s receiver and wildcat quarterback Mathieu Bellavance.

The Saskatchewan Huskies and Montreal Carabins meet in the Vanier Cup at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on Saturday, November 22. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. EST on CBC.