Sombach brothers to face off for first time in CFL pre-season game

Sombach is making the most of his first CFL training camp in Saskatoon, originally invited to rookie camp by the Roughriders after he went unpicked in April’s CFL Draft.

The Rams defensive back was named a U Sports second-team All-Canadian this past season and has been steadily progressing in Saskatoon according to Roughriders head coach Corey Mace.

“He’s incredible man,” Mace said.

“Really intelligent kid, he’s grasped his job responsibilities within the defence and also knowing what’s going on around him with the position that he’s playing. It’s good when you get a chance to get your hands on the ball in a team period.”

A homegrown star out of the Regina Minor Football system, Sombach grew up idolizing wide receiver Weston Dressler and is now wearing the same jersey as his heroes.

That’s made for plenty of “pinch-me” moments competing alongside the reigning Grey Cup champions at training camp.

“It’s the team I’ve cheered for since I was a little kid,” Sombach said. “When you’re in Kindergarten or Grade 1, the teacher gives you a piece of paper and says, ‘What’s your dream job?’ I wrote, ‘be a Saskatchewan Roughrider.’”

“To see the logo on my chest it’s an extra sense of pride that I’m here.”

Defensive back Carson Sombach being interviewed at Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp on May 14, 2026. (Image Credit: Brittany Caffet/CKOM)

On Monday, Sombach is in line to make his CFL pre-season debut against a familiar opponent on the opposite sideline.

The Roughriders will pay a visit to the Calgary Stampeders for their first exhibition game of the 2026 season, where Carson will face off against his brother Jackson, who is in his second year in the CFL.

“I’ve talked to my brother a little bit,” Carson said.

“I’m excited to go up against him. We haven’t played against each other I think ever, so that will be pretty cool. My parents will be at the game, so that will be exciting to be able to go up against him for the first time.”

The Sombachs are synonymous with football in Regina with four brothers in Jackson, Carson, Connor and Rylar all suiting up together with the Rams program in recent years.

Monday’s pre-season game will create a first for the family, in which two sons will be standing on different sides of the field.

“I don’t think we’ve ever actually played against each other,” Jackson said.

“Maybe in (Regina Minor Football) spring league. It’s never really been a full-go, full-on against each other because in practice you don’t really go hard. It will be interesting, for sure.”

Parents Steve and Heather will be in the stands at McMahon Stadium for opening kickoff at 1 p.m. on Monday, though they won’t be splitting allegiances or choosing a son to cheer for.

“They’re not picking a certain colour, a certain team,” Carson said. “They’re going in wearing the Regina Rams gear, so staying neutral.”

Jackson is pushing for a larger role in his sophomore season with the Stampeders after registering four tackles and one special teams tackle in his rookie campaign last summer.

Now with a brother pushing to reach the CFL as well, Jackson reflected on the path his family has taken to reach Monday’s game.

“It’s been a dream of my whole family since we were kids to play in the CFL and play for the Rams as a matter of fact as well,” Jackson said.

“To make it this far is really special, I think my parents are super proud and proud of my brother as well.”

The familial support is what Carson looks back on the most, with the sport bringing together a group of brothers who simply enjoy their time on the turf together.

“Having four brothers really close in age, we work close together all the time,” Carson said.

“We played on the same football teams together and followed in each other’s footsteps all the way up, being an example to one another. To show that it led to where we are now is pretty awesome.”

Riders training camp notes

Mother Nature was out in full force on Friday for Day 6 of Roughriders training camp with constant rain, chilling wind and near freezing temperatures at Griffiths Stadium.

Players competed in full pads for the second time this week, with quarterback Trevor Harris happy with how his teammates embraced the less than ideal conditions.

“This is what football is played in,” Harris said.

“You get an opportunity to come out here and do this when it’s raining, when it’s cold, wet and windy. We had the trifecta today, just no snow. That’s really what it’s about, is being able to perform in all the elements.”

DaMarcus Fields and Antoine Brooks Jr. registered interceptions during the team drill Friday, while Dhel Duncan-Busby hauled in a pair of touchdown catches from Harris and Jack Coan.

Special teams got a look as well with kicker Alex Hale going 6-for-6 on his attempts compared to Jonathan Kim converting on four of his six tries, before a “coffin-corner” punt contest was held.

“When times get tough, or you’re tired, whether the weather is an issue, can you think and can you execute?” Mace said. “They were nails today, it was awesome. I hope it snows tomorrow.”

Star offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick missed a second straight day of training camp, though Mace confirmed Thursday he’s been given veteran rest days.

Defensive lineman Ali Saad also did not take to the field Friday as he needed a day to “clear up something” according to Mace, though he’s expected back at practice Saturday.

The Roughriders announced one transaction on Friday, as they released offensive lineman Percy Lewis IV.

by Scott Roblin/CKOM

Sombach brothers to face off for first time in CFL pre-season game

Riders training camp notes

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