The B.C. Lions have re-signed American defensive end Sione Teuhema for the 2026 season.
The 30-year-old pass rusher appeared in nine games last season for the Lions, recording 14 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, and three sacks. He missed the first two games of the year due to a suspension for violating the CFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, and later suffered a season-ending injury in Week 12.
“Since his rookie season of 2022, Sione has been a core player for our defence,” general manager Ryan Rigmaiden said in a statement.
“In that time, he has become a complete defensive end, playing physical against the run and getting to the quarterback as a pass rusher. We’re glad to have him back and expect him to be a big part of what we’re doing up front this year.”
Teuhema first signed with the Lions in 2022 and has been a staple on the defensive line through four seasons. The Keller, Tex., native has dressed for 58 games, making 110 defensive tackles, seven special teams tackles, and 25 sacks.
Prior to arriving in Canada, Teuhema played two seasons of college football for both Louisiana State University and Southeastern Louisiana University. After going undrafted, he played for the Arizona Hotshots in the Alliance of American Football and later spent time on the practice roster of the Carolina Panthers, before a stint with the Frisco Fighters of the Indoor Football League.
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.
