B.C. Lions extend unsung defensive tackle Jonah Tavai through 2027

Photo courtesy: Paul Yates/B.C. Lions

The B.C. Lions have signed American defensive lineman Jonah Tavai to a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the franchise through 2027.

The five-foot-10, 283-pound defensive tackle appeared in 13 regular-season games for the Leos in 2025 and was viewed as a catalyst in the trenches despite not receiving All-CFL recognition, recording 26 defensive tackles and five sacks. He added five tackles and a sack in two playoff outings.

“Jonah’s combination of grit, strength and work ethic has made him one of the best defensive linemen in the CFL,” general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said in a statement.

“Re-signing him was a priority for us, and he’ll ensure our entire defence continues to get better.”

Tavai first joined the Lions ahead of the 2024 season. In 24 games across two years, he has made 38 defensive tackles, seven sacks, and forced one fumble.

The Inglewood, Cal.,  native attended San Diego State (2019-22), where he registered 147 total tackles, 36 tackles for a loss, 24 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles in 48 games. He was named a first-team All-American by both Pro Football Focus and Bleacher Report in 2022 after notching 10.5 sacks for the Aztecs, while the Associated Press and USA Today both presented him with second-team honours.

Jonah is the younger brother of defensive end J.R. Tavai, who played two seasons with the Ottawa Redblacks and one with B.C., and linebacker Jahlani Tavai, a second-round NFL Draft pick who currently plays for the New England Patriots.

The B.C. Lions finished second in the West Division standings in 2025 with an 11-7 record and beat the Calgary Stampeders in the West Semi-Final before losing the West Final to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Nathan Rourke threw for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over 16 regular-season starts, posting an 11-5 record. He was also named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player.

The Lions ranked first in net offence, fourth in net defence, and sixth with a turnover differential of minus-four. James Butler rushed for 1,213 yards, Keon Hatcher led the CFL with 1,688 receiving yards, and Micah Awe led the league with 117 tackles. B.C. finished third in attendance with average crowds of 27,124, which was a 0.9 percent increase from the previous year.