Canadian Football Talents to Watch in the 2024 NCAA Season

The 2024 NCAA football season is underway, showcasing a growing number of talents from Canada aiming to elevate their prospects for professional careers this year.

Among the notable players is Kurtis Rourke, a quarterback hailing from Oakville, Ontario, who has transferred to Indiana after a successful senior season at Ohio. Rourke, who was previously named MAC Player of the Year in 2022, finished the last season with 2,027 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, a decline attributed partly to a torn ACL injury.

Elic Ayomanor, a wide receiver from Medicine Hat, Alberta, is another player to watch. He made headlines last season with a stunning performance against Colorado, scoring a remarkable 30-yard touchdown in overtime. Ayomanor concluded the season with 62 receptions for 1,013 yards, earning him the Jon Cornish Trophy as the best Canadian in college football.

Damien Alford, originally from Montreal, Quebec, has recently transferred to Utah from Syracuse and aims to add depth to the Utes’ receiving corps, especially with quarterback Cam Rising returning from injury. Alford was recognized as one of the top deep threats in the ACC during his time at Syracuse.

Another player to follow is Akheem Mesidor, a defensive end from Ottawa, Ontario, who had a commendable season with Miami, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2021 and excelling in his first year in the ACC. Following an injury last season, Mesidor is looking to return to form as the Hurricanes contend for a conference title.

Christian Veilleux, a quarterback from Ottawa, joins Georgia State after a mixed stint at Pittsburgh. He is expected to compete for playing time as he adjusts to his new surroundings in the Sun Belt Conference.

Among other promising talents, Ty Benefield, from Vancouver, British Columbia, made an impact as a true freshman at Boise State last season. His solid performance included 46 tackles and three sacks, reflecting his potential for a bright future in college football.

Nuer Gatkuoth, a defensive end from Edmonton, Alberta, aims to capitalize on the opportunity for increased playing time after a standout freshman season with Colorado State, where he made a significant contribution on the defensive front.

Nate Martey, a senior defensive tackle from Orleans, Ontario, is looking to build on his strong performance from last season, which saw him lead all Canadians in sacks while playing for Arkansas State.

Paris Shand, a defensive end from Toronto, Ontario, recorded two sacks during his inaugural SEC season at LSU. He is anticipated to be a valuable asset on the Tigers’ defensive line this year.

Keelan White and Nolan Ulm, both wide receivers from British Columbia, are making notable contributions at Montana and Eastern Washington, respectively. Both have had significant receptions and yardage, positioning them well for CFL prospects.

Lastly, Jett Elad, a safety from Mississauga, Ontario, had a productive season with UNLV, and his experience is invaluable as he aims to lead the Rebels’ defense this upcoming season.