Guelph Gryphons QB Tristan Aboud leads West to win in 2026 U Sports East-West Bowl

Photo courtesy: Steve Brooks.

University of Guelph quarterback Tristan Aboud lead Team West to a 28-27 win in the 2026 U Sports East-West Bowl in Waterloo, ON on Saturday afternoon at Warrior Field.

Aboud completed 14-of-20 passes for 280 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. He connected with his Gryphon teammate, Marshall McCray for a 41-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Meanwhile, McCray added a rushing TD. University of Windsor QB Nick Dimovski completed 11-of-13 passes for 101 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions for Team West.

Carleton University pivot Elijah Barnes led the way for Team East. He completed 14-of-19 passes for 192 yards and rushed three times for 29 yards with one touchdown on the ground. University of Alberta signal caller Trey Reider completed five-of-nine passes for 45 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

2027 CFL prospect, Wilfrid Laurier University receiver Ryan Hughes led all players at his position in the game with two receptions for 99 yards, including an 80-yard go ball down the right sideline on the first offensive play from Aboud.

Hughes was named a second-team Ontario University Athletics all-star following the 2025 campaign. He recorded 42 receptions for 529 yards with nine touchdowns in eight regular season games last year. The six-foot-two, 165-pound pass catcher ran a 4.41-second 40-yard time in testing during the week.

Aboud earned Offensive Player of the Game honours after leading an efficient and explosive passing attack. He showed his ability to extend plays and distribute the ball to multiple receivers. Team West produced 22 first downs, ran 60 offensive plays and totalled 487 yards, averaging 8.1 yards per snap.

University of Saskatchewan defensive back Ethan Laing was named Defensive Player of the Game for Team West. He recorded 1.5 defensive tackles and one interception. Team West held Team East to 342 offensive yards.

In the final seconds, Team East kicker Felipe Forteza from Laval University lined up for a 17-yard field goal attempt from the right hashmark, but missed wide left and the football went out the back of the end zone for a single. That gave Team West a one-point win.

The Canadian university all-star game features players eligible for the 2027 CFL Draft. With the victory, Team West improves 15-7 all-time against Team East in the East-West Bowl.

It’s not just about the final score, the U Sports East-West Bowl serves as a showcase for CFL prospects. Scouts from across the three-down league evaluate top Canadian university talent in a competitive environment which emphasizes high-end skillsets and a professional approach.